preventing mole changes

Overview

Moles are small growths on the skin made of pigment-producing cells. Most moles are harmless, but sometimes they can change in ways that may signal skin cancer. You cannot truly prevent a mole from changing, but you can protect your skin from the sun and check your moles regularly so that any problems are caught early.

Very common. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles by adulthood. Sun exposure and genetics both affect how many moles you have.

Moles can affect anyone. People with fair skin, light eyes, a history of sunburns, or many moles have a higher risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A mole that is asymmetric (one half does not match the other)
• Irregular or ragged edges
• Uneven colour, with shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue
• A mole larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 mm across)
• A mole that changes in size, shape, or colour over weeks or months

Symptoms in children

• Moles in children often appear and may change naturally as they grow.
• Watch for any mole that bleeds, itches, or grows very quickly.
• New moles that look very different from your child's other moles should be checked.

Symptoms in older adults

• New moles appearing after age 30 should be examined by a doctor.
• In older adults, melanoma often appears on sun-damaged areas, like the back in men and legs in women.
• Watch for changes in existing moles, as age-related changes can sometimes disguise warning signs.

Causes

Main causes

• Sun exposure from UV light can cause moles to change and increase skin cancer risk.
• Genetics play a role in the number of moles you have and their tendency to change.
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can make moles darker or larger.
• Natural aging can cause moles to slowly change in appearance.

Risk factors

• Fair skin, light hair, or light eyes
• Many moles (more than 50) or atypical (unusual looking) moles
• A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancer
• History of blistering sunburns, especially in childhood
• Use of tanning beds or sun lamps
• A weakened immune system

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor within a few days if you notice any mole that is growing, changing, bleeding, itching, or is new after age 30.
• Use the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6 mm, and Evolving. Any of these warrants a prompt appointment.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Have your skin checked during your regular appointments, especially if you have high-risk features.
• If you have a family history of melanoma, your doctor may recommend a full-body skin exam once a year.
• Ask your GP or pharmacist about a skin check if you are unsure about a mole.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your mole's history and examine it closely, often using a dermatoscope (a special magnifying lens). They may also examine the rest of your skin to look for any other concerning spots.

Tests that may be done

• Clinical skin examination
• Dermatoscopy (using a handheld lens with light)
• Skin biopsy (removing a small sample of the mole to test it)
• Imaging tests if a melanoma is found and there is a concern it has spread

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will ask when the mole appeared and whether it has changed. They will inspect all your skin, not just the mole in question. If a mole looks suspicious, the doctor will numb the area, remove part or all of the mole, and send it to a lab. Results usually come back in about a week or two.

Treatment

If a mole is harmless, no treatment is needed. If a mole looks suspicious or is found to be skin cancer, the main treatment is surgical removal. For more advanced skin cancers, additional treatments may be used, but the type depends on the individual case and will be discussed by your doctor.

Self-care at home

• Protect your skin from the sun with SPF 30+ sunscreen and protective clothing
• Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest
• Do not use tanning beds or sun lamps
• Check your skin once a month in a well-lit room, using a mirror to see hard-to-reach areas
• Take photos of your moles to compare over time

Medical treatments

For early-stage skin cancer or a suspicious mole, a minor surgical procedure (excision) is the standard approach. If cancer has spread, doctors may use immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation. These treatments aim to remove or destroy cancer cells and are always tailored to the individual.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is the first-line treatment for most suspicious moles and early skin cancers. It is usually done in a clinic with a local anaesthetic, and the mole is sent to a lab to confirm the diagnosis.

Living with this condition

Get to know your skin so you can notice changes quickly. Use a hand-held mirror or ask a partner to check your back, scalp, and other hard-to-see areas. If you have a history of skin cancer, your doctor may give you a schedule for regular skin exams.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear daily sunscreen, even on cloudy days
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves when possible
• Choose shade when spending time outside
• Avoid deliberate tanning, including tanning beds

Diet and exercise

No special diet can prevent melanoma, but eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports overall skin health. Regular physical activity boosts your immune system and helps with overall well-being.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Worrying about a mole can be stressful. It is natural to feel anxious, especially while waiting for test results. Talk to your doctor about your concerns, and if anxiety persists, consider speaking with a counsellor or mental health professional.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all mole changes, but you can lower your risk of skin cancer by protecting your skin from UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds. Regular self-exams help you detect changes early, which is the most important step.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for mole changes or melanoma. However, staying up to date with recommended vaccinations, such as the HPV vaccine, can reduce the risk of certain other cancers.

Screening programmes

Screening depends on your risk. If you have many moles, atypical moles, or a family history of melanoma, your doctor may recommend yearly skin examinations. For everyone, a monthly self-exam is a good habit.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a melanoma is left untreated, it can grow deeper into the skin.
• It can spread to lymph nodes and other organs, becoming life-threatening.
• An incompletely removed mole may leave scarring or come back.

Long-term outlook

When detected early, skin cancer is highly curable. The five-year survival rate for early melanoma is over 99% in many countries. With regular skin checks and sun protection, you can take control and catch any problems at the earliest, most treatable stage.

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