{"id":3439,"date":"2025-07-30T15:17:43","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T15:17:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/?p=3439"},"modified":"2025-07-30T15:17:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T15:17:46","slug":"when-to-get-moles-checked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/when-to-get-moles-checked\/","title":{"rendered":"Are My Moles Normal or Should I Get Them Checked?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Moles are incredibly common skin growths, and chances are, you\u2019ve got more than a few. The average adult has between 10 and 40 moles scattered across their body. Most of these moles are completely harmless and remain unchanged throughout a person\u2019s life. They can vary in shape, size, and colour appearing as flat or raised spots that are brown, black, or even flesh-toned. But while the majority of moles are benign, some can signal something more serious skin cancer, particularly melanoma, which is the most dangerous form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s essential to stay vigilant. Knowing what\u2019s normal for your skin and what isn\u2019t can make all the difference when it comes to early detection and treatment. A mole that suddenly changes in appearance, starts to itch or bleed, or looks noticeably different from others could be an early warning sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever found yourself wondering, \u201cIs this mole normal, or should I be worried?\u201d, you\u2019re not alone. In this article, we\u2019ll walk you through the key things dermatologists look for during a professional mole check, how to recognise suspicious changes in your moles, and how often you should be checking your skin both at home and with the help of an expert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people assume that unless a mole is causing discomfort, it\u2019s nothing to worry about. But that\u2019s not always the case. Skin cancer doesn\u2019t always hurt in fact, it often starts silently, without symptoms like pain or irritation. That\u2019s why regular skin self-exams and routine dermatologist visits are crucial, even if everything seems fine. Understanding what\u2019s normal for your skin and knowing how to spot the warning signs early can be life-saving. With skin cancer rates on the rise globally, staying informed and proactive is more important than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Do Dermatologists Look for During a Mole Check?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you book a mole check with a dermatologist, you’re taking an important step in protecting your skin health. During the appointment, the dermatologist will conduct a full-body skin examination, carefully assessing all visible moles as well as other pigmented spots. They may use a specialised tool called a dermatoscope a handheld magnifier with a light which allows them to see details beneath the skin\u2019s surface that aren\u2019t visible to the naked eye. This helps them spot subtle changes that could signal the early stages of skin cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most reliable methods dermatologists use to evaluate moles is the ABCDE rule, which outlines five key characteristics that help distinguish between benign (harmless) moles and potentially cancerous ones. Here’s a more in-depth look at what each letter stands for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Asymmetry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a normal, healthy mole, both halves should look fairly similar if you were to draw a line through the middle. In contrast, a potentially dangerous mole may appear asymmetrical one half doesn\u2019t match the other in shape or size. For example, one side may appear smooth and round, while the other looks irregular or lopsided. This lack of balance is a common warning sign of melanoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Border<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The borders or edges of a benign mole are typically well-defined and smooth. On the other hand, moles with irregular, scalloped, or blurred edges may raise concern. Uneven borders could mean the cells are growing in a disorganised way, which is often seen in malignant or pre-cancerous lesions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Colour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most harmless moles are a single, uniform colour usually tan, brown, or dark brown depending on your skin tone. But if you notice a mole that contains multiple colours or shades (such as black, red, white, or even blue), it could be a red flag. Uneven pigmentation may suggest abnormal cell activity and warrants a closer look from a dermatologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Diameter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Size matters, especially when it comes to skin changes. Moles that are larger than 6 millimetres in diameter roughly the size of a pencil eraser are more likely to be atypical or problematic. However, some melanomas can be smaller than this, so size should always be considered in combination with the other ABCDE features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Evolving<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is perhaps the most important factor to watch for. If a mole begins to evolve meaning it changes in any way over time this could be an early sign of melanoma. Changes in colour, size, shape, texture, or elevation are all reasons to have it examined. Even if a mole suddenly starts to itch, bleed, crust, or become tender, it\u2019s worth getting it checked, even if it appears small or subtle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should You Get a Mole Checked?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Although the majority of moles are completely harmless and remain stable over time, it\u2019s important to stay aware of any new developments on your skin. Melanoma, the most serious and potentially life-threatening type of skin cancer, often begins as a new mole or a change in an existing one. Because early detection dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment, knowing when to seek professional help is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how do you know when a mole deserves medical attention? Here are some key warning signs to watch for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for These Warning Signs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n