When to Initiate Referral
- If a patient has had a dysplastic nevus, a history of melanoma, or if there is a positive family history of either in 1st degree relative
- Sudden or worrisome mole changes
- Size, shape, or color
- Development of persistent symptoms
- Itching, pain or bleeding
- If a lesion has been biopsied or removed and needs further evaluation (please include a copy of the pathology report with referral)
Treatment Basics
- It is normal to develop new moles in childhood and early adolescence. Moles may enlarge around puberty.
- It is normal to see uniform growth or thickening of moles with overall growth of a child.
- Congenital moles (moles presenting at birth or during infancy) are typically larger than acquired moles and may thicken and/or develop hair over time.