mole changes lifestyle tips for patients

Overview

A mole (also called a nevus) is a small, usually brown or black spot on the skin made of pigment-producing cells. Most moles are harmless, but sometimes a mole can change over time and, in rare cases, develop into a form of skin cancer called melanoma. This article looks at how to care for your skin, what to watch for, and how to live well with moles.

Yes, moles are very common. Almost every adult has at least a few, and many people have dozens.

Moles can appear on anyone, but they are more common in people with fair skin, light hair, or a family history of unusual moles. People who have had sunburns or used tanning beds may also have more moles.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A change in the size, shape, or colour of an existing mole
• A new mole that appears after age 30
• A mole that becomes itchy, painful, or crusty
• A mole with irregular borders or multiple colours

Causes

Main causes

• Moles form when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters instead of spreading evenly across the skin.
• Hormone changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can affect a mole's size, colour, and shape.
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds can cause moles to appear or change.

Risk factors

• Fair or pale skin, blonde or red hair, and light-coloured eyes
• A history of sunburns, especially blistering sunburns
• Using tanning beds or sunlamps
• Having many moles (100 or more) or having unusual-looking moles (dysplastic naevi)
• A personal or family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice a mole that is rapidly changing over a few weeks, see a doctor within a few days.
• If a mole starts bleeding, itching, or hurting, book an appointment as soon as possible.

Book a routine appointment if:

• During regular check-ups, ask your doctor or dermatologist to examine your skin, especially if you have many moles or a family history of melanoma.
• Take photos of your moles every few months so you can compare them later and spot any gradual changes.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your medical history and examine your skin. They may use a special magnifying instrument called a dermatoscope to look at the mole in detail.

Tests that may be done

• Visual examination and dermoscopy
• A biopsy, which involves removing all or part of the mole and sending it to a laboratory to be checked under a microscope

What to expect at your appointment

The examination is quick and painless. If a mole looks suspicious, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. This is usually done with a local anaesthetic, and the result takes about one to two weeks. Many biopsies come back benign, meaning the mole is not cancer.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of mole and whether it is benign, pre-cancerous, or melanoma. If a mole is harmless, you do not usually need any treatment. If a mole is suspicious or confirmed as cancer, the main treatment is surgical removal.

Self-care at home

• Protect your skin from the sun with clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and shade.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Avoid sunbeds and sunlamps, as they increase the risk of melanoma.
• Check your skin from head to toe once a month, including the soles of your feet and between your toes.
• Keep a photo diary of your moles so you can compare them month to month.

Medical treatments

If a mole needs to be removed, a doctor may do a surgical excision, which means cutting out the mole and a small area of skin around it. Sometimes a biopsy is enough to remove the entire mole. If the mole is cancerous, your doctor may refer you to a skin cancer specialist for further care. The exact approach depends on the mole's appearance, size, depth, and biopsy result.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually recommended for moles that are cancerous or pre-cancerous. The procedure is often done in the doctor's office or an outpatient clinic under local anaesthetic. Most people recover quickly with a small scar.

Living with this condition

Living with moles means making skin checks part of your everyday routine. Try to remember the ABCDE guide: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolution (change). Look at your skin in a well-lit room and use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses when you are outside.
• Seek shade between 10am and 4pm when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days or in winter.
• Ask a partner, friend, or family member to check areas you cannot see, like your back, scalp, and ears.
• Keep a record of your self-examinations so you can share any changes with your doctor.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet and regular exercise do not directly change moles, but they support your immune system and overall health. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your skin, but a healthy diet cannot replace sun protection or regular skin checks.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Finding a changing mole can be worrying. It is normal to feel anxious, especially while waiting for test results. Try to focus on the steps you can take, such as checking your skin and seeing your doctor. If worry is affecting your sleep, mood, or daily life, talk to your GP or a mental health professional.

Prevention

You cannot prevent moles from appearing, but you can reduce the risk of a mole turning into skin cancer by protecting your skin from UV radiation and checking for changes early.

Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine to prevent moles or skin cancer.

Screening programmes

You can check your own skin at home. If you have many moles, unusual moles, or a strong family history of melanoma, your doctor may recommend a full skin examination once a year or more often. Ask your GP about what is right for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• A small fraction of moles can develop into melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
• If melanoma is not removed early, it can spread deeper into the skin and to other parts of the body, making treatment more difficult.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most mole changes is very good, especially when they are noticed early. Almost all moles are harmless, and even early melanoma can usually be cured with simple surgery. Being aware, checking your skin, and acting quickly are the best ways to protect your health.

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