When are Moles on the Skin Dangerous? Signs of Melanoma Risk

Moles (nevi) are generally harmless skin growths formed by the clustering of cells called melanocytes, which give skin its color. Most people have an average of 10–40 moles, which can appear from childhood and increase in number until about age 40. The majority are benign, meaning they carry no serious health risk. However, some moles may be a warning sign for the development of a malignant skin tumor (melanoma) over time.

Therefore, recognizing changes in the mole's color, shape, border, size, and behavior, and consulting a specialist when necessary, is vital.

 

What is a Mole (Nevus), and What Does a Normal Mole Look Like?

 

General Characteristics of Moles

Normal, benign moles are typically:

• Round or oval in shape,
• Single-colored (light brown, dark brown, or close to skin tone),
• Have well-defined borders and a clear transition to the surrounding skin,
• Grow slowly and may show very slight changes over years,
• Do not cause symptoms like itching, bleeding, crusting, or pain.

 

Up to What Age Can New Moles Appear?

Most moles appear during childhood and adolescence. The formation of new moles is considered normal up to the age of 40. However, any new spot appearing after age 40 or notable changes in an existing mole should always be evaluated by a specialist.

 

Dangerous Moles: Signs Indicating Melanoma Risk

Molar can rarely turn into a malignant skin cancer called melanoma. Melanoma has a high chance of cure when caught early but can be aggressive if delayed. Therefore, we use the simple but important method called the ABCDE rule to evaluate moles.

 

Mole Check with the ABCDE Rule

A – Asymmetry

When a normal mole is divided in half by an imaginary line, its two halves show close symmetry. Attention should be paid if one half of the mole looks significantly different from the other, is misshapen, and has become asymmetric.

B – Border Irregularity (Border)

In benign moles, the borders are generally smooth, clear, and well-defined. In moles carrying melanoma risk, the borders may be:

• Jagged, notched, or wavy,
• Become indistinct in their transition to the surrounding skin.

C – Color Change (Color)

Normal moles are close to a single color. Warning signs include:

• The presence of light brown, dark brown, black, red, or gray tones within the same mole,
• The mole's color darkening significantly or becoming patchy over time.

D – Diameter

Moles should be assessed more carefully when their diameter is over 6 mm. Not every large mole is malignant; however, moles exceeding 6 mm and continuing to grow must be examined by a specialist.

E – Evolving / Change

One of the most important warning signs in moles is change over time. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following changes occur:

• Rapid growth or increased elevation,
• Color change, darkening, or patchy appearance,
• Deterioration of borders,
• New onset of itching, pain, bleeding, or crusting.

 

Other Warning Signs

In addition to the ABCDE rule, the following symptoms may also indicate that the mole is not harmless:

• Moles that bleed spontaneously even without rubbing against clothing,
• New dark spots that appear and grow quickly,
• Elevated, irregular surface formations with a different shine than the surrounding skin,
• Notable shape or color change in a long-standing mole within a few months.

 

Are New Moles Always Dangerous?

New mole formation is common and often benign up to age 40. However, a spot that is:

• Appearing rapidly in adulthood,
• Darker than the surrounding skin,
• Irregular in shape, border, or color

should definitely be evaluated by a plastic surgery or dermatology specialist. If deemed necessary, the mole is removed under local anesthesia and sent for pathological examination. This definitively determines whether the lesion is benign or malignant.

 

Importance of Pathological Examination

Surgical removal of moles is not just a cosmetic procedure; it is also a definitive diagnostic step. If malignant cells are detected in the pathology report, additional treatment or wider surgery is planned accordingly.

 

Is the Belief "If a Mole is Cut, It Becomes Cancerous" True?

One of the common misconceptions is that moles will become cancerous if "touched by a knife." This is scientifically incorrect. Moles are:

• Not made malignant by being removed,
• Removed and pathologically examined precisely because they are suspected,
• If they turn out to be malignant, the early diagnosis is an advantage.

In other words, the surgical removal of moles does not increase the risk of melanoma; rather, it provides a chance for early diagnosis and treatment in suspicious cases.

 

Does Every Mole Need to be Removed?

Not every mole needs to be removed. Moles:

• Mostly require only regular monitoring,
• Some can be removed for cosmetic reasons (on the face, beard line, make-up area, etc.),
• Removal may be preferred for moles that are constantly irritated (by bra straps, belts, shaving areas, etc.) due to friction and trauma.

The decision to remove a mole is made by considering the mole's structure, location, aesthetic concerns, and physician's assessment.

 

Will a Scar Remain Even if Moles are Harmless?

Every incision, surgical procedure, or injury that reaches the full thickness of the skin results in some degree of scarring. Mole removal is essentially a controlled surgical incision. Therefore:

• Complete absence of a scar is not expected,
• The visibility of the scar varies from person to person,
• How scars heal largely depends on the body's wound healing response.

 

Factors Affecting Scar Formation

The structure and visibility of the scar formed after mole removal are affected by the following factors:

• Skin type and genetic makeup: In some individuals, scars may be very thin and faint, while in others, raised (keloid/hypertrophic) scars may form.
• Mole size and depth: Removing larger or deeper moles may mean a longer incision line.
• Location on the body: Scars may be more noticeable in areas that are mobile and under tension, such as the chest, back, and shoulders.
• Surgical technique: Suturing technique, direction of the incision, and planning aligned with skin tension lines affect scar quality.
• Post-operative care: Adherence to recommendations such as sun protection, dressing, and cream usage is important.

 

To Keep Scars as Thin as Possible

The following recommendations are usually given for better scar healing after mole removal:

• Sun protection during the healing period (using high-factor sunscreen),
• Regular use of doctor-recommended scar creams or silicone-based products,
• Protecting the area from trauma, scratching, or stretching until the stitches are fully removed,
• Not missing follow-up appointments.

However, despite all these precautions, no surgeon can guarantee 100% "invisibility" for a scar. This is because the main factor determining the final appearance of the scar is the individual's wound healing response.

 

When Should You See a Doctor for Your Moles?

It is important to see a specialist if any of the following occur:

• Rapid growth in the size of the mole in recent months,
• Color change, darkening, or becoming multi-colored,
• Irregular borders, asymmetric appearance,
• Development of itching, tenderness, or pain,
• Moles that bleed or crust without any trauma,
• New, noticeable dark spots appearing after age 40.

 

Specialist Evaluation and Personalized Planning

Face-to-face examination is essential to determine the status of your moles, their risk level, and, if necessary, the method of removal. During the examination, moles can be magnified and examined in detail with a special device called a dermatoscope; pathological examination can be planned for suspicious lesions.

 

Important Note

This article is intended for general information about moles and melanoma. If you have concerns about your moles, you should consult a specialist physician instead of trying to decide based on photos or internet comments. Early diagnosis increases both the success of treatment and offers the possibility of solutions with more limited surgical intervention.