Which ones need to be removed? | Baby moles

Which ones need to be removed?

In babies, moles usually do not need to be removed. Sometimes moles are removed for cosmetic reasons, but this should be done at a more advanced age. If the color, shape or size of the birthmark changes during the years of life, it should be checked by a doctor.

The doctor may then advise removal of the mole in order to detect any potential malignant degeneration at an early stage. To assess whether a pigmentation mark is malignant, dermatologists apply the so-called ABCDE rule, which can also be used by laypersons as a guide. A stands for asymmetry, B for limitation (rather malignant if limitation is irregular), C for color (multicolored or change in color), D for diameter (diameter wider than 0.5 cm) and E for raisedness.

If one or more criteria are met, the birthmark should be examined for safety reasons. Many moles meet one of the criteria and still there is no skin cancer, so it is not necessary to assume the worst.