Skin Cancer Mole Pictures

Everyone has small spots of pigmentation on their skin. Typically these are "normal" or at least not cause of concern. Some moles are irregular in their overall composition (shape, color, texture, size and quantity) and may be a cause of concern. Many doctors and cancer researchers feel these Dysplastic Nevi may develop into the skin cancer known as Melanoma.

Below are some pictures of normal moles and of Dysplastic Nevi. If you identify an irregular mole, seek the professional opinion of a doctor.

Regular Mole (color) The moles in this picture have what is considered a normal coloration. They are uniform and many people should expect to find these somewhere on their skin.
Dysplastic Nevi (color) The moles in this picture are considered Dysplastic Nevi because they are irregular in color. Some individual moles in this picture do not have a uniform color, having deeper color in the center and lighter on the edges. This could be a sign of a Dysplastic Nevi and should be examined by a medical professional.
Regular Mole (Shape) Round or oval, with a distinct edge that separates the mole from the rest of the skin.
Dysplastic Nevi (Shape) Have irregular, sometimes notched edges. May fade into the skin around it. The flat portion of the mole may be level with the skin.
Regular Mole (Surface) Begin as flat, smooth spots on skin (1a); may become raised (1b) and form a smooth bump (1c).
Dysplastic Nevi (Surface) May have a smooth, slightly scaly, or rough, irregular, "pebbly" appearance.

These are just some examples of possible signs that a mole may be an early sign, or risk factor, in developing skin cancer. Other factors include large moles (larger than 1/4 inch) or large numbers of moles in a location on the body. Just because you have a mole, skin cancer is not certain. It is important however to monitor irregular moles and look for the emergence of new ones as a frontline defence in the early identification of skin cancer.