Most moles are completely harmless. However, in medicine, we look for a handful of attributes on moles to distinguish between the benign and malignant (i.e. cancerous) ones. When any abnormalities on a mole are identified, a doctor may order a biopsy, to get a conclusive result on the diagnosis. You should see a doctor right away if your mole shows characteristics of: Irregular shape (asymmetry). undefined outer edges (no clear borders). Deep darkness or varied colours, especially black or red tones. Diametre of 5 millimetres or more. Changing shape, height, circumference, colour, behaviour (oozing, bleeding, itching) or otherwise. To help patients identify dangerous moles, the medical community often makes the above list easy to remember with the mnemonic device of: “A.B.C.D.E.” Those letters stand for: “Asymmetry, Borders, Colour, Diametre, Evolving.” You should be checking your entire body regularly for new moles, and for the status of existing moles. Don’t forget your scalp, behind your ears and the palms of feet - everywhere. That goes especially if you have a family history of melanoma, or grow many moles frequently (e.g. more than 5 dysplastic nevi on your whole body, including areas not exposed to the sun, like the buttocks). Please see a doctor right away if you think your mole is developing any of the above features, even if you’re not completely sure. If you visit our clinic for cosmetic mole removal, and at that time we determine your mole may be melanoma, or a precursor to it, we will initiate a biopsy before performing treatments on you. If our assumption turns out to be correct, we will ask you to see your family doctor or use our own MSP-covered clinic for further treatment. Please see more on our website.