Moles: Don’t Go In Blind

Jun 17

What are moles?

Moles, also called nevi, are common, usually benign skin growths caused by clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. They can appear anywhere on the body and are often harmless. However, some types of skin cancer can mimic the appearance of benign moles. Knowing the types of moles, and skin cancers that can look similar, can help you identify when you may need to see a dermatologist.

Types of moles

Intradermal Nevi
- Flesh-colored or light brown
- Raised (dome-shaped)
- Most common on face, head, neck, and trunk
Junctional Nevi
- Brown, dark brown, or black in color
  - Dark brown/black moles in dark-skinned individuals is normal
  - Dark brown/black moles in light-skinned individuals is concerning
- Uniform pigmentation
- Flat
- Appear in childhood, may lighten or disappear with age
Compound Nevi
- Have characteristics of both junctional and intradermal nevi
- Raised and brown in color
Congenital Nevi
- Present at birth or appear in early infancy
- Tan colored
- Mostly flat
- May correlate with higher melanoma risk
Atypical Nevi
- May have irregular borders
- May have non-uniform coloring
- May be larger than other moles
- Can occur anywhere on the body, even in non-sun-exposed areas
- Correlates with higher melanoma risk
Less Common Nevi
- Blue nevi
- Spitz nevi

Cancerous Imposters

Several types of cancers can look like moles, and it can be difficult to tell which is which.

Melanoma
- Notorious for looking like moles
- May have irregular coloring, asymmetrical shape, uneven borders, be large in size, and/or change over time
- May look different from other moles (ugly duckling)
Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Basal cell carcinomas can look like intradermal nevi
- Commonly found on the face, but can develop anywhere on the body
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- Rare and aggressive form of skin cancer
- May be red, pink, or purple in color
- Rapidly growing nodule on sun-exposed areas
Sebaceous Carcinoma
- Rare and aggressive form of skin cancer
- May be yellow, tan, or dark brown in color
- Can appear anywhere on the body

Best Practices

When it comes to your health, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Look out for any new or changing moles, or any skin lesions that look out of place. It can be extremely difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant moles, and your diligence in monitoring your skin is your first line of defense. If you see anything concerning, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist so that they can help you determine what type of lesion you’re dealing with and create a treatment plan if necessary.