Summarize:

This can help you monitor for new mole growth. You also should watch for discoloration or growth of old moles. If you have more than 100 moles, you are a higher risk for skin cancer. You should make an appointment with a dermatologist. Before you even consider removing a mole, you should know the type of mole and its symptoms. Some moles can be safe to remove, while others are not. Atypical mole Atypical moles, or dysplastic moles, can look suspicious in color and size. They can sometime be larger than an eraser head, have an odd shape, or have many colors. If you have this type of mole, consult your doctor to be sure it is not cancerous. Congenital mole This is the type of mole you are born with. Roughly, 1 in 100 people are born with moles. They can range in size from tiny (size of a pin head) to giant (larger than a pencil eraser). Doctors suspect that people born with giant moles are at a higher risk for skin cancer. Spitz nevus This mole looks pink, raised, and dome shaped. It often looks like melanoma. It may ooze. It may itch or bleed. These are uncommon and mostly benign. Acquired Mole This term means moles that are acquired after birth. These are often called common moles. A common way to do so is to remember the "ABCD" rule. If you suspect that you have melanoma, seek medical attention immediately. Asymmetry The mole looks uneven, or one side does not match the other in size, shape, or color. Border that is irregular The mole has ragged, blurred, or uneven edges. Color that is uneven The mole has multiple shades, including black, brown, tan, or blue. Diameter The mole is large in diameter (typically around inch wide). Evolving The mole changes size, shape, and/or color in weeks or months time.
Perform a self-skin check. Count your moles. Recognize different mole types. Identify melanoma symptoms.