Moles

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of moles typically involves a visual skin exam done by a healthcare professional. During this exam, your skin is checked from head to toe to look for any moles with unusual or concerning features. If a mole appears suspicious for cancer, it is removed and examined under a microscope. This procedure is called a biopsy and helps determine whether cancer cells are present.

Regular skin exams can also be part of preventive medical care. Your healthcare professional can help you decide how often these exams should be scheduled based on your risk factors and skin history.

Treatment

Most moles do not require any treatment. If a mole bothers you cosmetically, you may choose to hide it with makeup. If a hair grows from a mole, clipping or plucking it is generally safe, but the area should be kept clean if the mole becomes irritated. Consult your healthcare professional if a mole doesn’t heal properly after irritation.

You may also consider surgical removal if a mole causes discomfort or begins to change in a way that concerns you. Mole removal is a quick outpatient procedure. The area is numbed, and the mole is cut out, sometimes along with a small amount of surrounding skin. The procedure can leave a permanent scar. People with Black skin may have a higher risk of pigment changes or keloid scars at the site of removal.

If a mole grows back after removal, schedule a visit with your healthcare professional promptly to have it checked.