Moles are common, usually harmless, skin growths that develop due to an overgrowth of melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells. Moles, or nevi, typically form during childhood and adolescence , but new moles can appear in adulthood. Although most moles are noncancerous, or benign, the development of a new mole or sudden changes to existing moles in an adult can be a sign of melanoma.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Melanocytes contain a pigment that gives moles their distinctive coloring. Moles can be benign or cancerous. Cancerous moles, such as melanomas, develop as a result of genetic mutations.
The exact cause of benign moles remains unknown. Common moles can appear at birth or later in childhood. These moles usually appear on areas of the skin that a person exposes to sunlight.
A common mole typically has a round, symmetrical appearance with a smooth surface and a defined border. Common moles are relatively small, measuring less than 5 millimeters mm in diameter.
These moles rarely develop into cancer. However, people who have more than 50 common moles may have a higher chance of developing melanoma, according to the National Institutes of Health NIH. They will never be a threat to the health of the person.
Spots or blemishes that warrant medical concern are those that do something out of the ordinary — those that act differently from other existing moles. This includes any spot that changes in size, shape, color, bleeds, itches, becomes painful, or moles that appear when a person is past twenty. If you notice a mole that does not follow the normal patterns, a dermatologist may be able to assure you that the mole is harmless, or confirm that it is cancerous.
He or she may remove the mole or part of it biopsy to study it under a microscope. This is a simple and harmless procedure. If the growth was only partially removed and it is found to be cancerous, then the entire lesion and an extra margin of safety will need to be removed. A person may wish to get rid of moles that are irritating them, or simply because they are unattractive.
The most common methods of removal include numbing and shaving the mole off, or cutting out the entire lesion and stitching the area closed. Sometimes a mole will recur after it is removed.
If a mole has been removed and begins to reappear, the patient should return to the dermatologist. Irritation will not cause a mole to become cancerous, but a person might want to have moles that are frequently shaved over removed because they are annoying.
Some moles with hairs are considered unattractive. Moles can also be excised cut out and stitched together to remove the mole and the hair. Moles may be made less noticeable if they are disguised with makeup.
Cosmetics specifically designed to cover blemishes provide more complete coverage than ordinary cosmetics. Most moles cause no problems. But occasionally a mole may be unattractive, annoying, or changing. To find a doctor in your area, call and our representatives will connect you with a TopLine MD physician. Beauty Mark or Worry?
A trusted dermatologist is closer than you think. Find a Dermatology Provider. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email. Related Posts. June 8th, July 27th, 0 Comments. July 10th, 0 Comments. It is important to keep an eye on all moles. Detecting malignant moles in early stages of growth can help catch skin cancers, like:. When monitoring your moles, look for color, shape and size. These are some of the most common triggers for spotting an abnormal mole.
Summertime in Michigan is all about being outside and enjoying the sun. However, it is very important to protect your skin. This is the number one way to prevent skin cancer.
I suggest starting every day — no matter the season — with a face lotion that includes SPF. Additionally, if you are going to spend any time in the sun, make sure to apply sunscreen regularly! Some tips for selecting and applying sunscreen are:.
If caught early enough, surgery to remove malignant moles may be the only treatment you need. If you find yourself in a situation where you need treatment for cancer, trust the experts at Bronson. The multidisciplinary team offers care and support every step of the way, so you can get you back to enjoying the things you love most.
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