Last updated: July 2024
Also known as: melanocytic naevi
What are moles?
Moles are normal overgrowths of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
Almost everyone has moles. They are not normally present at birth but appear in childhood and early teenage years.
Who get moles?
Australians with fair skin often have larger numbers of moles compared to those with the same skin complexion in other countries. This may be due to the high sun exposure Australians experience during childhood.
By the age of 15, Australian children have an average of more than 50 moles.
What cause moles?
The number of moles that develop in an individual is predominately determined by genetic (inherited) factors and to a lesser extent by sunlight exposure. Childhood and early teenage years are the times when sunlight influences the development of new moles most strongly.
What do moles look like?
Moles are generally medium to dark brown in colour, but can range from skin coloured or pink to black in colour. Most moles are flat, relatively even in colour and regular in shape. Some moles are raised, and these are usually soft to touch and lighter in colour.
Moles need to be distinguished from freckles that occur on the faces of red-headed and fair-skinned children or on the shoulders following sunburns. Moles can appear anywhere on the body including palms and soles, nails, genitals, scalp and eyes.
How are moles diagnosed?
Moles are usually diagnosed clinically based on their appearance.
There are some changes individuals can look out for when observing moles, including:
- Moles that increase in size, shape or color.
- New moles
- Moles that look different from the others
- Moles that bleed
- The surface of a mole becoming crusty or itchy
How are moles treated?
Treatment options will vary depending on the individual and their needs.
Most moles are harmless and do not require treatment. They may be removed to exclude cancer, if the mole is irritating the individual (i.e., by clothing, combing or shaving), or for cosmetic reasons.
Surgical techniques used to remove moles may include excision biopsy, shave biopsy, electrosurgical destruction and laser.
What is the likely outcome of moles?
Moles have a very small risk of developing into melanoma. However, the more moles an individual has, the greater risk of melanoma.
| Prof John Kelly and A/Prof Yan Pan | July 2024 |
| Prof John Kelly and A/Prof Yan Pan | October 2022 |
