A mole, medically known as a nevus, occurs when skin cells (melanocytes) grow in a cluster. Moles or nevi are typically black or brown but can darken over time due to sun exposure or pregnancy. They can be flat or slightly raised and appear on the body part as a single mole or cluster. While most moles appear during childhood and adolescence, they sometimes grow in adulthood and throughout life. Most moles Saddle River are harmless, but some types can increase your risk of melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer. Below are types of moles that increase your risk of melanoma.
Atypical mole
Atypical moles or dysplastic nevi are abnormal-looking moles; they are larger than common moles, have an odd shape, and show tan, brown, red, and pink mixes. They are not melanoma, but these moles increase your risk of melanoma. Your risk of developing melanoma is higher if you have four or more atypical moles, a family history of melanoma, or previously had melanoma. Atypical moles can appear anywhere on your body but are common on the trunk. You can also locate them on your scalp or neck. Rarely do they appear on the face. At first glance, it might be difficult to differentiate an atypical mole from a normal mole, but there are warning signs to help you.
One is asymmetry; most melanomas are asymmetrical, meaning the two halves do not match. They appear in different round or oval common moles. Atypical moles also tend to have irregular borders and may have scalloped or notched edges. The diameter of a new atypical mole is usually about six millimeters. These moles also tend to change in size, shape, and color; they may also develop symptoms such as itching, crusting, or bleeding.
If you are in doubt, it is best to consult your dermatologist; they will determine whether your pigmented lesion is an atypical mole or melanoma and provide information about what to do.
Congenital mole
A congenital nevus appears at birth or during a baby’s first year; they occur in roughly 1 out of 100 people. Congenital moles vary in size, from small to giant ones. Most congenital moles are harmless and don’t cause health problems, but a small percentage may develop into skin cancer later in life. You are most likely to develop melanoma if you have a large nevus.
Spitz mole
A spitz is an uncommon mole that closely resembles melanoma clinically and microscopically. As such, dermatologists often excise this benign tumor as a precaution. This type of mole is most often seen in children, but it may also arise in adults. Spits nevi are frequently found in fair-skinned individuals but can also occur in those with darker tones.
Acquired mole
Acquired moles or common moles form anywhere on your skin after you are born. Most fair-skinned people have between 10 to 40 of these moles. Although it is rare for common moles to become cancerous, having more than 50 common moles puts you at risk of skin cancer.
If you have further questions about moles, consult your provider at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center.
