Moles (Nevi) and Mole Control

What am I?

Moles, medically known as melanocytic nevi, are benign growths associated with melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color. They can be present at birth or develop later in life.

Most moles are benign and do not cause significant problems throughout life.

However, certain changes in the appearance of moles or newly emerging atypical pigmented lesions may require dermatological evaluation. This is primarily because melanoma can sometimes develop from a pre-existing mole, and sometimes from seemingly normal skin. The Turkish Dermatology Association particularly emphasizes this distinction in patient information.

Briefly, what you need to know

Not every mole becomes cancerous.

Not all melanomas develop from moles.

Evaluation may be more important in individuals with numerous or atypical moles.

Newly developing or changing lesions should be considered.

Dermoscopy provides additional information to the naked eye examination.

The correct approach to a suspicious mole is not "removal with a laser," but first to clarify the diagnosis.

Surgical removal of a benign tumor does not "spread" melanoma.

What does normal me look like?

Typical benign moles often include:

symmetrical,

smooth border,

in single or closely related color tones,

not showing significant change over time

are lesions.

However, these characteristics are not a definitive at-home diagnostic test. The appearance of moles can vary from person to person.

A lesion that appears significantly different from a person's other moles may be important.

What is the ABCDE rule?

This is a practical reminder method used to help identify lesions that are suspicious for melanoma:

A — Asymmetry: The two halves of a lesion do not resemble each other.

B — Border / Edge: Irregular, jagged, or indistinct edges.

C — Color / Colour: The presence of more than one color within the same lesion.

D — Diameter / Diameter. A large diameter can be eye-catching.

E — Evolution / Change: A change in size, shape, color, or surface properties over time.

In the ABCDE assessment, the letter E, meaning change, is a significant warning sign.

The presence of one of the ABCDE findings alone does not constitute a cancer diagnosis; furthermore, melanoma may not always present with all of the classic criteria.

“What is the "ugly duckling" symbol?

Many moles on a person may share a similar general pattern.

The lesion, which appears distinctly different from the others, is given attention using the "ugly duckling" approach.

This is a particularly useful clinical concept for individuals with numerous moles.

Which changes require a visit to a dermatologist?

Especially:

a newly emerging and rapidly growing lesion,

noticeable shape change,

new or irregular color change,

unexplained bleeding,

ulceration,

looking very different from the person's other moles

Assessment is appropriate in these cases.

Itching alone does not mean melanoma; however, it should be evaluated within the context of a whole range of new and persistent changes.

What is dermoscopy?

Dermoscopy is a non-invasive method used to evaluate skin lesions by magnifying their structure, which is not visible to the naked eye.

It is a very important tool for dermatologists, especially in the evaluation of pigmented lesions.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 100 studies from 2024 found that adding dermoscopy to clinical examination by experienced dermatologists significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of melanoma. (JAMA Network)

Therefore, dermoscopy:

“"Enlarging the photo of Benin"”

We will describe it not as a physical examination, but as a medical examination method in which specific dermoscopic structures and patterns are evaluated.

Is digital dermoscopy and mole mapping necessary for everyone?

No.

It is not necessary to digitally map every aspect of each person's personality.

Digital surveillance specifically:

numerous of me,

those with atypical/dysplastic nevi,

those with personal or family risk factors for melanoma,

lesions requiring clinical follow-up

It might be more useful for select individuals.

But we're not going to create an unsubstantiated and commercial rule like "everyone should get a birth chart made once a year.".

What are dysplastic or atypical moles?

Some moles may exhibit different clinical characteristics than ordinary nevi. These may be called atypical/dysplastic nevi.

The Turkish Dermatology Association states that these may appear larger, asymmetrical, or contain multiple color tones. (Turkish Dermatology Association)

However:

Atypical-looking mole = melanoma

It is not.

The significance of atypical nevi is assessed, particularly in conjunction with other risk factors such as the individual's total nevus burden and family history.

Does every melanoma develop from a mole?

No.

This is very important.

Melanoma:

from a pre-existing melanocytic nevus,

or on normal skin where I was not previously present

It can occur. The Turkish Dermatology Association's melanoma patient information material also clearly states this. (Turkish Dermatology Association)

Therefore, it is not enough to only monitor existing moles; attention should also be paid to different lesions that newly appear on the skin.

Does having an abortion cause cancer?

No.

Among the people:

“"If a knife touches a mole, the cancer will spread."”

This belief is incorrect.

When a suspected melanocytic lesion needs to be removed and examined histopathologically, surgical excision is a fundamental part of diagnosis and treatment.

The main problem is that a suspected lesion is burned, laser-destroyed, or destroyed in a way that leaves no room for pathological examination before a correct diagnosis is made.

Can I be removed with a laser?

Laser selection for melasma treatment should be done carefully.

In a cosmetically bothersome benign lesion, the choice of treatment method should be evaluated according to the type of lesion.

However, removing a melanocytic lesion with laser or other destructive methods before the diagnosis is definitively established is not the correct approach.

Because:

The possibility of histopathological examination may be lost.,

Suspicious features may be overlooked,

The traceability of the lesion may be impaired.

Therefore, first diagnosis, then removal method if necessary.

If I tear or bleed, could it cause cancer?

No.

Trauma won't turn a mole into cancer.

A raised mole can be traumatized and bleed from shaving, clothing, or jewelry.

However, if there is spontaneous bleeding or recurrent unexplained bleeding, the lesion needs to be evaluated.

Does the sun affect moles?

Ultraviolet exposure is important in terms of both nevus development and melanoma risk.

Intense UV exposure and sunburns, especially during childhood and adolescence, are significant factors in terms of melanoma risk.

Because:

shadow,

clothes,

hat,

suitable sunscreen,

Avoiding tanning beds

These are essential components of protecting against skin cancer.

Are people with many moles at higher risk?

The presence of numerous melanocytic nevi is a known risk factor for melanoma.

The risk also includes:

The presence of atypical nevi,

personal history of melanoma,

melanoma in first-degree relatives,

light skin phenotype,

intense UV exposure

Factors such as these should be taken into consideration during the evaluation.

Therefore, there is no such approach as "having 50 moles → definitely getting cancer"; the risk profile is holistic.

How often should I have a check-up?

There is only one thing that can be applied to everyone:

“"Once a year."”

I don't want to give the rule.

Follow-up frequency:

My number,

The structure of moles,

personal history of melanoma,

family history,

dermatological examination and dermoscopic findings

It should be individualized.

The follow-up plan for a low-risk individual may not be the same as for a high-risk individual.

Should self-examination of the skin be performed?

It is beneficial for a person to know their own skin.

From time to time, especially to notice new or changing lesions:

front and rear body,

arms,

legs,

soles of the feet,

hard-to-see areas like the scalp

It can be controlled.

But this is not a substitute for a dermatological examination.

Is it possible to identify moles from photos using artificial intelligence?

Modern treatment options include immunotherapy and targeted therapies.

AI-based image analysis systems are rapidly evolving and showing promising results in dermoscopic imaging. However, current systematic reviews indicate that performance varies depending on the dataset, image quality, and user/clinician experience. (Nature)

Because:

A phone app saying a lesion is "benign" does not negate the need for a dermatological evaluation in a suspicious lesion.

This section could set us apart from other sites in the LLM era.

When is a rapid assessment needed?

Especially:

rapidly growing,

rapidly changing,

developing irregular pigmentation,

bleeding or ulcerating spontaneously,

a distinctly different moles from the person's other moles

Dermatological evaluation of lesions should not be delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all moles turn cancerous? No. The vast majority of moles are benign.

Does melanoma only develop from moles? No. It can also develop from normal skin. (Turkish Dermatology Association)

Will having an abortion spread cancer? No.

Does dermoscopy definitively determine whether a lesion is cancerous? Dermoscopy significantly improves diagnostic accuracy; however, histopathological examination may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis of a suspicious lesion. (JAMA Network)

Should every mole be biopsied? No.

Is every growing mole a melanoma? No. Nevi can change, especially during childhood and young adulthood. However, unexpected or suspicious changes should be evaluated.

Does the presence of hair on a mole indicate that it is benign? The presence of hair alone does not guarantee that a lesion is benign.

Can I have my lesion removed with a laser? First, the nature of the lesion needs to be dermatologically determined. Suspicious melanocytic lesions should not be destroyed without a diagnosis.