According to the Mayo Clinic, moles (nevi) are groups of pigmented cells that typically are black or brown in color. Moles can be found anywhere on the body and can be red, blue, yellow or tan in color. The exact cause and purpose of mole formation is still unclear, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most moles are benign, but it is important to be aware of any changing and atypical moles.
Melanoma
Melanoma refers to a cancerous mole. According to the Mayo Clinic, specific symptoms of melanoma include moles that look abnormal in color, size and shape. Typically, a cancerous skin mole is asymmetrical in shape and has an irregular border. For example, it may take on a ruffled border shape. It can also contain a wide variety of colors. It may be brown in the center but turn red or blue at the edges. Also, a mole that is about 6mm may even grow larger. It is important to inspect your skin to see whether any of your moles are changing over time.
The Mayo Clinic says suspicious mole symptoms include itchiness, scaliness, bleeding or an alteration in the way it feels. For example, it may turn lumpy and hard. Sometimes, melanoma is not even visible. The mole may be on the palm of a hand or sole of a foot. It can be found on your mouth, digestive tract, eyes and even vagina. Melanoma is typically treated with surgical removal, radiation or chemotherapy.
Dysplastic Nevi
The Skin Cancer Foundation says dysplastic nevi, also known as atypical moles, are harmless moles that have the characteristic symptoms of melanoma. Although these moles are harmless, dysplastic nevi sufferers are 12 times more likely to develop melanoma in the future, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. No treatment is necessary for these atypical moles. However, it is important to inspect your skin daily and to wear sunblock to ward off harmful ultraviolet light from the sun.
Other Types
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says other mole types include a congenital mole and an acquired mole. A congenital mole, medically known as a congenital nevus, is present at birth. These moles can be small or massive (greater than 20cm). Larger moles can increase a child's risk of melanoma. Acquired moles develop after birth, says the AAD. Again, a large number of these moles can put you at risk for melanoma. No treatment is needed. See your doctor regularly so he can perform a thorough skin exam.
