Moles, or nevi, are common pigmented skin growths
composed of clusters of melanocytes. They can range in color from pink and
tan to dark brown or black and may be flat or raised. Most people develop
moles during childhood and adolescence, and it's typical for adults to have
10–40 moles by their mid-thirties.
While the majority of moles are benign, certain
changes in their appearance could indicate early signs of melanoma. These
warning signs can be remembered using the ABCDE rule:
A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the
other
B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined
edges
C – Color: Uneven color with various shades of brown,
black, or other hues
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a
pencil eraser)
E – Evolving: Changes in shape, size, color, or
elevation over time
If you notice any of these features, or a mole begins itching, bleeding, or crusting, it should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Mole removal can be performed for either cosmetic or medical reasons. At Charlotte Dermatology, board-certified dermatologists first assess the mole through visual exam and dermoscopy. If any features appear atypical, a biopsy is performed to determine whether further treatment is needed.
Benign moles that are raised or bothersome can be shaved flat to the skin surface or completely excised. Suspicious or changing moles are typically removed with clear margins and sent to a pathology lab for evaluation. Procedures are done in-office under local anesthesia and typically require minimal downtime.
Patients are given instructions for wound care and scar minimization. For those with many atypical moles or a family history of melanoma, regular skin exams and mole mapping may be recommended.
Our Charlotte-area clinics—including SouthPark, Matthews, and University City—offer mole monitoring and removal services in a professional, supportive setting.
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