Moles are growths on the skin caused by skin cells, called melanocytes, growing in a cluster with tissue surrounding them. They are very common; most people have between 10 and 40 moles. Moles can be flat or raised, round, or oval. Their coloring will appear as light to dark brown spots on the skin. People can develop new moles occasionally, usually until about age 40. Most people have benign moles, which are harmless.
Dysplastic Nevi
Doctors call moles “nevi,” and one mole is a “nevus.” According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 10 percent of people have an unusual, or atypical, mole. These are known as dysplastic nevi. These moles should be checked regularly by a doctor if they become different in any way; for example, change in color, outline, or size. It is believed that these atypical moles have a greater chance of developing into skin cancer, or melanoma, than ordinary moles.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer, which begins with the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells. These cells, or melanocytes, will grow and divide without control, and can invade and destroy normal cells. These abnormal cells will then form a growth, or tumor, on the skin. The National Cancer Institute has specified risk factors for developing melanoma that you should be aware of. They include family or personal history of melanoma, atypical moles, weakened immune system, more than 50 ordinary moles, UV radiation, severe sunburns, freckles, and fair skin.
Removal and Treatment of Moles
If a doctor suspects melanoma, a biopsy might be taken and tested for cancer cells. If the mole is cancerous, it should be removed. There are two ways to remove moles: One is shave excision, in which the area around the mole will be numbed and a small blade will be used to cut around and beneath the mole; sutures are not required. The other is excisional surgery, in which the mole and surrounding area of skin will be cut out with a scalpel or sharp punch device; sutures are required in this method.
Warning Signs of Melanoma
It is important to recognize the warning signs of melanoma. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you should be aware of the ABCDEs of Melanoma: A=Asymmetry, meaning the two halves of the mole do not match; B=Border, meaning the borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven; C=Color, and a variety of colors could appear; even red or blue; D=Diameter, meaning that melanomas are usually larger in diameter than the size of a pencil eraser; E=Evolving, meaning that any change or new symptom points to a warning sign.
Be Aware of Changes
It’s always best to catch any potential problem at an early stage. Watch for changes on your skin. Examine moles carefully and often, at least once a month, for any changes that might be significant. Melanoma is highly curable if detected early. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average five-year survival rate for individuals whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 99 percent.
