Mole 101 – Understanding the Myths and Facts

Almost everyone has developed a mole at one point or another and even though moles are associated with cancer, they aren’t always a cause for concern.

With so much information floating around online, it can sometimes be difficult to decide whether a mole is something to worry about and how they should be treated. If you are also interested in mole removal, we recommend to visit some of specialized pages, like mole removal details written by The Doc clinic.

This article aims to clear up some of the most common myths about moles and their removal.

7 Common Myths About Moles

1. Cancerous moles always grow.

Yes, moles that grow can be a sign of skin cancer but this is certainly not the only sign. If you’re ever in doubt, always refer to the ABCDEs of moles:

A = Asymmetry
B = Irregular borders
C = Different or multiple colours
D = Larger in diameter than a pencil eraser
E = Evolving shape or size

2. Moles will grow back after being removed.

In most cases, when a mole is removed correctly, it shouldn’t grow back. If for any reason a mole returns or continues to grow after it’s removed, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a medical professional.

3. Children with growing moles are not at risk of cancer.

As a child grows, any moles that they have will grow too but this change isn’t as big a concern for children as it is for adults. With that being said, skin cancer can occur at any age so if you are concerned about a lesion, it’s best to have it checked out.

4. A mole will change and become dangerous if you pick at it.

While it is never a good idea to pick or remove a mole yourself, this action does not make it bigger and will not lead to cancer.

5. All skin cancer starts with a mole.

This is a very common myth about moles. While some skin cancer is linked to moles (melanoma), this isn’t always the case. In fact, melanoma is

probably the rarest type of skin cancer. Any time that you notice a change in your skin, it’s best to consult with a professional.

6. Moles with hair are not cancerous.

Putting off an appointment with a dermatologist because a mole has hair is a mistake. A mole will only begin losing hair if the cancer is advanced, which is why it’s best to have any suspicious moles checked out sooner rather than later.

7. Moles that aren’t exposed to the sun aren’t cancerous.

Sun exposure can certainly cause cancer but skin cancer is still possible without sun exposure. When we talk about sun exposure, skin protection plays significant role in staying healthy.

Not all moles are bad or dangerous and sometimes they can be a beautiful feature but it’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to these common blemishes.

There are a number of different ways to have a mole removed but it’s important to always have any suspicious moles tested before any action is taken. It’s also recommended that you consult with a medical professional about removal instead of attempting to do it at home.

Thanks to Damian Wolf