Moles: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Moles?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, usually checks and treats moles. A family doctor may refer a person with an unusual mole to a dermatologist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are moles?
A mole, also called a nevus, is a growth on the skin. It forms when pigment cells, called melanocytes, grow in clusters. The plural of nevus is nevi. Moles are common. Most adults have between 10 and 40 common moles. Adults with light skin often have more moles. Most moles appear during childhood and the teen years. Most people keep getting new moles until about age 40. In older people, moles tend to fade away.
Symptoms
A common mole is usually:
- Smaller than about 5 millimeters wide, which is about 1/4 inch or the width of a pencil eraser.
- Round or oval, with a smooth surface and a clear edge.
- Pink, tan, or brown, with an even color.
- Darker in people with dark skin or hair than in people with fair skin or blonde hair.
A dysplastic nevus, which some doctors call an atypical mole, looks different from a common mole. It is usually more than 5 millimeters wide. It can have a mix of colors from pink to dark brown, and its edge is irregular.
Causes and who gets it
Moles form when melanocytes grow in clusters. They may be present at birth, but they usually appear later in childhood. Changes in moles during childhood, such as darkening or lightening, are expected and seldom a sign of melanoma. Common moles are not cancer, and only rarely does one turn into melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. People who have many small moles or several large ones have a higher risk of melanoma. Having a dysplastic nevus also raises the risk of melanoma. Sunlight, severe sunburns, and tanning beds also raise the risk of melanoma.
How doctors diagnose it
A dermatologist can often tell by looking whether a spot is a mole. The only way to diagnose melanoma is to remove tissue and check it for cancer cells. A pathologist, a doctor who studies tissue, looks at the sample under a microscope. Sometimes people or their doctors take photos of dysplastic nevi, so changes over time are easier to see. People with more than five dysplastic nevi may have a skin exam once a year.
Treatment
Most moles do not need treatment. Doctors usually remove only moles that have changed or new colored or suspicious spots on the skin. A dermatologist will remove a mole that is bothersome, such as one that rubs on clothing, one a person does not like how it looks, or one that is suspicious for skin cancer.
- Surgical excision: the dermatologist cuts out the whole mole and stitches the skin closed if needed. The mole is then checked under a microscope for cancer cells.
- Surgical shave: the dermatologist uses a surgical blade to remove the mole.
A dermatologist can usually remove a mole during an office visit. Never try to remove a mole at home. Cancer cells could stay in the skin, the skin could scar, and the area could get infected. Products that remove moles can cause scarring and delay a skin cancer diagnosis. If a mole grows back after removal, make another appointment with your dermatologist right away, because it could be a sign of melanoma.
When to see a doctor
Tell your doctor if a mole or spot is growing, itching, bleeding, or changing in any way, and make an appointment with a dermatologist right away.
Changes to watch for include:
- The color changes.
- It gets bigger or smaller in an uneven way.
- Its shape, texture, or height changes.
- The skin on its surface becomes dry or scaly, or it becomes hard or lumpy.
- It starts to itch, bleed, or ooze.
A new mole in an adult can be a sign of melanoma. Melanoma that is found early is highly treatable. In people with dark skin, melanoma is typically found under the fingernails or toenails, on the palms, or on the soles of the feet, so check those spots too.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can look at a mole that worries you, follow it over time, and refer you to a dermatologist when needed.
Common questions
Are moles dangerous?
Not usually. Common moles are not cancer, and only rarely does one turn into melanoma. Still, a mole that changes should be checked.
Should I have my moles removed to prevent cancer?
Usually no. Very few moles turn into melanoma, and most melanomas do not start as moles.
Can I remove a mole at home?
No, never try to remove a mole at home. Home removal can leave a scar or an infection, and it can leave cancer cells behind.
How many moles is normal?
Most adults have between 10 and 40 common moles. New moles can appear until about age 40, and moles tend to fade in older people.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute - Common Moles, Dysplastic Nevi, and Risk of Melanoma
- American Academy of Dermatology - Moles: Overview
- American Academy of Dermatology - Moles: Diagnosis and treatment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
