Moles (skin)

Main

Moles, also known as nevi, are common skin growths that appear as small, dark spots on the skin. They are caused by clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Moles can be present at birth (congenital nevi) or develop later in life (acquired nevi). They often appear during childhood and adolescence due to hormonal changes and sun exposure, which can stimulate melanocyte growth. Over time, moles may change slowly, becoming raised, growing hair, or fading away. However, rapid changes in size, shape, or color can be a warning sign of skin cancer. Moles can be various colors including brown, tan, black, blue, red or pink. They can also be smooth, wrinkled, flat or raised, and may contain hair. For example, a person may notice a mole on their back that has been slowly growing larger and darker over the past few months. Concerned about the changes, they visit a dermatologist for a skin check to determine if the mole is cancerous or benign.

Terms

• Congenital nevus: A mole that is present at birth. These moles may be more likely to develop into skin cancer later in life, especially if they are large.

• Dysplastic nevus: A type of mole that appears different from a common mole, with an irregular shape or color. It has a higher risk of turning into skin cancer.

• Melanocytes: Cells in the skin that produce and store the pigment called melanin, which gives color to the skin.

• Nevus: The medical term for a mole. It comes from the Latin word for "birthmark."

• Skin cancer: An abnormal growth of skin cells, often developing from a pre-existing mole or a new lesion on the skin. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Analogy

Moles on the skin are like wildflowers in a meadow. Just as wildflowers are small patches of color scattered throughout a field of grass, moles are small patches of darker pigment scattered throughout the skin. Wildflowers come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, just like moles can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and range in color from light to dark. Some wildflowers are present when the meadow first forms, similar to congenital nevi, while others sprout up over time as the environment changes, like acquired nevi appearing during adolescence.

Misconception

Many people believe that all moles are cancerous, but this is not true. Most moles are actually harmless and do not require any treatment. However, some moles can develop into a type of skin cancer called melanoma. It's important to monitor your moles for any changes in size, shape, color or texture, as these can be warning signs of melanoma. If you notice any concerning changes, it's best to have the mole checked by a dermatologist.

History

• Ancient times: Moles were often seen as marks of beauty or good luck in various cultures.

• Middle Ages: Moles were sometimes associated with witchcraft and considered a sign of a pact with the devil.

• 18th century: The first medical descriptions of moles were recorded, and the term "nevus" was coined.

• 20th century: The link between moles and melanoma was discovered, leading to increased awareness and monitoring of moles.

• 21st century: Advanced technologies such as dermoscopy and digital mole mapping have improved the early detection and treatment of melanoma.

How to Use It

1. Self-monitoring: Regularly examine your skin and moles for any changes, such as growth, irregular borders, or unusual colors. Use the ABCDE method (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolution) as a guide. If you notice any concerning changes, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

2. Sun protection: Protect your skin and moles from excessive sun exposure by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. This can help prevent the development of new moles and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

3. Professional skin checks: Schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you have a history of sunburns, a large number of moles, or a family history of skin cancer. During these check-ups, your dermatologist will examine your skin and moles closely, looking for any signs of concern. They may also use a special magnifying tool called a dermatoscope to get a closer look at your moles.

Facts

• Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, often develops from a pre-existing mole.

• People with more than 50 moles have a higher risk of developing melanoma.

• The ABCDE method is a helpful guide for identifying potentially cancerous moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolution (change) over time.

• Giant congenital nevi, which are moles that cover large areas of the body at birth, occur in about 1 in 20,000 newborns.

• Moles can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they are suspicious for skin cancer, using surgical excision or shave excision techniques.