Moles
Most moles or nevi are harmless, but changes in a mole can sometimes be an early sign of skin cancer, so get your skin checked.
Know what’s normal — and what isn’t.
Most moles or nevi are harmless and remain unchanged throughout your life. However, because changes in a mole can sometimes be an early sign of melanoma or another type of skin cancer, it’s important to know what to watch for and when to schedule a professional evaluation.
Whether you’re concerned about a new mole, a changing spot, or simply want the reassurance of a comprehensive skin examination, Dr. Johnson is a board-certified dermatologist who provides thoughtful, individualized care based on your skin, personal risk factors, and medical history. Together with her experienced dermatology team, she helps patients throughout Buckhead and Alpharetta protect their skin through expert evaluation, early detection, and personalized treatment recommendations.
What are moles?
We all have moles (nevi), whether we have one or two or a 101. Moles are skin growths that can be flat or raised, they can be pink, light brown to very dark brown. You usually start to get them in childhood and continue to get more through young adulthood.
Nevi that are present at birth are congenital moles. They may look more unusual or occur in more unusual areas of the skin. We watch congenital moles to make sure that they don’t grow out of proportion to the person, change shape or develop new areas of pigment or nodules. They are special skin growths because they are made of melanocytes, which can cause melanoma. So, we watch them carefully and evaluate them frequently — and you should too.
While most moles never become cancerous, it’s important to pay attention to changes over time. A mole that begins to change in appearance — or a new spot that looks different from your other moles — should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.
Treatment for moles, at a glance
Many moles do not require treatment and simply need periodic observation. If treatment is recommended, it depends on the appearance of the mole and the reason for removal.
If additional treatment is needed, Dr. Johnson will explain your options and recommend the approach that is most appropriate for your diagnosis.
Monitoring
Stable, benign moles can often be monitored during routine skin examinations.
Skin Biopsy
A biopsy may be performed when a mole has concerning features or requires microscopic evaluation.
Surgical Removal
Some moles are removed because they appear suspicious, become irritated, or are located in an area where they are frequently rubbed or injured.
FAQs about moles
No. The vast majority of moles are benign and remain unchanged throughout life.
While most moles develop before age 40, adults can occasionally develop new moles. Any new pigmented lesion should be evaluated, particularly if it looks different from your existing moles.
Common moles: These are the typical moles most people develop throughout life. They are usually round or oval with smooth borders and a consistent color.
Congenital moles: Present at birth, congenital moles vary in size and appearance. Larger congenital moles may carry a slightly higher risk of developing melanoma over time.
Atypical (dysplastic) moles: Atypical moles often have irregular borders, uneven coloring, or a larger size than common moles. While most are not cancerous, patients with multiple atypical moles may have an increased risk of melanoma and often benefit from regular skin examinations.
Some moles are genetically programmed. In addition to congenital moles (those present at birth), some people are “mole-y” by design. They have lots of nevi that are usually obvious in childhood and teenage years. These can often come from a “mole-y” parent.
If you have a lot of moles, you need to check them more frequently (every 6 months to 1 year) and more carefully (by taking photos or otherwise mapping them to keep track). If you have large or irregular moles, also known as atypical moles, then you may have an increased risk of melanoma. See a board-certified dermatologist to determine if they are atypical.
Sun exposure also causes moles to appear, which is one of the reasons why we encourage patients to use sun protection and sunscreen. The more sun exposure you get, the more often you should visit a board-certified dermatologist.
No. Most benign moles do not require removal unless they become symptomatic, frequently irritated, or appear suspicious.
Performing regular self-skin examinations can help you notice new or changing lesions. Dr. Johnson can also recommend how often you should schedule professional skin examinations based on your individual risk factors.
Most moles never become melanoma. However, melanoma may develop within an existing mole or appear as an entirely new lesion.
If you’re uncertain, schedule an evaluation at one of our office locations. An examination by physician assistant or dermatologist at Steele can often provide reassurance or identify concerns before they become more serious.
How to recognize a suspicious mole: Follow the ABCDEs
One of the most helpful ways to recognize a suspicious mole is the ABCDE guide:
A – Asymmetry
One half of the mole does not match the other.
B – Border
The edges appear irregular, blurred, or uneven.
C – Color
The lesion contains multiple shades of brown, black, tan, red, blue, or white.
D – Diameter
The spot is larger than approximately 6 millimeters, although melanomas may also be smaller.
E – Evolving
The mole changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding.
You should also schedule an appointment if you notice a spot that simply looks different from the others or continues to change over time.
Expert evaluation provides peace of mind
Every patient has a unique pattern of moles and skin markings.
During your visit, Dr. Johnson performs a careful examination of the lesion and evaluates your skin as a whole. She will discuss your medical history, family history, sun exposure, and any changes you’ve noticed.
If a mole appears suspicious, a skin biopsy may be recommended to establish a diagnosis. Most biopsies can be performed comfortably in the office and provide valuable information for determining the next steps in your care. Most skin changes turn out to be benign. Still, knowing the difference between a harmless mole and one that requires further evaluation takes experience.
Dr. Johnson combines advanced dermatology expertise with a careful, comprehensive approach to skin examinations. She takes the time to evaluate changing lesions thoroughly, answer your questions, and recommend only the care that’s appropriate for your individual needs.
Whether you’re monitoring long-standing moles or have recently noticed a new skin concern, Steele Dermatology is here to help you make informed decisions about your skin health.
Request an appointment
Schedule online, call (770) 464-6000 or text us, and one of our specialists will assist you.
