What is the Meaning of Moles on the Face?

Colored spots on the face can be moles or may be something more sinister. Determining exactly what a spot is absolutely requires examination by a qualified physician and possibly even biopsy of the lesion. This article is meant to describe different lesions which can appear on the face, not to provide diagnosis of any lesion.

What is the meaning of moles on the face?

Some spots on the face have been present since birth and pose no threat. These spots are termed congenital nevi and have no potential to become cancerous. They may grow over the course of a lifetime but they are not deadly. Unfortunately, some spots on the face represent skin cancer, the most deadly of which is melanoma. To consider if a mole is worrisome for melanoma, some basic guidelines have been established to help determine if further diagnosis or treatment is necessary. These have obtained the pneumonic ABCDE.

• Assymetry - moles which are not the same on both sides, in other words are not a mirror image of one side to the other, are worrisome.


• Borders - if the mole has irregular borders, this can be a worrisome sign


• Color - if the mole has many colors in it. A mole which is black is not necessarily bad. If the mole though has black, brown, white, and different shades of these colors in it, that can be worrisome.


• Diameter - worrisome are moles which are greater than 6mm in diameter.


• Elevation/Evolution - a mole which is growing in size or has different elevations above the level of the skin should be evaluated.

While these rules can be applied to melanoma, other types of skin cancers can often be seen as moles. The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. The biggest risk factor for any of these is ultraviolet radiation exposure - either from sun or tanning beds. There are many other risks factors which are beyond the scope of this article. If a mole is changing in size, color, or shape; an unusual growth appears on the skin; you notice a color change on your skin; or you have a sore which won't heal, evaluation by a trained physician with possible biopsy is definitely warranted.

I want to know how to get rid of moles?

The removal of moles depends on exactly what they are. Fortunately, not all moles are cancerous. For moles which are not cancerous, conservative measures can be used to remove unsightly moles for cosmetic reasons. Shaving the skin, clipping the moles, freezing the moles, and some topical medications can be used to remove moles. If the diagnosis of a mole is in question, any biopsy should be sent for pathologic examination. For lesions which proved to be cancerous, more aggressive treatment is necessary. In some cases, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may be necessary in addition to surgery to provide the best chance of cure.

If you have a question about the meaning of moles on the face or anywhere on the body, you should consult an experienced physician. It may be necessary to visit a dermatology and even undergo a biopsy of the mole to determine exactly what it is. The key to survival is early diagnosis.