Know your Moles!

Book a Mole Removal

Different types of Moles

What is a Mole?

A mole (also known as a naevus) is a cluster of melanocytes, the cells which give the skin its color. Moles come in many colors and shapes.

Moles and freckles can be removed using several techniques, including radiofrequency surgery and broad band light IPL for minimal scarring.

Common types of moles

Moles are categorized and described in many ways, based on:

• How they appear to the naked eye.

• How they appear magnified through a dermoscope(magnifying device used by a doctor to light and examine the skin).

• What cells they are made of.

• How they grow.

Different types of moles are diagnosed and treated in different ways, but a common mole is harmless and doesn’t usually require treatment.

Congenital moles

A congenital mole is present either at birth or appears in the first two years of life. These moles are often called birthmarks.

They can be the same size as other moles, but certain congenital naevi, known as giant moles, are more than 20cm in diameter. There is a risk of melanoma developing in giant naevi, so they should be closely monitored at regular skin checks.

A congenital mole may be all one colour or multiple colours. They may be hairy and occasionally have a “cobblestone” appearance.

Acquired naevi

New moles tend to appear on people’s skin spontaneously throughout their life, normally up to 40 years of age but sometimes later. These moles which appear in childhood and young adult life are known as acquired moles. In most cases they are genetically determined and people with many moles usually have parents with many moles.