Moles

Skin moles, medically known as nevi, are common growths on the skin that typically appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigmented cells. Moles are a ubiquitous skin feature, with most people having between 10 to 40 moles somewhere on their skin. These moles can develop during childhood or over time due to factors such as sun exposure, which influences their number and appearance.

Moles vary significantly in their characteristics. They can appear anywhere on the skin, in various shapes and sizes, and can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some may have hair growing from them. While most moles are harmless and benign, some may develop into melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. It’s essential to monitor moles for changes that might indicate malignancy, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, changes in color, diameter enlargement, or evolving over time.

The ABCDE guide is a useful tool for assessing moles: Asymmetry (one half is unlike the other half), Border (irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined), Color (varies from one area to another), Diameter (larger than 6mm, although melanomas can be smaller), and Evolving (looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color).

Most moles are benign and require no treatment. However, if a mole becomes bothersome or shows signs of melanoma, a dermatologist can remove it through various methods such as surgical excision or laser removal. Regular skin checks, both self-examinations and professional evaluations, are vital for early detection and management of any potential issues related to moles.