Preparing for your appointment By Mayo Clinic Staff Print If you have a mole that concerns you, your family doctor can usually let you know if it's normal or needs further investigation. He or she may then refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist) for diagnosis and treatment. It's a good idea to arrive for your appointment well prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready. What you can do List any changes you've noticed or any new symptoms you're experiencing. Include any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. Bring a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking. If you've had a melanoma or a mole removed in the past, note the location of the lesion and the date of removal. If you have the biopsy report, bring it with you. Don't wear makeup or opaque nail polish to your appointment. These products make it difficult for your doctor to perform a thorough exam. List questions to ask your doctor. For moles, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Do you think this mole might be cancerous? What's the most appropriate course of action? How can I tell if a mole needs to be looked at? Can I prevent more moles from developing? Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend? In addition to the questions that you've prepared, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as: When did you first notice this mole? Have you always had it, or is it new? Have you noticed any changes in this mole, such as its color or shape? Have you had other moles surgically removed in the past? If so, do you know if they were unusual (atypical nevi) or malignant? Do you have a family history of atypical nevi, melanoma or other cancers? Have you had peeling sunburns or frequent exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such as from tanning beds? Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Feb. 18, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Atypical nevus. AskMayoExpert. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Congenital melanocytic nevi (child). AskMayoExpert. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Melanoma. AskMayoExpert. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Office of Patient Education. How to recognize melanoma (Skin cancer). Mayo Clinic; 2016. Argenziano G, et al. Twenty nevi on the arms: A simple rule to identify patients younger than 50 years of age at higher risk for melanoma. European Journal of Cancer Prevention. 2014; doi:10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000053. Sun protection. Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection. Accessed Oct. 8, 2021. Wise J. Number of moles could predict breast cancer risk. BMJ. 2014;348:g3739. http://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g3739.full.print? Accessed Oct. 6, 2017. What does a mole look like? National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/prevention/skin/molephotos. Accessed Oct. 8, 2021. Hawryluk EB, et al. Pediatric melanoma, moles, and sun safety. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2014; doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2013,11.004. Sunscreen FAQS. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen#.UbdQaJzm9lP. Accessed Oct. 8, 2021. Dinulos JGH. Nevi and malignant melanoma. In Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Oct. 8, 2021. High WA, et al., eds. Special considerations in skin of color. In: Dermatology Secrets. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Oct. 8, 2021. Moles. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/moles-overview. Accessed Oct. 11, 2021. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Nov. 9, 2021. MolesSymptoms & causesDiagnosis & treatmentDoctors & departments Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20375185 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Moles