For yet unclear reasons, pigment-producing cells often grow in clusters in certain areas of your skin, producing the all too familiar lesions known as moles. Moles may appear pink, tan or brown. They equally vary in shape, size, thickness and texture. According to MedlinePlus, most people have between 10 and 40 moles. Harmless in most cases, they become significant when tied to skin cancer risk.
Congenital Moles
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that some moles occur in about 1 percent of all individuals. These moles, known as congenital nevi, typically remain throughout a person's life, unless they are removed. They can vary in size from a few inches in diameter to enormous giant nevi that cover large areas of the body. An example is the "bathing-trunk nevus," a mole that typically extends from the buttocks to the lower back. Congenital nevi are significant in that the giant type carries an increased risk of skin cancer, says University College's dermatologist Johnny Bourke.
Acquired Moles
Most moles appear long after birth. Although most of these acquired moles ultimately disappear with time, their relationship with a skin cancer type called melanoma is significant. Indeed, as Bourke points out, some of the risk factors involved in acquired moles and melanomas are similar. For instance, excessive sun exposure during childhood often leads to larger-than-expected numbers of moles and also appears to increase the risk of melanoma. Additionally, having more than 50 to 100 acquired moles is a risk factor for melanoma, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Atypical Moles
Atypical or dysplastic moles are simply "funny-looking" moles. According to MedlinePlus, they occur in one out of 10 people. They differ from ordinary moles in many ways. For instance, they are often bigger, with poorly defined borders. As the American Academy of Dermatology notes, their color is usually uneven. They may also partially protrude above the skin surface. Atypical moles are significant in that they have a greater tendency to develop into malignant melanoma than common moles. The risk is particularly great for those with a family history of melanoma, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information.
Warning Signs
Moles are not a form of cancer, but they can harbor developing melanomas. That's why self-examination and periodic visits to your doctor are essential. This is particularly true if melanomas run in your family, or if you have large numbers of moles. Warning signs to watch for include enlargement, irregular borders, darkening, itching, pain, bleeding, uneven color changes, broken skin or an open sore. Signs of inflammation, such as redness, heat, swelling and pain, are also red flags. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you seek medical attention if you notice any of the above in a mole.
Treatment
Moles do not usually require treatment unless your doctor suspects skin cancer. You may also decide to have it removed for cosmetic reasons. As Bourke notes, treatment options depend on the specific characteristics of a mole. Many dermatologists use surgical excision, which involves cutting out a mole's full depth and suturing the skin with stitches. Alternatively, the wound may be burn-sutured. Other options include shaving a mole off with a surgical blade or performing laser surgery.
References
- MedlinePlus: Moles
- Merck Manual of Medical Information: Moles
- "Mosby's Color Atlas and Text of Dermatology;" Johnny Bourke, M.D.; 2007
- American Academy of Dermatology: Moles
