Understanding Differences Between Beauty Marks vs Moles - Size, Shape, Color

Understanding the Difference Between Beauty Marks and Moles

Beauty marks and moles are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between these two common skin features. While both develop from clusters of pigmented cells in the skin, beauty marks are generally smaller, smoother, more uniform in color, and considered an attractive facial feature. Moles, on the other hand, can vary greatly in size, shape, color and texture, and some may require medical evaluation.

What Exactly Are Beauty Marks?

Beauty marks, also referred to as facial moles, are concentrated groupings of melanocytes - the skin cells that produce melanin pigment. They are smooth, flat lesions that are usually raised slightly above the surface of the skin. Beauty marks are oval or round in shape, uniform in their brown to black coloring, and generally quite small in size - most are less than 6 millimeters wide (about the diameter of a pencil eraser).

Beauty marks can develop anywhere on the face, but are commonly found on the cheeks, around the eyes, on the forehead, near the lips, and along the jawline. Some people are born with facial beauty marks, while others develop them during childhood or adolescence.

Because of their small, uniform appearance, facial beauty marks are considered an attractive feature by many. Marilyn Monroe, Cindy Crawford, and Sarah Jessica Parker have beauty marks that are central to their public images.

What Are the Characteristics of Moles?

Like beauty marks, moles also develop from clusters of melanocytes in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. However, moles can vary greatly in their appearance compared to uniform beauty marks.

Moles can occur anywhere on the body, including the face. They range significantly in size - from tiny 1 millimeter spots to larger growths 1 centimeter wide or greater. Shapes of moles can also differ, with rounded, oval, square and irregular shapes possible.

Moles have variable coloring, from light tan to dark brown and black. Some moles also have more than one shade of pigment within them. They may be completely flat or slightly raised above the skin. The surface texture can be smooth, rough, or scaly.

The number of moles a person has can range from very few to over 100 across the body. New moles may continue to appear into adulthood.

Causes of Beauty Marks and Moles

Beauty marks and moles have essentially the same cause - clusters of pigment producing cells in the skin. However, doctors don't know definitively why these pigment cells proliferate in certain areas to form beauty marks and moles.

Sun exposure is likely one contributing factor. The sun's UV radiation may trigger melanocytes in the skin to multiply and cluster together, forming moles. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and puberty may also spur mole development.

Genetics play a role as well. People are born with a tendency to develop either very few or many moles. If a parent has multiple moles, their child is more likely to have the same trait.

While the underlying trigger that causes groups of melanocytes to form beauty marks and moles is unknown, these skin growths are very common. It's estimated that more than 80% of fair skinned adults have at least a few moles.

Beauty Marks vs. Atypical Moles

Most beauty marks and moles are benign, meaning not cancerous. However, some moles can be atypical in appearance, which may indicate a higher risk of melanoma. These atypical moles differ from standard beauty marks and moles in several ways:

• Larger size, usually greater than 6 millimeters wide
• Irregular, asymmetric borders
• Varied coloring within the mole
• Inconsistent, uneven texture
• Evolution in size, shape or color over time

Atypical moles require evaluation by a dermatologist. The doctor can assess them for any warning signs of melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Can Beauty Marks Become Cancerous?

Benign beauty marks have a very low risk of becoming malignant. The vast majority will remain unchanged throughout a person's life. However, any new or changing mole warrants medical evaluation. Signs to watch for include:

• Enlarging diameter
• Irregular, fuzzy borders
• Multiple colors within the mark
• Dark black color
• Inflammation or itching
• Bleeding or crusting

These changes may indicate a benign mole is transforming into melanoma. Catching melanoma in its earliest stages gives the best prognosis. Any new or evolving facial mole should be examined promptly by a doctor.

Are Beauty Marks Harmful?

Facial beauty marks themselves are harmless normal skin variants. The vast majority remain unchanged and do not require removal. However, beauty marks can sometimes become irritated by friction against clothing or jewelry. The superficial location also makes them vulnerable to injury.

To prevent irritation of facial beauty marks:

• Avoid wearing collars or necklaces that rub frequently against the area
• Use sun protection regularly to prevent sunburn
• Be gentle when applying cosmetics nearby
• Use caution when shaving to avoid nicking the surface

If a beauty mark does become irritated, apply antibiotic ointment and avoid further trauma to allow it to heal. See a dermatologist if irritation persists.

Removing Unwanted Beauty Marks

Though considered desirable by many, some people prefer to have facial beauty marks removed for cosmetic or medical reasons. Several options exist:

• Excision - The mark is cut away with a scalpel or scissors, then the skin edges stitched together.
• Cryosurgery - Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and destroy the tissue.
• Laser Therapy - Laser light destroys the pigment.
• Chemical Peels - Acids remove the top skin layers to get rid of the mark.
• Dermabrasion - A wire brush sands away the outer skin.

The method chosen depends on the beauty mark's characteristics and location. Talk to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to decide which procedure is optimal. Multiple treatments are usually required for complete removal.

Can Moles Turn into Beauty Marks?

It is uncommon for an existing mole to transform into a facial beauty mark. However, moles can sometimes be surgically modified to achieve a beauty mark appearance. This involves removing the mole, then repigmenting the area in a small, uniform round or oval shape to emulate a natural beauty mark.

Cosmetic mole modification is a delicate process requiring an experienced dermatologic surgeon. Not all moles are suitable candidates for conversion into simulated beauty marks.

An alternative option is getting a synthetic beauty mark tattoo. This produces a uniform pigmented spot that looks like a natural beauty mark. Temporary stick-on beauty marks are also available for short-term use.

Evaluating Moles for Signs of Melanoma

While most moles are non-threatening, it's important to monitor them regularly for any changes that may signal melanoma. Experts recommend periodically checking your moles for the ABCDEs of melanoma:

Asymmetry - One half is unlike the other half. Borders - Irregular, blurred edges. Color - Multiple shades, often blackening. Diameter - Larger than 6mm width. Evolving - Changes in any traits.

Use a mirror for hard to see areas, or have a partner inspect your back. Photograph moles to compare changes over time. Seek prompt medical evaluation if you notice any ABCDE signs, or if a mole is bleeding, itching or painful.

When to See a Dermatologist About Moles

Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if you notice any of the following changes in a mole:

• Diameter expanding, especially over 2-3 months
• New black or blue-black coloring
• Bleeding, itching, redness or soreness
• Irregular, fuzzy, scalloped borders
• Inflammation of skin near the mole
• Oozing or crusting on the surface
• A bumpy, raised surface

Also make an appointment to have new moles evaluated, especially if they appear after age 40. Have multiple moles screened every few years to look for signs of skin cancer.

Warning Signs of Melanoma

Catching melanoma in its earliest stages offers the best chance for effective treatment. Be vigilant for these melanoma warning signs:

• New moles in adulthood, especially after age 50
• Asymmetry, uneven shape
• Irregular, blurred, scalloped or notched borders
• Varied colors - tan, brown, black
• Large diameter, over 6mm
• Rapid increase in size
• Changes over weeks or months
• Elevated surface
• Crusting or bleeding

See a doctor immediately if you notice a new suspicious mole, or changes in an existing one. Photographs can help the dermatologist determine if atypical changes have developed over time.

How Dermatologists Diagnose Melanoma

Dermatologists have several techniques to determine if a suspicious mole is melanoma or not:

• Visual Inspection - The ABCDE characteristics are evaluated.
• Digital Imaging - High resolution photos look at mole traits.
• Dermatoscopy - Magnification sees under the surface.
• Biopsy - Removal of all or part of the mole for lab testing.

After numbing the area, the doctor uses a surgical blade to shave off cells or extract a small cylindrical core sample. A pathologist examines the mole under a microscope to make an accurate diagnosis.

Mole Removal Precautions

Its best to leave mole removal to the professionals. Attempting do-it-yourself mole removal can lead to permanent scarring, bleeding, infection and missed cases of melanoma. Home removal methods to avoid include:

• Picking, cutting or shaving with razors
• Applying creams or acidic products
• Using a hot needle or cauterizing pen
• Tying string or rubber bands around them
• Attempting to burn them off

Rather than risking damage, see a dermatologist for safe, effective mole removal. They can examine the mole first to make sure it is benign before treatment.

When Are Moles a Sign of Increased Cancer Risk?

The vast majority of moles are harmless, but having multiple moles can modestly increase melanoma risk. Heres when abundant moles may be a warning sign:

• More than 50 common moles
• 5 or more atypical moles
• Moles in hard to see locations
• Family history of melanoma
• Fair complexion that burns easily
• A weakened immune system
• Considerable sun exposure

People meeting these criteria should have a full body mole screening by a dermatologist every year and perform regular self-checks for new or changing moles.

Can Moles Become Cancerous?

Moles themselves dont become cancerous, but rather melanoma arises within an existing mole in some cases. Estimates range widely, but 5% to 50% of melanomas are believed to develop from preexisting moles.

The most common moles to undergo cancerous changes are:

• Congenital moles - Present at birth
• Dysplastic nevi - Atypical, irregular moles
• Giant moles - Larger than 6mm

However, any mole that exhibits irregularities, changes, or ABCDE traits of melanoma should be evaluated promptly by a doctor.

Can Cancerous Moles Spread?

The risk of a cancerous mole spreading depends on how deeply it has invaded into the skin layers. Melanoma becomes more dangerous once it grows down into the dermis, below the top epithelial layer.

If caught when melanoma is still confined to the epidermis, surgical removal is usually curative. But if it extends deeper, cancer cells can reach lymph vessels and blood vessels. This enables melanoma to spread (metastasize) to other organs.

Melanoma most often spreads first to nearby lymph nodes, but can also metastasize distantly to the lungs, liver, brain and bones. Advanced melanoma has a poor prognosis, highlighting the importance of early detection.

Can Moles Return After Removal?

Recurrence of a mole is uncommon after appropriate surgical removal, but can sometimes happen. Reasons include:

• Incomplete removal leaving residual mole cells behind
• Development of a new mole nearby
• Hidden extension of cells deeper than was apparent
• Cancerous cells spreading prior to mole removal

To minimize recurrence risk, dermatologists take a margin of healthy skin around the mole to ensure complete removal. For atypical moles or melanoma, a wide local excision is performed to prevent residual cancerous cells.

Monitor the site after mole removal and notify your doctor if you notice any new growth or suspicious changes developing nearby.

Preventing Moles and Melanoma

While moles themselves are harmless, some precautions can help minimize your melanoma risk:

• Avoid excessive sun exposure
• Apply broad spectrum sunscreen daily
• Get regular skin cancer screenings
• Perform routine self-exams of moles
• See a dermatologist for changing moles
• Consider mole mapping photos to track changes
• Avoid tanning beds, which emit high UV levels

Also, teach children about sun safety to reduce their melanoma risk as adults. Protecting your skin from youth onward helps deter mole development and potential skin cancers.

Can You Prevent Moles from Forming?

There is no absolute way to prevent moles from forming, because their cause remains unknown. However, you can reduce your risk of developing excessive moles and minimize sun damage to existing moles:

• Use broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
• Wear UV blocking clothes like hats and long sleeves
• Stay in the shade during peak sun hours
• Avoid indoor tanning, which emits intense UV light
• Have existing moles monitored by a dermatologist

While new moles may still arise, diligent sun protection helps deter the proliferation of melanocyte cells in the skin that leads to mole formation.

Can Moles Be Removed to Prevent Melanoma?

Removing moles that show no signs of malignancy is not necessary for cancer prevention in most cases. Exceptions include giant congenital moles and patients with dysplastic nevus syndrome.

For the average person with common moles, routine screening by a dermatologist is more important than prophylactic removal. Photograph

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.