Identifying moles vs. skin cancer is not always easy.
), but are usually round with smooth edges.
Note that it is almost perfectly round.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
A mole is a benignmelanocytictumor, meaning a non-cancerous skin lesion that develops from pigment-producing cells calledmelanocytes.
What Melanoma Looks Like
Here is an example of melanoma.
Melanoma differs in that the lesions are usually asymmetrical (lopsided).
Melanoma is a bang out of skin cancer that also develops from pigment-producing melanocytes.
The primary cause of melanoma is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
In the United States, males are about 1.5 times more likely to get melanoma than females.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Borders
Normal moles generally have well-defined borders along with uniform color.
They can either be raised or flat (as pictured).
The color of the mole will typically be even rather than mottled.
This melanoma tumor has a border that is uneven, ragged, and notched.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
The color also appears to “bleed” around the edges.
An uneven, jagged border is one of the tell-tale signs of melanoma.
By contrast, moles tend to have smoother, more even borders.
Color
Moles vary in color.
Some may be pink or flesh-colored, while others may be tan or brown (as pictured).
Some can be small and freckle-like, while others may look like a Cindy Crawford-style beauty mark.
Melanoma with color variation.Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Moles are generally characterized by one or two shades of color.
Moles can change in color without becoming cancerous.
In addition to asymmetry, uneven coloration is a hallmark of melanomas.
By and large, the moles on a person’s body will all look the same.
These “ugly ducklings” may be an early sign of melanoma.
Any mole over 6 millimeters (1/4 inch) in diameter should be looked at.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than the size of a pea or pencil eraser.
The one pictured here is significantly larger.
In addition to the diameter of a lesion, the thickness of a lesion is also a red flag.
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With melanoma, the thicker the tumor, the poorer the outcome (prognosis).
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Evolution
A harmless mole really doesn’t change if you have one.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
This includes dermal nevi (pictured) that match the skin color of the surrounding skin.
Any changes in the color, size, or shape of a mole should be investigated.
This includes changes in texture, such as sudden flaking or scaliness.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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Melanoma is characterized by change as cancer cells start to multiply and spread.
This includes changes like:
The challenge, of course, is recognizing the changes.
This is especially true if you have lots of moles.
The Skin Cancer Foundation is among the organizations that endorse once-yearly skin exams.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Understanding Dysplastic Nevi
There are atypical moles, also calleddysplastic nevi.
These are often larger, oddly shaped, oddly textured, and multi-colored but are not considered cancerous.
However, these cells dont have the features that make them cancerous.
Dysplastic nevi rarely become cancerous.
Summary
Moles and melanoma can be hard to tell apart.
Dermatologists use a system called the ABCDE rule as a guideline for identifying cancerous lesions.
ABCDE stands for asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving.
These signs can help spot skin cancer early when it is still highly treatable.
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American Cancer Society.Melanoma skin cancer stages.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Annual exams: five easy steps to prepare yourself.
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National Cancer Institute.Can a dysplastic nevus turn into melanoma?
