Moles

Moles, also known as naevi, are normal skin growths made up of clusters of melanocytes, the skin’s pigment-producing cells. They are generally genetically determined.

People with many moles usually have parents and children with many moles.

Although individual moles are harmless, people with multiple moles (more than 100) may have an above-average risk of skin cancer and should consider regular full-body skin cancer checks.

Types of moles

Dermal moles

Dermal moles are commonly raised and soft. Their surface may be smooth or rough and wart-like, and they may be the same colour as the surrounding skin or brown to dark brown. Dark, coarse hairs often grow from dermal naevi.

Sometimes, a raised dermal mole becomes dry or irritated, or it may be rubbed or scratched. This may cause the mole to become sore, change colour or consistency, or bleed.

A dermal naevus may form as part of the life cycle of a normal mole. The mole may start as flat and smooth and gradually become raised.

Compound moles

Compound moles are made up of cells from different layers of the skin. They may appear irregular in colour and shape. Part may be raised, while the remainder is flat.

A compound mole may develop from a formerly flat (junctional) mole. As time passes, in some cases, it may become more raised and develop into a dermal mole and eventually resolve.

Further types of moles

There are many more types of moles; they can be classified in various ways:

• According to the layer of skin where they originate (e.g. compound and dermal moles).
• According to their appearance (e.g. halo moles).
• According to their microscopic appearance (e.g. dysplastic moles).

Learn more about understanding the different types of moles.

Medical and cosmetic treatments for removing moles

There are several treatments available including excision, shave biopsy, radiofrequency mole removal and laser mole removal.

Learn more about other benign spots and lumps including seborrhoeic keratoses, angiomas and lichenoid keratosis.