Skin moles are one of the most common blemishes that can occur on the skin. Moles form when cells that produce pigment in your skin, called melanin, cluster together in one area, instead of being evenly distributed throughout the skin. Although many moles are harmless, some moles can be a sign of melanoma (a deadly form of skin cancer), or can raise your risks for the future development of cancer or other diseases.
Birth Marks
Congenital nevis are moles that are present at birth on infants, and are classified as a birth mark. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an estimated one percent of all children born are born with at least one congenital nevi. A congenital nevi can cause problems in the future by increasing the risk for melanoma development at a later age. Children with large nevi (taking up 2 percent or more of the skin surface or being larger than the child's palm) may also develop neurocutaneous melanocytosis, a disorder in which melanin and melanocytes are present in the nervous system, potentially causing serious nervous system issues.
Increased Risks for Skin Cancer
The number of occurrences and the size of moles can also cause problems for the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, having more than 20 moles on your body can put you at a greater risk for developing skin cancer. The size of the mole, such as moles larger than 5 millimeters, may also increase your risks for developing skin cancer later in life.
Melanoma Diagnosis
Atypical, or dysplastic moles, are skin blemishes that form from the abnormal growth of melanocyte cells. Atypical moles are different than common moles in that they are not symmetrical, and may also have variants in color. Atypical moles commonly result in a diagnosis for malignant melanoma. Although not all atypical moles are cancerous, atypical moles should be examined by your doctor as soon as possible to insure early intervention if a positive diagnosis occurs.
Psychological Issues
According to the Association for Large Nevi and Related Disorders, moles may not only raise risks for physical issues, but may also cause psychological issues. When moles are large in size or in prominent places on the skin (such as the face), social consequences can be difficult to overcome. This can result in a loss of confidence in oneself, a feeling of displacement from those around you and exposure to cruelty from others.
