The Three Most Common Types of Moles

Moles can be found all over your body, and most of the time they’re harmless. Sometimes they appear or disappear and it’s perfectly normal. However, sometimes new moles that pop up, or how your current moles change in appearance, can be concerning because it can indicate something more serious like skin cancer. To better understand moles, here are the three common types:

• Congenital Moles – These are moles that appear at birth or during a child’s first year and sometimes fade or get lighter in color over time. They are mostly found on the torso or limbs and are typically harmless. However, there is evidence that suggests the bigger the congenital mole, the higher the risk of potentially developing melanoma. This means that it’s important to watch these moles when they do change in appearance.
• Acquired Moles – Any mole that appears or develops after birth are called acquired nevi. Most people tend to have up to 40 acquired moles. These nevi can vary in colors, can be elevated, flat, and can even have hair. These moles do change over time sometimes, sometimes lighter, becoming elevated, or even disappear. The concern is when the mole becomes larger than an eraser’s tip, or if it has irregular borders or colors. If it hurts, bleeds, or oozes, then you should go get it checked by a board-certified dermatologist.
• Dysplastic Moles – Also known as atypical moles, these are relatively large and have an irregular shape. Dysplastic moles can have varied colors and can look darker towards the center and lighter around the edges. They can be hereditary if you have family members with a history of benign growths. However, more often than not, these moles SHOULD be evaluated and monitored by a dermatologist, especially if their appearance is sudden or if their appearance changes.

For more information about skin cancer, visit our resource page. We are also offering FREE skin checks for the month of April. Call us at (727) 528-0321 to schedule yours today.