Common Types of Moles and How to Know When to Worry - Glam (2023)

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It is the largest organ in the body. It protects us from toxins and pollutants. It protects us from all kinds of damage and dangers. It literally holds us together. Still, it's easy to take the body's unsung hero for granted.

It is your skin, the supple fortress that envelops and protects you from the outside world. But it is also more than that. Your skin is the map of your life and often a key index of your health. From scars and stretch marks (yes, they happen to all of us) to freckles and age spots (yes, they happen too), your skin defines the trajectory of your life.

And if you look closely, you'll probably notice that your skin changes shape quite a bit and goes through a lot of changes over the years. One of the most common of these changes is the appearance - and disappearance - of skin blemishes. Often these changes are completely normal and completely benign. But sometimes the appearance of new moles or a change in the appearance of an existing mole can indicate something more serious, including skin cancer. So what are the most common types of moles and how do you know when to worry?

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Acquired moles refer to any mole that develops after birth. These are the most common types of moles, or nevi (plural of "nevus"), and are usually harmless. TheCleveland clinicnotes that most people have anywhere from 10 to 40 skin moles. These often develop before age 30 and can range in color from pink to light brown to dark brown or black. They can be flat or raised and they can have hair. Often moles will change slightly over time, often lighter and more raised. Some will disappear.

However, if the mole is larger than the tip of a pencil eraser, has irregular borders or colors, or if it itches, bleeds, oozes, or hurts, it should be checked by a doctor. Similarly, if you notice significant changes in a mole, or if you are over 30 and you discover a new growth, it is wise to have it checked (according to theSkin Cancer Foundation).

also theMayo clinicinsists that if you have an unusually high number of moles (i.e. more than 50 moles) you are at greater risk for skin cancer and you want to be especially aware of skin protection and monitoring.

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While few things are softer or more perfect than a baby's skin, it's not that uncommon for babies to be born with a skin blemish or two. These congenital moles, also called congenital nevi, are usually harmless. Some congenital nevi fade and even disappear over time. However, some nevi "grow in proportion to the child's growth," according to theChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia, putting the little one at risk of physical or psychological consequences.

For example, children with large congenital nevi may feel self-conscious, especially if the growth is in a highly exposed area. They may also experience discomfort or loss of function if the mole is raised, which can cause it to become irritated or inflamed. There is also evidence that the greater the growth, or the greater the number of congenital nevi, the greater the child's risk of developing melanoma.

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Atypical or "dysplastic" moles are the ones that need special attention because of their size and shape. These moles are usually relatively large (i.e. larger than an eraser), have an irregular shape, and vary in color. They are also often congenital and hereditary, so you may have been born with these atypical moles, and/or you may have close relatives with a history of benign growths.

'Typical' moles are generally uniform in shape - often round - and their color is also largely uniform, ranging from light brown to amber to a darker shade of chocolate. Atypical moles, on the other hand, often show significant color variations, often appearing darker towards the center and fading towards the edges. The edges are also rather asymmetrical.

Atypical moles should be evaluated and monitored, especially if they appear suddenly or if they change in appearance. This is because, according to theCancer Treatment Centers of AmericaWhile it is not common for dysplastic nevi to become malignant, it can happen. If you have more than five atypical moles, your risk of developing melanoma is estimated to be 10 times that of the general population (perthe National Cancer Institute). And that makes vigilance, but not panic, the order of the day.

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Another common type of birthmark can be significantly more difficult to identify correctly. Called Spitz nevus, they're usually harmless, but let's face it, they can be pretty scary. That's because Spitz nevi often closely resemble melanoma.

In fact, they often resemble melanoma so much that even your dermatologist can't tell them apart without a biopsy. According toMedical News Today, Spitz nevi usually develop before the age of 35,and they can ooze or bleed, which is why they can be so easily mistaken for malignant skin cancer. Unlike most typical moles, Spitz nevi are usually, but not always, pink and "domed".

Although Spitz nevi are quite rare and do not cause cancer, it is important to get them evaluated quickly by a dermatologist. Their resemblance to melanoma in size, shape, color and behavior (i.e. large, irregular and bleeding or oozing) means they are not something you want to play with. Much better to be safe than sorry!

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Of course, nevi are by no means the only types of changes you'll discover on your skin over time. Other localized changes are quite common and in most cases are not cause for concern. But as with any deviation from your usual "norm", they can tolerate watching.

Hyperpigmentation, or localized dark spots on the skin, happens to all of us. They are usually caused by sun exposure, but are also often just a normal aspect of aging, according toOregon Health & Science University.That means that freckles and "age spots" in themselves are nothing to worry about. But they should serve as a warning that you may not be as conscientious about sun protection as you should be. After all, there is no such thing as "good" sun damage. When your skin reacts to sun exposure, whether by freckles, tanning, or burning, it means damage has occurred. Yes, just like the unicorn, a "good" color simply does not exist.

Fair-skinned people are more likely to get freckles and age spots, especially if they've spent a lot of time unprotected in the sun. And both their light complexion and their overexposure to the sun put them at an increased risk of skin cancer (perCancer Research UK). So if you notice that your skin looks a little more mottled than usual, it's a good idea to up your sun protection game, including incorporating sun protection clothing and makeup into your wardrobe staple, no matter the season.

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As scary as the thought of melanoma may be, you are certainly not powerless against it. Being a good skin steward is your most important weapon in the fight against skin cancer. This means making sure you are alert and informed.

Knowing what to look for when it comes to early warning signs of skin cancer can help you spot—and address—potential problems early before they can progress to something serious. As reported by theAmerican Cancer Society,the five-year "relative survival rate" for people with "localised" melanoma (i.e., melanoma that has not yet spread to other parts of the body) is about 99%. However, once the malignancy begins to spread and become a "regional" or "distant" growth, survival rates drop to 71% and 32%, respectively.

That's why it's so important that you know the warning signs and that you make skin self-examination a routine part of your health regimen, in addition to your monthlybreast self-examinationor your annual check-up and mammogram, and other preventive examinations.

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One of the first and most important warning signs to look out for is if you have a mole that crusts, itches, hurts, oozes, or bleeds. Typical nevi, those moles that are common and benign, should be virtually unnoticeable. They may become more elevated over time, but they also generally look lighter and become less noticeable. This is certainly not the case with malignancies.

If a pre-existing mole begins to change and suddenly becomes inflamed, painful, itchy, bloody or irritated, you should see a doctor immediately, according to thehealth service. Likewise, if a new mole develops, especially if it shows any of these worrisome symptoms, schedule an examination immediately. Since these symptoms are common with melanoma, it is wise to err on the side of caution and resolve any potential problem quickly.

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As we have seen, it is very common for new moles to appear over time or for freckles and sun spots to appear, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun. However, most acquired moles are formed in childhood. As noted earlier, acquired moles generally do not develop after age 30. Therefore, if you are over the age of 30 and you notice any new growth, the safest course of action is to get it evaluated. Because most acquired moles develop in childhood, the Skin Cancer Foundation advises any adult who develops a new mole to see a dermatologist.

Likewise, if the new growth is larger than a pencil eraser, has irregular edges, is varied in color, or if it bleeds, oozes, crusts, itches, or hurts, it should be examined by a doctor, regardless of your age. TheAmerican Academy of Dermatologyrecommends that patients use the "ABCDEs of melanoma" when monitoring new and existing skin growths: A for asymmetry, B for border, C for color, D for diameter, and E for evolve. If a mole looks alarming from any of these five perspectives, it's time to get it checked.

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As important as it is to stay alert to relevant changes in your skin, you may not always recognize a red flag when you see it. Protecting against skin cancer means knowing your skin. And that means it might not be enough just to look at itSkin Cancer Foundationnotes that the more moles you have, or if you have moles that are larger in circumference than the eraser on a pencil, the more vulnerable you are to skin cancer — so you'll want to be vigilant about every mole on your body.

If you want to do things right, you need files. Examine every inch of your skin and take pictures and notes. And don't forget to check those often overlooked areas like your ears, your scalp, the backs of your legs, and even the soles of your feet. Any part of the body can develop skin cancer, whether exposed to the sun or not.

According to theAmerican Cancer Society,you should take one of these self-exams regularly - ideally at least once a month. Use the previous month's notes and photos as a basis for comparison. And remember, you probably can't see every area well, even with a mirror or camera, so ask your partner to be your eyes for a while. And then return the favor - it can be a great way for partners to show each other a little love!

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If you have skin, you can get skin cancer. But that doesn't mean everyone is equally at risk. Complexion, of course, plays an important role, as we have seen. If you have light skin, you are more vulnerable. Lifestyle also plays a key role. If you spend a lot of time in the sun unprotected, you are likely to accumulate sun damage that can develop into skin cancer.

But family history also plays an important role. If you have multiple first- or second-degree relatives (i.e., children, parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins) with melanoma, your risk of developing the disease may be up to 70 times greater than that of the general population. population, said theAIM at the Melanoma Foundation.

Similarly, if you've had a history of skin cancer, either benign or malignant, you're at risk of developing more in the future, per Cancer Research UK. This is why anyone with a personal or family history of skin cancer should be especially vigilant about sun protection, regular dermatological exams, and monitoring their own skin with monthly self-checks.

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As with any health condition, there are some risk factors that you simply cannot control. You can't do anything about your family history or turn back time and reduce your sun exposure. What you can do is be a good skin steward today and in the future. You can create a lifestyle that protects the precious shell that protects you.

Check your skin every month with thorough self-checks and visit a dermatologist regularly, at least once a year, when everything is in order and immediately when relevant changes occur. Above all, being a good skin steward means doing everything you can to keep your body healthy and strong. This includes protection from sun damage throughwear sunscreen every day, even in winteror if it is cloudy outside. This is vital even if you are dark skinned or a person of color.

The CDCrecommends that people limit their sun exposure by avoiding tanning both indoors and outdoors and by staying out of the sun when "the UV index is 3 or higher." It's also important tochoose the best sunscreen for your skin, and apply it liberally throughout the day, even if you're just going about your daily routine, as even short periods of sun exposure during your daily activities can cause significant damage over time. Hats and sun-protective clothing are also a good idea, as is an immune-boosting diet consisting of good sleep, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet.

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Cancer is always scary. No one likes to think about it let alone be a real possibility in their own life or that of someone they love. And that's why sometimes it's easier to just ignore it, deny it and go on with your day. But when it comes to cancer, denial is by no means your friend.

And for cancers like melanoma, which are highly curable if caught early, any delay in treatment will only make the road to recovery longer and more difficult. So the smart and courageous thing is to stay alert, aware, informed and vigilant. But that doesn't mean that when you notice a change, you should automatically assume it's cancer. The skin is a living thing that is constantly evolving.

There are many reasons why a mole can change its appearance or suddenly become irritated when it wasn't before. There are also many reasons why new growths may suddenly appear. The key is to be calm, conscientious and proactive. Learn everything you can about your body and what it needs to stay healthy and strong. Conceptthe real reason why moles suddenly appearKnowing what causes new growths and why an unexpected arrival on your skin is a cause for action (but not panic) can help you on your journey to proactively deal with every mole that appears on your skin.