Moles are a common occurrence, but not all moles are created equal. Formed from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, moles are non-cancerous growths on the skin. They usually appear as a single shade of pigment, ranging from beige to dark brown, with a well-defined border. While most moles develop in the first 20 years of life, they can darken with sun exposure or hormonal changes during pregnancy or adolescence. It’s important to know the types of moles and when to be concerned.
There are four main types of moles:
- Congenital Nevi: These moles appear at birth and occur in about 1 in 100 people. They may have a greater tendency to develop into melanoma than moles that appear later in life.
- Dysplastic Nevi: These moles are larger than average and irregular in shape with uneven color. They can be hereditary, and one person can develop more than 100 moles.
- Halo Nevi: These moles are surrounded by lighter skin and usually benign, but they may increase the risk of vitiligo, a skin disorder.
- Blue Nevus: This type of mole is deep-seated and common in West Indian infants.
While moles generally don’t pose a significant health concern, changes in a mole could indicate melanoma or skin cancer. Pay attention to:
- Darkening of color
- Increase in size or irregular appearance
- Itchiness or pain
- Spontaneous bleeding
If a mole is bothersome or there’s a risk of skin cancer, a dermatologist may remove the mole through surgical excision or shave it away using a surgical blade. If skin cancer is suspected, the doctor will biopsy the mole.
Taking caution in the sun is one of the best ways to protect against skin cancer. You can reduce exposure to the sun by:
- Applying a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Limiting time in the sun
- Looking for changes in your skin regularly
- Protecting children from the sun
- Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts
- Wearing a broad-brimmed hat
Prevention is key, so be proactive about protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. If you’re concerned about a mole, consult with Dr. Raskin for proper diagnosis and treatment.