What are moles?
Moles, also called nevi, are skin growths that often look like dark brown or black spots that are round or oval. Moles can appear anywhere on your skin. Their surfaces can be rough or smooth, flat or raised. They can develop singly or in groups.
Rarely moles can become cancerous. It’s essential to monitor moles and other pigmented patches on your skin routinely. Make an appointment at Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates if a mole grows, changes, or looks unusual.
What causes moles?
Moles develop when melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment that gives your skin its color, grow in clusters instead of spreading out.
Who gets moles?
Most moles develop during childhood and the teen years, but they can develop later in life too. Nearly every adult has 10-40 moles. Because moles tend to last about 50 years, some fade away over time.
What kinds of moles increase your risk of cancer?
Some moles can become cancerous and turn into melanoma. Factors that put you at greater risk of developing melanoma include:
Being born with large moles
Also called congenital nevi, these kinds of moles are present at birth. Large congenital nevi are more than 2 inches, or 5 centimeters, in diameter.
Having many moles
If you have more than 50 moles, you’re at increased risk of melanoma.
Having unusual moles
Also called atypical dysplastic nevi, these moles are irregularly shaped and larger than average. They often have dark brown centers and light, uneven borders.
How do I know if a mole is becoming cancerous?
You must keep an eye on moles so that you notice any changes early. The Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates team recommends doing a monthly exam of your entire body, including the armpits, scalp, and bottoms of your feet.
Use the ABCDE guide to determine if a mole or spot is becoming cancerous:
- A is for asymmetry, with one half of a mole being unlike the other half
- B is for the border, with edges of a mole being scalloped, notched, or irregular
- C is for color, including color changes, uneven color, and many colors
- D is for diameter, with new moles of 6 millimeters (quarter-inch) being a cause for concern
- E if for evolving, which includes changes in size, shape, height, or color
If you should notice any of these conditions, call Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates right away. Their expert team will do an exam and might biopsy the mole to determine if it’s cancerous. They might also simply surgically remove it.
If you’ve noticed anything suspicious about a mole, call Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology Associates today or request an appointment online.
