Why Mole Evaluation Matters
Most adults have between 10 and 40 moles, and the vast majority are completely harmless. But some moles can develop into melanoma—the most dangerous form of skin cancer. When caught early, melanoma has a 5-year survival rate above 99%. When caught late, that number drops dramatically.
Living in southern Utah means more sun exposure year-round, which increases the risk of skin changes. Regular mole evaluations are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself. If you've noticed a new mole, a mole that's changing, or anything that just doesn't look right, it's worth having it checked.
At St. George Dermatology, we perform thorough mole evaluations using dermoscopy—a specialized magnification tool that lets us see structures beneath the skin surface that aren't visible to the naked eye.
The ABCDE Warning Signs
Use these guidelines to monitor your moles at home between professional evaluations.
A
Asymmetry
One half of the mole doesn't match the other. Normal moles are typically symmetrical.
B
Border
Edges are irregular, ragged, blurred, or notched rather than smooth and well-defined.
C
Color
The mole has uneven color—shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue within a single mole.
D
Diameter
The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
E
Evolving
The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation, or developing new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting. Any change is worth evaluating.
Evaluation Methods
Visual Examination
A thorough head-to-toe skin check by a trained dermatologist looking for any moles or lesions that appear unusual.
Dermoscopy
A handheld magnification device with polarized light that reveals subsurface patterns invisible to the naked eye, greatly improving diagnostic accuracy.
Biopsy
If a mole looks suspicious, we remove a small tissue sample and send it to a lab for microscopic analysis. Results typically return within a week.
Monitoring & Mapping
For patients with many moles or elevated risk factors, we can track moles over time to detect subtle changes early.
What to Expect
1
Health History Review
We discuss your personal and family history of skin cancer, sun exposure habits, and any moles that concern you.
2
Full Skin Examination
Your dermatologist performs a comprehensive visual inspection with dermoscopy, examining each mole for warning signs.
3
Biopsy If Needed
If a mole appears suspicious, we perform a quick, minimally invasive biopsy right in the office. The area is numbed first.
4
Results & Next Steps
We review lab results with you and discuss next steps—whether that's monitoring, removal, or referral if further treatment is needed.