When Do You Need To Remove Moles?

Written By Anica Oaks / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

When you reach adulthood, it is common for your body to have as few as 10 or as many as 40 moles scattered about here and there. While most moles are harmless and won't be anything to worry about, others may appear and bring with them cause for concern.

If you are wondering when you may need to get a mole removed, here are some general guidelines you can follow when making your decision.

A Mole that Appears Suddenly

While you usually have most of your body's moles by the time you are 30 years old, that is not always the case. If you notice a new mole that has suddenly appeared on your body and you are 30 years of age or older, you should have it examined by a doctor for possible removal. While it may be no problem whatsoever, it could also be a sign of skin cancer.

Causing Discomfort

In some instances, a mole may be removed because it is causing discomfort or other problems. This can occur if the mole is in a spot where it is rubbing against your skin and causing irritation, or if it is in a spot that may make shaving painful or impossible.

Cosmetic Reasons

Though models such as Cindy Crawford have made their mole a fashion trend, you may not feel the same way if you have a mole on your face, neck, or another part of your body. If you are self-conscious about your appearance, mole removal for cosmetic purposes is perfectly acceptable.

A procedure that is quite easy and heals up very quickly, you could soon have a whole new look.

A Mole that is Changing Shape or Color

When you notice a mole on your body that is changing in terms of its color, shape, or size, don't hesitate to have it looked at by a doctor as soon as possible. In many such situations, moles displaying these characteristics are either pre-cancerous or are indeed cancerous.

While a normal mole is usually smaller than a pencil eraser, is symmetrical in shape, and is tan, flesh-colored, or brown, abnormal moles have indistinct borders and maybe multi-colored with tones of black, brown, pink, red, or other colors.

Though you should not panic if you have a mole you think is unusual, you should also not procrastinate in getting it checked out by a doctor. By doing so, you may be getting a mole removed before a minor issue becomes a major health problem.

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Written By:
Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.

Reviewed By:    

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.