Ask An Expert: New Moles in Young Adult

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Ask An Expert: New Moles in Young Adult

Question:

I am 23 years old. Within the last year I have started growing moles on my face and breast. Is it normal for moles to start occurring at my age, or should I be worried they might be cancerous?

Answer:

Moles normally appear after the first six months to a year after birth, increase in number during the second and third decades, and decrease during the sixth and seventh decades. Although the development of new moles can be a normal event, it is important to have your moles checked by a doctor to make certain that they are normal. Atypical moles can sometimes develop into melanoma, a deadly skin cancer.

There are certain changes that can signal an atypical mole. These are often referred to as the ABCDE changes:

A: Asymmetry (one side of the mole looks different from the other side)

B: Border irregularities

C: Color changes (a dark color or different colors)

D: Diameter (a diameter as large as a pencil eraser or larger)

E: Evolution. Any new or changing mole should be checked

Skin checkups are important. Have your moles checked by your doctor or dermatologist to be safe.

Rebecca Campen, M.D., J.D. is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School and former Deputy Director of the Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital Cutaneous Biology Research Center (CBRC). She currently serves as Senior Advisor to the CBRC and divides her time between clinical practice of dermatology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and private practice in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Campen is the author of two books for medical students and residents, Going Into Medical Practice and Blueprints in Dermatology.

Last updated:	March 29, 2007
Reviewed By:	Faculty of Harvard Medical School