Understanding Benign Skin Lesions — and When to Be Concerned

Dr Olivia
Nov 2
3 min read

Not every mark on the skin is cancer — in fact, most are benign (non-cancerous).However, because some harmless spots can resemble early skin cancers, it’s important to know the difference between common benign lesions and those that need medical review.

1. Common Benign Skin Lesions

Moles (Melanocytic Naevi)

Moles are clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. They can be flat or raised, light brown to dark brown, and appear anywhere on the body.Most moles develop in childhood or adolescence and remain stable throughout life.

When to monitor: A mole that changes in size, colour, or shape — or one that starts itching or bleeding — should always be checked by your GP.

Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)

Also called “liver spots,” these are flat, brown marks that appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and shoulders. They are caused by years of UV exposure and are not cancerous.

Why they matter: While harmless, they indicate sun damage and an increased lifetime risk of skin cancer. Regular sunscreen use can help prevent new ones.

Cherry Angiomas (Campbell de Morgan Spots)

These are small, bright red or purple spots made up of tiny blood vessels. They are very common after age 30 and can appear anywhere on the body.

When to see your doctor: If a cherry angioma changes colour, bleeds frequently, or grows rapidly, it should be examined to rule out other vascular lesions.

Atypical or Dysplastic Naevi

These moles look different from ordinary ones — they may be larger, have irregular borders, or show uneven colour. While most atypical naevi are benign, they carry a higher risk of turning into melanoma, especially if you have many of them or a family history of skin cancer.

Important: People with multiple atypical moles should have regular full-body skin checks.

2. What Makes a Lesion Dangerous?

Skin cancers — particularly melanomas — can sometimes resemble normal moles or freckles. The following warning signs should prompt an immediate GP or skin specialist review:

The ABCDE Rule

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
B – Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, or notched
C – Colour: Uneven colour with shades of brown, black, red, or blue
D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms (itching, bleeding, crusting)

Additional red flags include:

A sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks
A new spot that looks different from your other moles
A lump or thickened area that grows over time
Pain, itching, or bleeding in a lesion without clear reason

3. When to See Your GP or Skin Cancer Doctor

You should schedule a professional skin check if:

You notice any new or changing lesions
You have many moles or atypical naevi
You have a personal or family history of skin cancer
You are over 40 or have significant sun exposure history

A skin check involves a close examination with a dermatoscope, which helps detect subtle changes invisible to the naked eye. Early assessment can mean simple removal and full cure if a suspicious lesion is found.

Key Message

Most skin lesions are harmless, but only a trained eye can tell the difference between a benign spot and an early skin cancer. Knowing what to look for — and booking regular skin checks — gives you peace of mind and the best chance for early detection.