Facial Moles: What You Need to Know

Facial moles are common, but it’s important to understand what they are and the risks. Some moles can turn into cancerous moles and melanoma. In this post we’ll cover facial moles, their types and what to look out for.

What are Moles?

Moles, also known as nevi, are growths on the skin that appear as brown or black spots. They’re formed by clusters of pigment producing cells called melanocytes. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups and are more common in fair skin. Most people have between 10-40 moles that pop up during childhood and adolescence. Over time moles may change but most are harmless. However, in rare cases moles can become cancerous and turn into melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Types of Facial Moles

Normal Moles

Most moles are harmless and natural on the skin. These common moles, also known as melanocytic nevi, are small, round and uniform in color. They can be brown, tan, black or even pink and are usually less than 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) in diameter – about the size of a pencil eraser.

Atypical Moles (Dysplastic Nevi)

Atypical moles, or dysplastic nevi, look different from normal moles. They’re often larger with irregular borders and multiple colors. While most atypical moles are benign, they can increase the risk of melanoma.

Congenital Nevi

Congenital nevi are moles present at birth. They can be any size and may have an increased risk of turning into melanoma, especially the larger ones. Monitor for new moles or changes in existing congenital nevi and consult a healthcare professional if you notice any changes.

Moles Characteristics

Moles can have many characteristics, size, shape, color, flat or raised, some even have hair growing out of them. Moles can be present at birth, congenital nevi or appear later in life, acquired moles. Normal moles are symmetrical, have smooth borders and uniform color. Atypical moles, or dysplastic nevi, are larger, irregular shape and multiple colors. Understanding these differences is key to monitoring your skin and identifying any issues.

Moles and Skin Cancer Risk

While most moles are harmless, it’s important to be aware of the risks:

• Melanoma Skin Cancer: This is the most serious type of skin cancer that can come from existing moles or new lesions. Melanoma can present differently from the surrounding skin, especially in terms of color contrast and surface texture.
• Risk Factors: Having many moles, especially atypical ones, increases the risk of melanoma. Fair skin, sun exposure and family history of melanoma are also major risk factors. Children not shielded from sun exposure tend to develop more moles which can increase the risk of melanoma.
• Atypical Moles: People with dysplastic nevi syndrome have a higher risk of developing melanoma in their lifetime.

Melanoma Skin Cancer

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that comes from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. This type of skin cancer is concerning because it can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can come from a normal mole or an atypical mole but it more commonly arises in areas of normal looking skin. Risk of melanoma increases with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Fair skin, history of sunburns and family history of melanoma are at higher risk of developing this condition.

Monitoring Your Moles

Early detection is key to preventing skin cancer. Here’s what to look out for:

• ABCDE Rule: Check your moles for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color changes, Diameter increases, Evolution or changes over time.
• New Moles: Most moles appear by age 40, but new moles later in life should be monitored.
• Changes in Existing Moles: Any changes in size, shape or color of existing moles should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

What to Do If You Find a Suspicious Mole

If you find a mole different from other moles on your skin or notice changes in an existing mole, it’s important to have it checked by a dermatologist. The ABCDE rule can help you identify suspicious moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser and Evolving changes in size, shape or color. If a mole has any of these characteristics, it should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Your dermatologist may do a skin biopsy to determine if the mole is cancerous. If it is, the mole will need to be removed. Early detection and treatment of melanoma can significantly improve survival rates so it’s important to be vigilant about any changes in your skin.

Protecting Your Skin

To reduce your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers:

• Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid excessive UV radiation, especially during peak hours.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Use sunscreen, hats and protective clothing when outdoors.
• Regular Skin Examinations: Have your skin and moles checked regularly by a professional especially if you have many moles or are at above average risk.
• Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds increase UV exposure and skin cancer risk.

Remember, while most facial moles are harmless, it’s important to monitor them and seek medical advice if you notice any abnormal changes. Early detection and prevention is key to healthy skin and reducing skin cancer risk.

Mole Removal at Perfect Skin Solutions

Perfect Skin Solutions offers mole removal services in Portsmouth, safe and effective treatment options for our patients. Our experienced doctors, Dr. Dev Patel and Dr. Vivek Shrivastva have over 20 years of combined surgical experience and have performed over 2000 skin surgery and mole removal procedures.

The clinic uses three methods of mole removal:

1. Complete excision: Removal of the entire mole with surrounding tissue, suitable for larger or deeper moles.
2. Curettage: Gently paring away the mole, resulting in a scar approximately the same size as the original lesion.3. Shave excision: Shaving the mole flush with normal skin, often followed by cautery.

Treatment times are 15-45 minutes depending on the procedure. Perfect Skin Solutions aim to use minimally invasive treatments to achieve the best possible results. The procedures are performed in their purpose built surgical suites and the clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission.

Patients can expect a full consultation where the doctors will assess the mole and recommend the best removal method. The clinic also offers private histology lab testing for extra peace of mind.

With their focus on high quality, ethical and cost effective treatments, Perfect Skin Solutions is your local mole removal expert.