Moles

What are Moles

Moles are common spots on the skin, which usually look like large freckles. They can be flesh-coloured or brown/black in colour. Moles can appear at any age, or a person can be born with them.

They are also known as melanocytic or pigmented naevi.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Moles

As most moles are harmless, they never need to be treated. However there are some cases in which removal may be necessary:

A malignant melanoma is a cancerous growth which occurs in the melanocytes (pigment cells) of the skin. Melanomas are most common in people with a fair complexion, who have been sunburned in the past and who have a large number of moles. Sometimes melanomas develop within a mole. Other times they develop on normal skin. When a melanoma grows on normal skin, it looks like a mole, however it usually has an irregular shape and colour, and it may start to bleed. If you notice any changes in your moles or if a new mole develops after the age of 20, have it examined by a doctor. If the mole is malignant or if there is a possibility of malignancy, the mole will be removed.

If the mole is in an awkward place where it is regularly irritated by something, for example, under a bra strap, it may be removed.