Mole

Mole (Dermatology)

A mole is a common type of skin lesion that can occur anywhere on the human body. They are usually brown or black and can appear anywhere on the skin, either alone or in groups.

Description

Most moles appear in early childhood and during the first 30 years of a person's life. It is normal to have between 10-40 moles by adulthood. Some moles might fade or disappear as you age, but not all do. Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. These cells, called melanocytes, make the pigment that gives skin its natural color.

Types of Moles

There are several types of moles, including:

• Congenital moles: These are moles that are present at birth. They are also known as birthmarks.
• Acquired moles: These are moles that appear after birth. They are usually a result of exposure to the sun.
• Atypical moles: These are moles that are larger than normal and have an irregular shape or color. They are also known as dysplastic nevi and can be a risk factor for melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing moles or having them become cancerous, including:

• Having a family history of moles or skin cancer
• Being exposed to the sun or using tanning beds
• Having fair skin, which is less protected against the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays

Treatment

Most moles do not require treatment. However, if a dermatologist believes a mole is cancerous, they may recommend removing it. This can be done through surgical excision or surgical shave.

See Also

• Melanoma
• Skin Cancer
• Dermatology

Mole Resources
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