A Guide to Moles and Suspicious Spots: What to Look For and When to See a Dermatologist


We’re back with another Derm Deep Dive, a series where we provide expert advice from one of our board-certified dermatologists about a specific topic in skin care. For this edition, we collaborated with board-certified and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Sherry Yu to offer a guide to moles and spots on skin, detailing what to look for, what they might be, and when to see a dermatologist.
The Importance of Monitoring Moles and Spots
Most people have moles, and while they are typically harmless, it’s important to monitor them for any changes in size, shape, or color, as these can sometimes be signs of skin cancer.
Keeping an eye on your moles and other spots on your skin is an important part of maintaining skin health. For example, if you know you have a small brown mole behind your knee and notice that it changes—perhaps becoming irregular in shape or developing a darker border—it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist. One helpful guideline is the “ugly duckling” rule: if most of your moles are similar in size, shape, and color, and one stands out as different, that’s a sign it should be checked out.
When it comes to skin cancer, early detection and treatment are critical. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends getting a full body skin check at least once a year. It’s also important to do skin checks more regularly at home (at least once a month). At-home skin checks ensure that you’re familiar with your own skin and therefore able to notice any changes right away. Knowing what to look for is key, so let’s go over the moles and spots that should catch your attention.
Moles, Birthmarks, and Spots: Characteristics and Differences
There are some important but somewhat subtle differences among moles, birthmarks, and spots on the skin.
Moles:
Moles are extremely common and are typically noncancerous. They are caused by a group of pigment-producing skin cells, called melanocytes. Moles can vary widely in size, shape, and color. They may be flat or raised, round or oval, and range in color from flesh-toned to dark brown or black, some may even appear multicolored. People typically have a variety of moles on their skin, and while moles are generally harmless, if you notice a mole undergoing a change in its size, shape, or pigmentation, you should have it looked at by a dermatologist to rule out skin cancer.
Birthmarks:
Birthmarks are colored areas on the skin that appear shortly after birth and are very similar to moles in how they are formed and how they behave. Common birthmarks fall into two categories. Red or vascular birthmarks such as hemangiomas, congenital dermal melanocytosis spots, and port wine stains. And pigmented birthmarks such as cafe-au-lait spots, salmon patches.
Like moles, while most birthmarks are harmless, they could carry a small risk of developing into skin cancer. Monitor birth marks in your monthly at-home skin checks and schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you notice any changes.
Spots:
Finally, when we talk about spots, these would be any spots that are not moles or birthmarks, such as sunspots, scars, a newly formed area of discoloration or texture, or a lesion that continuously returns or is not healing.
Our skin naturally changes over time, but if you notice something new, it’s always wise to get it checked. In many cases, your dermatologist can determine if an area is concerning just by examining it and will perform a biopsy if needed.
What Makes a Mole or Spot Suspicious?
Having a lot of moles or birthmarks increases your risk of developing skin cancer, although the risk depends on the size and type of mole or birthmark. Individuals with more than 50 moles, or moles that are unusual in size or shape, are at higher risk of developing melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
Pay attention to the following indicators of potential skin cancer, which apply to moles, birthmarks, and new or existing spots:
- Moles or birthmarks that seem to have become larger or thicker or have changed in color or texture. If this mole or birthmark becomes larger than a pencil eraser, see your dermatologist right away.
- A dark spot on your skin that is either new or has changed in size or appearance, similar to what you should look for with a mole or birthmark.
- Any type of growth on your skin that is new or has changed in size and appearance, especially if it looks transparent or takes on a tan, brown, black, or multi-colored hue.
- Any spot or sore that hurts, is itchy, bleeding, crusting, or scabbing over and will not heal, or temporarily heals and then returns.
Sun exposure, family history, and having fair skin, blue eyes, red hair, or freckles also increase the potential of developing melanoma.
Along with always wearing sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds, at home skin checks and full body skin checks are essential ways to detect skin cancer early.
Conducting an Effective At-Home Skin Check
- Use a full-length mirror in a brightly lit space to examine the front, back, right, and left sides of your body. Raise your arms to view hard-to-see places.
- Examine your underarms, forearms, the palms of your hands, and your fingernails.
- Look at the soles of your feet, your toenails, the spaces between your toes, and the backs of your feet and legs.
- Examine your neck and scalp using a small hand mirror, being sure to part your hair for a better look at different areas of your scalp.
- Check your back and buttocks, also using a hand mirror.
- Take photos of any spots that are concerning to you so you can show your dermatologist or accurately monitor at home.
Keep an eye on those moles, birthmarks, and spots! Skin cancer rates are rising each year, and early detection saves lives. Schedule your full-body skin check today with Optima Dermatology by calling (855) 277-9689.