I Have a New Mole — Should I Be Worried?

Discovering a new mole on your skin can be unsettling. You may wonder: is it a sign of skin cancer? Should I be worried? While most moles are benign, you should take any skin changes seriously.

At Florida Dermatology Associates, we understand the concern that moles and other lesions can cause. Ruben Moreno, MD, and our team of providers offer thorough skin cancer screenings to detect potential issues early.

An early diagnosis is crucial for the most effective treatment possible. Here, we explore the characteristics of potentially dangerous moles and provide expert tips on monitoring skin health.

Why do moles appear?

Almost everyone has a few moles — most people with light skin tones have between 10 and 40 of these common clusters of pigmented cells. Most moles usually appear during childhood and adolescence. 

These acquired or common moles, in addition to several factors, can cause them to appear, including:

Genetics

A predisposition to develop moles can be genetic. If your parents have moles, you’re more likely to have them.

Sun exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun stimulates melanocytes (the cells that produce your skin’s pigment), leading to the formation of moles, which is why people with fair skin and a history of sun exposure often have more moles.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can influence mole development and appearance.

You can also be born with congenital moles, known as birthmarks. Approximately 1% of the population has one or more moles present at birth. These carry a higher risk of developing melanoma than acquired moles.

When to see a dermatologist

Regular skin self-examinations are crucial for catching any concerning changes early on. Dr. Moreno recommends checking your entire body monthly for new moles and paying close attention to often-overlooked areas that get a lot of sun, such as your scalp, neck, back, arms, and legs.

See our team if you notice any of the following:

Changes in existing moles

Keep a close eye on existing moles. Any alteration in a mole’s size, shape, color, or texture may be concerning. Symptoms like itching, bleeding, oozing, or tenderness also warrant immediate attention.

New moles

Don’t ignore the appearance of new moles, particularly those that develop after age 30. While most people acquire a few new moles throughout their lives, they’re more likely to be problematic when they appear later in life. 

Irregular moles

Let us look if you have a mole that stands out from the crowd, exhibiting jagged edges or an irregular shape, size, or color compared to its companions. Even if you think it’s always looked like that, it’s best to have an expert member of our team evaluate any atypical mole.

As an adult, you should visit a doctor annually for a professional skin exam, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. Individuals with risk factors such as frequent sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer may need to check more often.

Even if they’re not dangerous to your health, some moles can be unsightly and embarrassing. If you have a benign mole that you wish to remove for cosmetic reasons, our team can help you achieve your desired results safely and effectively, with minimal scarring. 

Call Florida Dermatology Associates today, or use our convenient online booking tool to make an appointment at the nearest office.