Moles
What are Moles?
Moles are very common, in fact most people have 10-40 that appear during childhood. Common moles are not cancerous but they can be confused with melanoma. Do you know what to look for?
Mole Evaluations & Skin Cancer Checks in Largo, FL
Know Your Skin. Catch the Signs Early. Protect Your Health.
Moles are common — but some can raise concern. At Meira Dermatology, we specialize in the identification, monitoring, and evaluation of moles and other skin lesions, helping you stay proactive and informed about your skin health.
What Are Moles?
Moles are clusters of pigmented skin cells (melanocytes) that typically appear during childhood and adolescence. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles, which can show up anywhere on the body.
They vary in:
- Color: Brown, black, pink, tan, red, or even blue
- Size: From tiny (2mm) to larger than 1cm
- Texture: Smooth, raised, flat, or rough
- Location: Face, torso, limbs — even scalp or nails
Most moles are harmless, but some changes may be a sign of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
When Should You Worry About a Mole?
While it’s rare for a typical mole to become cancerous, it’s important to know the warning signs. Use the ABCDE rule to monitor your moles:
- Asymmetry – One half doesn’t match the other
- Border – Edges are irregular, scalloped, or blurred
- Color – Multiple colors or uneven shades
- Diameter – Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving – Changing in size, shape, color, or behavior (like bleeding or itching)
Other red flags include:
- Rapid growth
- Crusting or oozing
- New pain, itching, or bleeding
- A new mole after age 30
What Is Melanoma?
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that develops in melanin-producing cells. While it only accounts for a small percentage of skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths.
Melanoma can appear:
- As a new, unusual mole
- As a change in an existing mole
- Anywhere on the body — even areas not exposed to sun
Early detection is critical. When caught early, melanoma is highly treatable. Left untreated, it can spread quickly to other parts of the body.
What to Expect at a Mole Check Appointment
At Meira Dermatology, we perform full-body skin exams and assess individual moles that concern you. During your visit:
- We examine all visible skin
- Identify any atypical moles or lesions
- Use dermatoscopic tools for closer inspection
- Recommend a biopsy if a mole looks suspicious
- Provide guidance on monitoring moles at home
If needed, we can remove moles safely for biopsy or cosmetic reasons.
Prevention & Skin Health Tips
To reduce your risk of developing skin cancer:
Practice sun safety:
- Wear SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
- Reapply every 2 hours, especially when swimming or sweating
- Wear hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses outdoors
- Avoid tanning beds
Know your family history:
- Around 10% of people with melanoma have a family history
- Let us know if skin cancer runs in your family
Check your skin regularly:
- Perform monthly self-exams in a well-lit room with a mirror
- Don’t forget your back, scalp, nails, and soles of your feet
- Schedule yearly skin checkswith a board-certified dermatologist
Protect Your Skin. Catch Concerns Early.
At Meira Dermatology, we’re committed to helping patients across Largo, Clearwater, Seminole, St. Petersburg, Belleair, Pinellas Park, and the greater Tampa Bay area stay proactive about skin health.
8839 Bryan Dairy Rd, Suite 115, Largo, FL 33777
Call (727) 777-6098
Or book your mole evaluation appointment online
Don’t wait — early detection saves lives. If something doesn’t look or feel right, get it checked.
