How can you tell the difference between a mole, wart and melanoma?

Many growths or changes to your skin can look similar at first glance, often making it difficult to determine whether something is harmless or requires medical attention. Whilst in lots of cases warts and moles are benign, recognising changes early is important.

What is a mole?

A mole (naevus) is a common skin growth made up of clusters of pigment-producing cells, with most people having around 40 to 50 by adulthood. Moles can be either flat or raised, but they do have some common features that make them recognisable; for instance, they are usually brown, tan or black. Typically they’re round (or oval), symmetrical, smaller than 6mm and smooth-edged.

Whilst some moles may become raised with age or fade, many will remain unchanged throughout life. Therefore, a mole that starts to change in appearance should always be checked.

What is a wart?

Warts, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), are contagious and spread through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated surfaces. Unlike moles, they are not pigmented skin cells; they’re often rough, grainy and raised above the skin. They tend to be white, grey or flesh-coloured and, in some cases, may also be covered in tiny black dots, which are visible clotted blood cells.

Warts can appear anywhere on your body, but you’ll most likely discover them on your hands, fingers and feet. Whilst they can sometimes resemble other skin growths, warts are caused by a viral infection and have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes. Whilst many moles are harmless, it’s important to stay vigilant as melanoma can sometimes develop within an existing mole or appear as a new mark on the skin. Although melanoma accounts for a smaller proportion of skin cancers, it does cause the majority of skin cancer deaths because it can spread if left untreated.

This is why if you’ve spotted any changes to a mole’s size, shape or colour, this should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

The ABCDE rule

Melanoma often begins as a new mole or a change in an existing mole. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for spotting early signs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other
• Border: edges become irregular, blurred or jagged
• Colour: multiple colours or uneven colouring
• Diameter: usually larger than 6mm (however, they can still be smaller, especially in the earlier stages)
• Evolution: the spot changes in size, shape, colour, or begins itching, bleeding or crusting

Understanding the differences between a mole, a wart, and a melanoma is crucial as it can help you recognise warning signs. However, only a medical professional can give you an accurate diagnosis. If you’re unsure or have any concerns, our Skin Check service at SKINSCAR offers a comprehensive examination and assessment completed by our skin experts.