Moles: An Overview
People all over the world have one or many moles in their lifetime. Most people have a few, and some can have hundreds. People who have fairer skin tend to acquire more skin moles than others and sometimes they can have anywhere from ten to fifty. Melanoma is the main concern when it comes to discussing moles as this is the largest type of skin cancer. Melanoma is a fast acting cancer that begins to develop around or inside the mole. If an individual has a variety of moles they should be looked at every now and then by their family doctor. There are different types of moles that people can have and they all have their own risk of becoming cancerous moles. Some specific moles have a much higher risk of becoming cancerous moles.
A congenital mole is when an individual is born with the mole. The mole is known as congenital nevus. The mole is created in all types of sizes and shapes, and many are predominantly in a round form. These skin moles present a much higher chance of developing cancerous cells and turning into a melanoma.
An acquired mole is a mole that develops after a woman gives
birth. They are usually a general mole without any chance
of being cancerous. This is a very normal growth after pregnancy
and usually there is no need for concern. An atypical
mole is also known as dysplastic nevi. They are larger
moles that have different shapes as opposed to the rounded
shape. They usually have mixed colours that have shades of
pink, brown, tan and red. These types of moles usually
carry throughout the family genes and are considered to be
at a high risk of becoming cancerous.
If any individual has moles on their body that are considered to be at a high risk for melanoma, they should plan to visit their licensed dermatologist on a regular basis. They can monitor the moles and watch to see if there are any changes, or if the moles become blood moles. Blood moles are filled with blood and are at a high risk of developing melanoma. It is extremely important to show your dermatologist and have it removed.
People can perform their own mole checks. Individuals should ask their general doctor or dermatologist about what signs they should be looking out for. Dermatologists believe and recommend that their clients should always check out their skin and moles for any changes.
Signs that an individual should see a dermatologist:
- An undefined border to the mole.
- If the mole is different from one side to the next. (i.e. half one colour, half the next)
- Extra large moles should always be looked at and monitored. (Melanomas are greater than the average size)
- If a mole looks different from the rest on the body it should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
- If colors vary within the mole, have it checked.
It is very important that people know that moles can come in all colours, sizes, and shapes. Some moles can be raised, and some can be flat. Moles can be a variety of colours such as blue, pink, brown, black, dark brown, tan and red. They can show up anywhere on the skin of the body including backs, arms, necks, toes, palms, fingers, face, stomach and more. Individuals should ask their general doctor or dermatologist to analyze their moles, so they can rule out any complications.
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