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Red Moles

The red mole is also known as a cherry angioma and at first sight it might seem like a serious medical problem. However, unlike other types of moles, these red ones are benign and they do not pose any threat to a person’s health. Keep in mind that red moles are not a sign of cancer and they most commonly indicate that the skin is aging. While moles in general are formed out of skin tissue (with melatonin as primary component), red moles consist of an accumulation of blood vessels. They are known as Campbell de Morgan spots in the medical literature.

Red moles can appear on any part of the human body but they have a tendency to be more numerous on the thorax. There is no gender predisposition and, as for age, it seems that people over 30 years develop them. Just like with regular moles, red moles can be quite different from one person to the other. Their size might range from small to big and their color might vary from fading to bright red. The growth of a red mole is appreciated in terms of width and diameter. Sometimes, at a closer look, one can notice that the red moles consist of clusters of blood vessels.

If you are worried that your red mole might turn into a cancerous one, it is important to look for other signs, besides the color. The features you should be checking are: symmetry (asymmetrical moles present a high risk for cancer), borders (irregular borders – sign of malignancy) and diameter (large and still growing mole – malignant).

Causes of Red Moles

These are the most probable causes that lead to the appearance of red moles:

Living in a sunny, warm climate
Frequent and prolonged exposure to the sun
Genetic predisposition/inheritance
Pregnancy
Exposure to harmful substances or chemicals
Aging
Malignancy.

Treatment

If the red mole does not suffer any modifications, then the doctor might decide not to treat it. However, in case of modified or large red moles, these are the most common courses of treatment undertaken for red moles:

Surgical removal

Often performed for biopsy reasons – to determine whether the mole is benign or malignant
Especially recommended if the red mole is bleeding or if it has been subjected to any kind of trauma.

Electrosurgery

Cautery is one of the most often chosen methods of treatment for red moles
By using this method, the doctor practically burns the red mole.

Cryotherapy

Red moles can be easily removed with the aid of cryotherapy
By using this method, the doctor practically freezes the red mole, the removal process being quite easy afterwards.

Laser

One of the easiest methods to treat the red mole
Easy procedure and better recovery

Shave excision

Recommended in case of smaller red moles
Higher risk of scarring.

Removal

Many people are interested in removing their red moles because of aesthetic reasons. The methods available for removal have already been presented. In the paragraphs below, you will find however a detailed explanation of each procedure used for removal.

Surgical removal

The surgeon will prepare the area by applying iodine or other disinfectants
The procedure is done by using local anesthetic
The surgeon will use a scalpel to resect the red mole all at once and he will then keep a part of it for biopsy analysis
Depending on how big the red mole was, a suture might be necessary
For the last part, the doctor will apply a dressing with antibiotic ointment in order to prevent secondary infections.

Electrosurgery

The surgeon will prepare the area by applying iodine or other disinfectants
The procedure is done by using local anesthetic
Using a small probe, the surgeon will burn the red mole with the help of electric current
Because this procedure involves the usage of electric current, the surgeon will also place a lap on another part of your body, in order to protect you from the electricity
A sterile dressing will be applied after the procedure has ended.

Cryosurgery

The surgeon will freeze the red mole by using liquid nitrogen
This is one of the simplest and quickest removal procedures, as the red mole does not withstand extreme cold temperatures
Basically, the surgeon will spray the liquid nitrogen onto the red mole and the results are going to appear almost instantly
This procedure guarantees faster recovery time
Less chance of infection.

Laser

Removal is performed with the help of pulsed dye laser
The red mole is practically destroyed with the aid of the extreme heat
Quick removal, no need to spend time in the hospital
May require more than one session for complete removal (most patients require between one and three laser surgery sessions)
The recently operated area might appear as if bruised; however, in the following days after the laser removal, the bruising will subside.

Shave excision

The surgeon will prepare the area by applying iodine or other disinfectants
The procedure is done by using local anesthetic
Using a scalpel, the surgeon will remove the red mole in several stages. Basically, he will take the red mole and cut layer by layer.
Less invasive than complete cutting
As opposed to regular removal, the shave excision does not require sutures or stitches to keep the wound closed
A sterile dressing will be applied after the procedure has ended.

In conclusion, red moles are benign growths on the skin and they do not pose any risk to transform into cancer. However, they may cause discomfort, especially if they are located in areas where there is a lot of friction. If you keep on rubbing the red mole on the collar of your shirt, then perhaps it might be for the best to pay your doctor a visit and discuss about your options for removal. Once the red moles are removed, they do not come back.