Moles are a common type of skin growth.

Moles are caused when cells in the skin called melanocytes grow in clusters. Melanocytes are generally distributed throughout the skin. They produce melanin, the natural pigment that gives skin its color.

Moles often appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigment-forming cells (melanocytes). Most people have 10 to 40 moles that appear during childhood and adolescence and may change in appearance or fade over time. Most moles are harmless. Flesh moles don't carry a risk of melanoma, but they can be removed if you consider them a cosmetic concern. 

Although rarely cancerous, many patients seek to remove noticeable moles.

However, Melanoma is the main complication of moles. Some people have higher-than-average risk of their moles becoming cancerous and developing into melanoma.

Factors that increase melanoma risk include:

• Being born with large moles.
• Even a large mole seldom becomes cancerous.
• Having unusual moles.
• Moles that are large and irregular in shape are known as atypical (dysplastic) nevi. They tend to run in families.
• Having many moles.
• Having more than 50 moles indicates an increased risk of melanoma and possibly breast cancer.
• Having a personal or family history of melanoma.
• If you've had melanoma before, you are at increased risk of a mole becoming cancerous.

Being aware of changes in your moles and other pigmented patches is important to detecting skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma.

Moles may develop anywhere on your body

Moles can develop anywhere on your body; your scalp, armpits, under your nails, and between your fingers and toes. With hormonal changes in adolescence and pregnancy, moles may become darker and larger. 

Clusters of brown spots around the eyes, cheeks and nose are sometimes called flesh moles, but they are actually dermatoses papulosa nigra — a type of seborrheic keratosis. These types of “moles” generally are more common among Black women.

Protect Your Skin To Avoid Moles

As with most skin disorders, take measures to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as from the sun or tanning beds. UV radiation has been linked to increased melanoma risk. And children who haven't been protected from sun exposure tend to develop more moles.

We invite you to schedule an appointment with Derm Texas. If a mole looks unusual, grows or otherwise changes, do not delay. Talk with our dermatologist about your risk factors for melanoma and whether you should get skin exams and screenings on a routine basis.

This above is general information and discussion about medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. The words and other content provided above, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed dermatologist or other health care worker. Derm Texas images, brochures, descriptions of procedures, websites and other advertising material are intended solely for illustration examples of our services and products and do not represent our patient or any individual or results.