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Mole
A mole is a flat or raised, typically benign skin lesion. Seek a mole check or a doctor’s appointment if you notice rapidly growing, discolored moles or experience pain, bleeding, or itching in a mole.
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LT, plastiikkakirurgian erikoislääkäri
Revised 7/29/2025
Moles in brief
- The number of moles is influenced by genetics and ultraviolet radiation exposure during childhood and adolescence. Some people naturally have dozens of moles, while others have very few.
- It’s good to monitor your moles regularly to notice changes more easily.
- Suspicious moles should be removed before summer to prevent them from becoming infected.
Typical symptoms and changes in moles
Mole symptoms can range from changes in appearance to itching or pain. Moles are often harmless, but changes in them may indicate skin cancer or its precursors.
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. It’s important to monitor mole changes regularly and consult a doctor if you notice suspicious changes.
Typical mole symptoms include:
- Changes in size, shape, or color
- Irregular borders
- Asymmetrical structure
- Uneven or rough surface
- Itching or tenderness
- Bleeding or scabbing
- Darkening or lightening
- Diameter growth over 6 millimeters
Types of moles
A mole, or nevus, is a flat or raised, typically benign skin lesion. There are many types of moles.
In common language, a mole usually refers to a pigmented mole, which comes in three main types:
- Junctional mole: Flat and does not rise above the skin surface.
- Intradermal mole: Raised above the skin surface.
- Compound mole: Slightly raised above the skin surface.
Benign pigmented moles do not need to be removed. For example, moles in friction areas often cause concern when they break or become irritated. However, friction does not increase cancer risk.
A skin tag, or soft fibroma, is a common and benign skin lesion often found on the neck, armpits, eyelids, or other areas where skin rubs together.
Skin tags are small, soft, and often skin-colored or slightly darker. They usually do not cause pain or other symptoms but can be cosmetically bothersome or irritated by friction.
Skin tags are common, especially in middle-aged and older individuals, and their occurrence may be linked to heredity, obesity, or hormonal changes.
A strawberry hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor often seen in newborns or young children. It is bright red and raised, resembling a strawberry.
Strawberry hemangiomas are common and may grow during the first months of life but usually begin to shrink and disappear as the child grows. Medical monitoring is important to assess whether treatment is needed or if it can be left to resolve naturally.
A cherry angioma is a small, round, bright red skin lesion formed by dilated blood vessels. Cherry angiomas are common, especially in adults, and their number may increase with age.
Cherry angiomas are benign and usually asymptomatic but may bleed if injured. Although they are not dangerous, it’s good to confirm with a doctor that the lesion is benign before removal.
Monitoring moles at home
It’s good to monitor and count your moles regularly to notice changes more easily and to know if new moles have appeared, where, and when. Usually, a dangerous mole stands out significantly from normal and harmless moles.
Changes in a mole, such as changes in color, shape, or growth, may indicate malignancy. At home, you can monitor mole changes using the ABCDE method (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving).
When to see a doctor about a mole
A doctor’s visit is recommended if a mole changes rapidly or causes symptoms. In most cases, a physical doctor’s visit is necessary, but an initial assessment can also be done via a remote appointment.
Seek a doctor’s appointment if:
- The mole grows rapidly or changes shape.
- The mole bleeds, itches, or is painful.
- The mole is asymmetrical or has uneven borders.
- The mole is over 6 mm in diameter.
- The mole is new and unusual.
Malignant moles do not usually heal without treatment. Diagnosis is made at a dermatologist’s appointment using a dermatoscope.
Suspicion of a malignant mole requires urgent care, so you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Mole examination
A suspicious mole should be examined by a dermatologist. During the appointment, the dermatologist examines all moles using a dermatoscope, which allows a detailed view of the mole’s structure beneath the surface. Often, the doctor can assess the likelihood of skin cancer based on appearance. A precise diagnosis and treatment are determined by a biopsy of the skin lesion. Mole checks are also performed by mole nurses.
Go for a mole check if:
- The mole is over 6 mm or growing.
- The mole’s color changes or is uneven.
- The mole is asymmetrical or its shape changes.
- A new, rapidly growing mole appears.
- The mole is painful, itchy, oozing, or surrounded by redness.
Mole treatment
Mole treatment depends on the type and any changes. Most moles do not require treatment, but malignant or bothersome moles can be removed surgically. Dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating moles. Plastic surgeons also diagnose and remove moles.
Treatment options:
- Surgical removal
- Laser treatment
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
Preparing for mole removal
- Consultation: Before mole removal, it’s recommended to have a mole check with a mole nurse or doctor. The decision to remove the mole is always made by a doctor, who can also provide individual instructions, such as changes to medication or hygiene.
- Medication: If you use blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin, discuss their use with your doctor before the procedure. In some cases, medication may need to be paused to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Skin cleaning: Clean the skin area where the mole will be removed thoroughly before the procedure. Avoid using creams or makeup on the area on the day of the procedure.
- Preventing infections: Ensure there are no infections, such as rashes or wounds, around the mole to be removed. If the area is inflamed, the procedure may need to be postponed.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable and loose clothing on the day of the procedure to avoid rubbing the area where the mole will be removed. This also makes wound care easier after the procedure.
- Allergy information: Inform your doctor in advance if you have allergies to anesthetics or other medications that may be used during the procedure.
How mole removal proceeds
The doctor reviews the procedure and discusses removal method options with you.
The procedure begins with local anesthesia, which numbs the area. The effect of the anesthesia usually lasts several hours.
The doctor removes the mole using the chosen method. In surgical removal, the mole is excised, and the area is closed with stitches. In laser treatment, the mole is burned off, leaving a superficial open wound. In cryotherapy, the mole is frozen and detaches on its own over several days.
The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes.
After surgical removal, the wound stitches may be self-dissolving or removed 7–14 days later at a nurse’s appointment. After laser treatment, the wound area requires daily rinsing and moisturizing for about a week.
Recovery after mole removal
- Wound care. Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours. After this, rinse the wound daily. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
- Dressing. Use a dressing over the wound if instructed by your doctor. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes dirty.
- Suture care. If the wound is closed with sutures, they are usually removed 7–14 days after the procedure. Your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding suture removal and any follow-up appointments. Self-dissolving sutures do not need to be removed.
- Exercise and sweating. Avoid strenuous activities, such as running or weightlifting, during the first few days. This helps prevent the wound from reopening. Sweating can also irritate the wound and increase the risk of infection.
- Signs of infection. Monitor the wound for redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. These may be signs of infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.
- Scar care. A sutured wound will leave a scar that will fade over time. Use scar treatment products, such as silicone gel, if recommended by your doctor.
- Sun protection. Protect the scar from sunlight by using sunscreen or covering the area with clothing. This prevents the scar from darkening. Sun protection is important for a year, especially while the scar is still red.
- Follow-up. If the removed mole was sent for pathological examination, results are typically available within 1–2 weeks. Your doctor will contact you and inform you if further actions are needed. In some cases, a follow-up appointment may be recommended to ensure proper healing.
- Returning to normal life. Recovery time depends on the removal method and the size of the wound, but most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
Prices for appointments with specialists, such as gynaecologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, orthopaedists and ophthalmologists, can be found in our appointment booking service.
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate includes the Kanta fee and the outpatient fee.| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Appointment with a specialist, 20 min Price per appointment. | from 99,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 129,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 114,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 142,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 172,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 20 min | from 69,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 139,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 30 min | from 74,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 20 min | from 117,70 € Without Kela reimbursement from 147,70 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 20 min | from 112,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 142,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 20 min | from 115,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 145,20 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 30 min | from 134,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 164,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 20 min | from 111,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 141,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 109,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 159,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 60 min Price per appointment. | from 120,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 180,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 45 min | from 138,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 168,80 € |
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Frequently asked questions about moles and mole removal
Moles come in various forms, and their appearance and structure can vary. The most common types are pigmented moles, which are brown or black and can be either flat or raised. Vascular moles appear red and are caused by the dilation of blood vessels.
Some moles are congenital, while others, such as rough and benign skin changes, may appear with age.
Moles can change in many ways over time. Typical changes include growth, darkening, unevenness, or changes in shape. These changes are often harmless, but it is important to monitor moles regularly.
If a mole starts to itch, bleed, become painful, or appear asymmetrical and rough, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Changes can sometimes indicate skin cancer, so early examination is always recommended.
A doctor’s appointment is necessary if a mole changes rapidly or starts causing symptoms. For example, significant changes in shape, color, or size, as well as itching, pain, or bleeding, are signs that should be examined.
If a mole is distinctly different from others, has a diameter greater than 6 mm, or has irregularities, it is important to have it checked. The earlier potential cancer is detected, the better the treatment options.
Mole removal is a common and quick procedure, usually performed under local anesthesia. There are several removal methods: surgical excision, laser treatment, or freezing. The method is chosen based on the type and location of the mole.
In surgical excision, the mole is removed with a scalpel, and the wound is closed with sutures. The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes. The doctor will provide instructions for home wound care. Often, the removed mole is sent to a pathologist for further examination.
A benign mole is symmetrical in shape, has clear edges, and an even color. They usually do not cause symptoms and remain unchanged for years. The diameter is often less than 6 mm.
Melanoma may appear as an asymmetrical mole with irregular edges and varying colors. It may have multiple shades, such as brown, black, reddish, or bluish.
Such a mole may grow, change, itch, or bleed. The ABCDE method is often used to assess malignancy:
A = Asymmetry
B = Border (irregular edges)
C = Color (uneven color)
D = Diameter (greater than 6 mm)
E = Evolving (changing mole)
Other types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and its precursor actinic keratosis.
