Normal vs. Risky Moles: How to Spot the Differences

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, both in the United States and across the globe. About 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and an average of two Americans die of the disease every hour. One in five American adults (20%) develops skin cancer by the time they turn 70. 

While all skin cancers are serious, the third most common type — melanoma — carries the highest risk of death because it grows rapidly and aggressively invades other tissues. 

Now for the good news: When detected early, melanoma is highly curable; the five-year survival rate for patients whose melanoma is treated promptly is over 99%. Luckily, it’s also easy to spot when you know what to look for — unusual skin changes or an atypical mole. 

As board-certified dermatologists with offices in Sun City and Sun City West, Arizona, Seth Goodman, DO, and Matthew Goodman, MD, recognize that patient education is just as important as regular skin checks — especially when it comes to identifying potentially risky moles. 

A common and normal skin growth

Moles are the most common skin growth. While most babies are born without a single mole, the average person has one to three dozen of these small, pigmented spots by the time they reach adulthood. Some people wind up with many more moles on their skin.  

Moles can appear anywhere on your body, but they’re more likely to develop on skin that’s frequently exposed to sunlight, like your face, neck, arms, and shoulders. You’re more likely to get moles if you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially if you’re fair-skinned. 

Most moles are normal, but normal moles don’t all look the same. Some are pigmented (tan, brown, or black), while others may match your skin tone. Many normal moles don’t change at all, but some become slightly raised over time, gradually lighten, or slowly fade away.  

The problem with atypical moles

The term melanoma means “black tumor.” Melanomas can appear as a scaly patch on your skin, an open sore, or an abnormal raised bump. It can also appear in the form of an atypical mole. 

Nearly one in three melanomas (approximately 30%) originates from existing common moles. These aggressive cancers arise from the pigment-producing skin cells (melanocytes) that give your skin and your moles their color. 

Learn how to spot an atypical mole

Any mole that appears to undergo “atypical changes” should be considered a red flag warning for melanoma — one that calls for prompt evaluation by one of our doctors. The best way to spot risky moles early? Learning the ABCDE method of atypical mole identification: 

Asymmetry

Normal moles are round or oval with well-defined borders. An atypical mole may have an irregular shape or asymmetry that sets it apart from other moles on your skin. One side of an atypical mole may not mirror or match the other side.    

Border

Typical moles have smooth, crisp edges. Atypical moles are more likely to have uneven edging or borders that appear notched, scalloped, or poorly defined. 

Color

Whether they’re tan, brown, black, or skin-toned, normal moles are a uniform color. Atypical moles, on the other hand, may appear mottled with more than one color.  

Any mole that exhibits more than one shade of tan, brown, or black should be evaluated by one of our doctors. A mole with spots of red, blue, or white may indicate the presence of a growing melanoma that requires prompt assessment.

Diameter

Normal moles come in various small sizes; some look like a fine pencil dot, while others resemble a full marker spot. Any mole that’s a quarter of an inch in diameter or larger (equal to or greater than the size of a pencil eraser) is atypical and should be checked.

Evolution

Normal moles can change, but they do so slowly — often over the course of many years or even decades. Risky, atypical moles tend to evolve rapidly, changing in noticeable ways. 

When in doubt, have us check it out

Remember, any observable transformation in a mole’s size, shape, or color is cause for concern, especially if that evolution is rapid. A bleeding, itchy, or crusting mole can also be a sign of melanoma, as can a new mole that suddenly appears on your skin after the age of 30. 

If you’re worried about an atypical mole, the expert dermatologists at Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery can help. Call 623-254-7375 or click online to schedule your next skin cancer screening at your nearest office today.