Moles are quite common with many of us having one or two on our face or body. These may have started out as freckles which have grown slightly. In most cases, moles are completely safe and don’t cause any problems. But a mole that changes in appearance should be checked out by a doctor. Even though this may be nothing to worry about, it is always best to have this confirmed by a professional.
Because moles can look very similar to each other, it can be tricky for a doctor to differentiate one type from the other. There is no specific reason why anyone is susceptible to moles, although those people who have family members with moles may have a predisposition towards having them. Moles are actually more common in those with fair skin.
Time spent in the sun can also contribute to the development of moles especially if the person has been spending time in the sun since a young age. Some people find that when they get pregnant, the hormones can increase the amount of moles that they have.
When you see your doctor he may ask about your medical history and may take a photograph of the mole, so that at your next appointment he can compare the pictures to establish whether there has been any change. This is known as mole mapping. The doctor may arrange for a biopsy of the mole. This is a simple procedure which involves taking cell samples and sending them for analysis.
If the mole has cancerous cells it will need removing. The results could reveal that the mole is benign but if you find it unsightly or if it catches on your clothing, you may still want to have a mole removal procedure which will require a local anaesthetic.
Staying inside when the sun is at its strongest is the best way to protect your moles but if you have to be outside when it is sunny out, wear a large sunhat and some strong sun block.
