Moles, also known asnevi, are very common.
Most people have about 10 to 40 moles that form between childhood and adulthood.
A mole occurs as a concentration of skin cells calledmelanocytes(cells that produce pigment).
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They may form in response to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure or changing hormone levels.
Though most moles are harmless, you should not ignore them.
New moles or moles that change can be signs ofmelanoma(skin cancer).
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Early detection is key to successfully treating this fast-spreading key in of skin cancer.
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What Causes a New Mole to Appear?
Moles appear when melanocytes in yourepidermis(the top layer of skin) become overgrown and develop in groups.
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Moles begin appearing in childhood and continue throughout your lifetime.
You may notice the eruption of new moles after spending an extended period in the sun.
These changes are related to the estrogen receptors in pigment cells.
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When extra estrogen is circulating, it can trigger these receptors and result in hormone-related skin changes like moles.
They are also called common moles and are typically harmless.
Most adults have between 10 and 40 acquired moles.
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Acquired moles usually appear in childhood and early adulthood through age 40, though they can develop anytime.
It often has some of the same features as melanoma.
A Spitz nevus so closely resembles a melanoma that it can’t be identified visually.
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Benign moles do not typically change in shape, size, or texture.
Melanomas
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Use the ABCDE rule to identify possible signs of melanoma.
Doing this can improve your chances of getting early and successful treatment.
Most skin cancers are highly curable when diagnosed and treated early.
Record the patterns of freckles, moles, and blemishes to compare changes in later months.
To perform a skin self-check, use a well-lit room.
Stand in front of a full-length mirror without clothing.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
About 50% of melanomas are self-detected.
A mole that fits the ABCDE criteria should be reported to your healthcare provider.
They often grow in response to hormonal changes or UV light exposure.
While most moles are benign and harmless, some moles occur as the first sign of skin cancer.
A healthcare provider should examine moles that change in size, shape, or texture.
New bleeding or itching at the site of a mole should also be checked.
Monthly skin self-checks can help you find the changes that may lead to problems.
Finding mole changes and getting prompt treatment can increase your chances of curing skin cancer when it exists.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Moles.
Houston Methodist.When should I worry about a mole?
Mercy Health.What are moles?
Medline Plus.Are moles determined by genetics?
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.Pregnancy-related skin changes or skin cancer?
National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.
Cincinnati Children’s.Moles (congenital melanocytic nevi).
City of Hope.Types of moles.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Spitz nevus.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of melanoma skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma warning signs.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Foundation.How to do a skin check.
AIM at Melanoma Foundation.How to do a skin self-examination.
The Skin Cancer Foundation.Annual exams.
American Cancer Society.How to spot skin cancer.
