Moles are small, coloured spots on the skin. Most people have them and they're usually nothing to worry about unless they change size, shape or colour.

Check if your mole could be cancerous

Signs of harmless moles

Most harmless moles are round or oval-shaped, with a smooth edge.

They can be flat or raised and may feel smooth or rough.

Sometimes they have hair growing from them.

They are usually darker on brown and black skin.
It's normal for:

• babies to be born with moles
• new moles to appear – especially in children and teenagers
• moles to fade or disappear as you get older
• moles to get slightly darker during pregnancy

Signs a mole could be cancerous

Some moles can be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Melanomas may change colour over time or have more than 2 colours.

They often have uneven edges.

Sometimes they may bleed, itch, or be crusty or raised.

See a GP if:

• you have a mole that's changed size, shape or colour
• you have a mole that's painful or itchy
• you have a mole that's inflamed, bleeding or crusty
• you have a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeks

Finding a melanoma as early as possible can mean it's easier to treat

Treatments for moles

Moles only need treating if they're a sign of melanoma.

If the GP thinks your mole is melanoma, you'll be referred to a specialist in hospital. You should get an appointment within 2 weeks.

The main treatment for melanoma is surgery to remove the mole.

Cosmetic mole removal

Most moles are harmless. Harmless moles are not usually treated on the NHS.

You can pay a private clinic to remove a mole, but it may be expensive.

How to prevent cancerous moles

UV light from the sun can increase the chance of a mole becoming cancerous. If you have lots of moles, you need to be extra careful in the sun.

It's important to check your moles regularly for any changes.

There are some things you can do to protect your moles from sun damage, especially during hot weather.

Do

• stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when sunlight is strongest
• cover skin with clothes – wear a hat and sunglasses if you have moles on your face
• regularly apply a high-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF30) and apply it again after swimming

Don’t

• do not use sunlamps or sunbeds – they use UV light

Find out more about sunscreen and sun safety