Moles

They come in all shapes and sizes, but which ones are dangerous?

What are they?

Moles are dark nodules found on the skin. They vary greatly in size and shape, ranging from flat to raised and smooth to hairy. They may be flesh-coloured, brownish yellow, or black.

• Moles can appear anywhere on the body.
• Some people have no moles. Others have hundreds.
• On average, a mole measures between 5mm and 7mm in diameter.

Watch it

In general, a mole is perfectly harmless. However, there is a risk that some moles can develop into a malignant melanoma. This is a form of skin cancer. Most melanomas can be successfully treated if detected early.

Look out for:

• The appearance of new moles.
• Moles with ragged edges.
• Moles that change shade or colour.
• Moles that itch or begin to weep
• Moles that become inflamed or grow bigger.

If a mole changes in any way, or if you're at all concerned, always get it checked out by your GP.