Moles which are dangerous

If your primary care physician does not feel comfortable evaluating your skin, request a referral to a dermatologist who can check your skin for abnormal moles. Curtis C. Find a Doctor. Login to MyChart. Schedule an Appointment.

Find a Location. Search Phone Directory. Join Our Team. Moles: When Should I Worry? So, moles are not necessarily dangerous, they can be cute and unique parts of the way you look think of those coveted beauty spots for example! However, certain changes in a mole can indicate that the mole is becoming a melanoma, and this is dangerous.

So, it is important to check your skin regularly for changes. Moles with ragged edges, asymmetrical borders, many mottled colours and large diameters larger than a pencil eraser is usually the rule of thumb here should be checked out by a doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible.

This is because these are distinctive signs of melanoma. You might notice these changes in an existing mole that you have had for years, or a new one exhibiting these characteristics may grow. Exposure to the sun without adequate protection like clothing or sunscreen and exposure to tanning beds are the most common factors causing melanoma. UV radiation has been linked to increased melanoma risk. And children who haven't been protected from sun exposure tend to develop more moles.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Moles Open pop-up dialog box Close. Moles Moles are usually harmless.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Skin layers and melanin Open pop-up dialog box Close. Skin layers and melanin Melanin is a natural pigment that gives your skin its color. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Moles. Accessed Oct. Argenziano G, et al. Twenty nevi on the arms: A simple rule to identify patients younger than 50 years of age at higher risk for melanoma. European Journal of Cancer Prevention. Wise J.

Number of moles could predict breast cancer risk. Wolff K, et al. Melanoma precursors and primary cutaneous melanoma. New York, N. Prevention guidelines. Skin Cancer Foundation. Gibson LE expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. What does a mole look like?