A mole on your skin is also known as a nevus or beauty mark. Moles on skin are very common, and most are harmless. They can appear anywhere on your body and may be flat or raised, with colours ranging from pink and brown to dark brown or black. Most moles are stable for many years without causing symptoms.
If you notice that a mole changes in size, shape, colour, or appearance, it is important to have it checked by a medical dermatologist.
At our Harley Street dermatology clinic, we provide professional assessment and advice for patients concerned about their moles.
Let’s learn more about moles, what causes them, the different types, and when they may need to be removed.
What Exactly Is a Mole?
A mole is a localised collection of melanocytes within the skin. Melanocytes normally produce melanin, which contributes to the colour of the skin, hair, and eyes.
When these cells cluster together, a visible pigmented lesion can develop.
Moles on skin can differ considerably from one person to another. They may be:
- Flat or raised
- Smooth or slightly textured
- Light brown, dark brown, black, pink, or skin-coloured
- Round, oval, or irregular in appearance
- Present from birth or acquired later
- Located on the face, neck, torso, arms, legs, or other areas of the body
The presence of a mole alone does not mean that there is a medical problem. In most cases, skin moles are benign and simply form part of an individual’s normal skin pattern.
What Causes Moles to Develop?
There is no single cause of moles on skin. Their development is influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, hormonal, and environmental factors.
Genetics and Family History
Genetics can strongly influence the number and distribution of moles a person develops. If close family members have numerous moles, an individual may also be more likely to develop multiple melanocytic naevi.
Genetic factors can influence how melanocytes behave, as well as characteristics such as pigmentation and the tendency to develop particular types of naevi.
Ultraviolet Radiation
Sun exposure can influence melanocyte activity. Ultraviolet radiation stimulates melanin production and may contribute to the development of new pigmented lesions or increased pigmentation in existing moles.
This does not mean that every mole is caused by sun exposure. Genetics and other biological factors also play important roles.
Hormonal Influences
Skin moles can become more noticeable during periods of hormonal change.
For example, pigmentation may appear darker or a mole may seem more prominent during:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Other hormonal fluctuations
Hormonal changes do not automatically indicate that a mole is abnormal. Nevertheless, a persistent or unusual change should be discussed with a qualified clinician.
When Do Moles Usually Appear?
Moles can develop at different stages of life.
Some are congenital, meaning they are present at birth or become apparent shortly afterwards. Others are acquired naevi, which develop after birth and are particularly common during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.
It is therefore completely possible for someone to develop new moles as they grow.
The pattern of mole development varies between individuals. Some people have only a few lesions, while others develop numerous naevi across different parts of the body.
What Are the Main Types of Moles?
Moles can be classified into different types based on when they develop and how they appear.
- Congenital Melanocytic Naevi: Present at birth or shortly after birth. Larger congenital naevi have a higher associated melanoma risk and may require monitoring.
- Acquired Melanocytic Naevi: Develop after birth, commonly during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. Most are benign and remain stable.
- Atypical or Dysplastic Naevi: These may be larger, unevenly coloured, or have irregular borders. They are not melanoma, but some people with multiple atypical naevi may have an increased melanoma risk.
- Raised or Intradermal Moles: These moles sit deeper within the skin and may appear flesh-coloured, pink, or brown. They can sometimes grow hair or become irritated by clothing or shaving.
What Does a Normal Mole Usually Look Like?
There is no single appearance that applies to every benign mole. However, common benign naevi are often:
- Relatively symmetrical
- Uniform in pigmentation
- Clearly defined
- Stable over time
- Similar to your other moles
The overall pattern matters. A lesion that looks substantially different from a person’s other moles may deserve closer examination, even if it does not appear obviously alarming.
What Signs Should Not Be Ignored?
Although most moles are harmless, certain features should prompt professional assessment.
Arrange a medical review if a mole:
- Develops an unusual or rapidly changing appearance
- Becomes markedly different from your other moles
- Develops several colours
- Develops an irregular or poorly defined edge
- Begins bleeding without an obvious injury
- Develops persistent crusting or ulceration
- Becomes persistently itchy, painful, or tender
- Appears as a new unusual pigmented lesion during adulthood
These features do not automatically mean that the lesion is cancerous. They indicate that the mole should be professionally assessed rather than diagnosed based on appearance alone.
How Are Moles Removed?
The appropriate mole removal treatment depends on the type and characteristics of the lesion.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision involves removing the mole using a scalpel, usually under local anaesthetic.
It can be particularly appropriate when complete removal is required or when the lesion needs to be examined histologically.
Where a mole has suspicious features, appropriate assessment and histopathological examination are particularly important, and the management pathway differs from purely cosmetic mole removal.
Shave Removal
Shave removal involves carefully removing a raised lesion at or close to the level of the surrounding skin.
It may be considered for selected benign, raised moles where clinical assessment indicates that this technique is appropriate.
One advantage is that it is a relatively straightforward procedure, although suitability depends on the depth and characteristics of the lesion.
Cosmetic Mole Removal vs Medical Mole Removal
Mole removal can generally be performed for two reasons: medical or cosmetic.
Medical removal may be recommended because the clinician needs to investigate a lesion or remove one that has concerning characteristics.
Cosmetic removal is different. A person may dislike the appearance of a benign mole or find that a raised lesion interferes with clothing, shaving, or other everyday activities.
Even when removal is requested for cosmetic reasons, a clinical assessment should take place first. The fact that a patient wants a mole removed does not mean that every removal technique is suitable.
Book a Mole Assessment at Harley Street Dermatology Clinic
Moles are common, and having them does not usually mean that something is wrong. Understanding their different types and knowing why they develop can make it easier to recognise when professional advice is appropriate.
If you are considering mole removal treatment in London, our clinic provides personalised mole assessment in a discreet Harley Street setting.
A consultation allows your clinician to examine the lesion, discuss your concerns, and explain whether monitoring, removal, or further investigation is the most appropriate next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are moles dangerous?
Most moles are benign and do not cause problems. However, unusual, changing, or symptomatic moles should be assessed by a qualified clinician.
Can new moles appear in adulthood?
Yes, new moles can develop during adulthood. However, a new or unusual pigmented lesion should be professionally assessed.
Can a mole disappear naturally?
Yes, some moles may gradually become lighter, flatter, or less noticeable. Any unusual change should still be discussed with a clinician.
Can raised moles be removed?
Yes. Selected raised, benign moles can be removed using techniques such as shave removal or surgical excision, depending on their characteristics.
Is mole removal always necessary?
No. Many benign moles do not require treatment and can simply be monitored. Removal may be recommended for medical, practical, or cosmetic reasons.
Can moles become cancerous?
Most moles remain benign throughout life. Melanoma can sometimes develop within a pre-existing mole, although most melanomas arise as new lesions. Any mole that changes in size, shape, colour or appearance should be professionally assessed.
