Moles are small, dark brown markings that appear on the skin. They’re common and can appear anywhere on the body. An adult’s body normally has between 10 to 40 moles, but some people have more. Moles are usually round or oval, but sometimes they can be irregular in shape. Some moles may be flat and barely raised above the skin, while others may be raised and more obvious. Most moles appear by age 20, although some moles may appear later in life.
Reasons why moles appear
Moles are normally dark brown or black in color and can vary in shape and size. The most common places for moles to appear are the face, neck, back, stomach, and arms. Moles can appear anywhere on the body but are more prone to develop in areas that are more exposed to the sun. Moles can vary in size from less than 1 cm to large moles that cover many inches of skin.
Types of moles
Most of us have an idea of what a mole is. It’s that round, dark spot on your skin that looks like a beauty mark. It could be your skin’s uninvited guest, though. Moles are actually a type of tumor, which are abnormal growths of tissue that vary in size and color. There are three main types:
- benign, which are harmless;
- malignant, which are cancerous;
- and premalignant, which are non-cancerous but could lead to cancer.
Scientists say that about 1 in 10 people have moles. The most common type of mole is the “ordinary” mole, known as a nevus.
Factors that make a mole cancerous
The only way to determine if moles are cancerous is to have them biopsied by a physician. There are no other methods that can be used to determine whether or not a mole is cancerous. The only way to determine if moles are cancerous is to have mole checks and biopsied by a physician.
Having moles on your skin is a very common occurrence. In fact, everyone has moles, even babies. The moles are usually dark spots on the skin and can be flat or raised. They are caused by pigment cells that are located just under the top layer of the skin. Moles can also occur or darken as a result to prolonged exposure to the sun. Most moles are harmless, but they can also be a sign of skin cancer. Mole is a medical term that’s used to describe a small, usually dark spot on the skin.
How to treat moles
Moles are most commonly found in parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the hands, face, neck, arms, and legs. Moles are generally small, dark, and smooth to the touch. While moles are not painful, they can develop into skin cancer.
Moles are associated with a higher risk of skin cancer; however, the opposite is true in most cases. For example, people with dark skin are more at risk of skin cancer than people with light skin. This is because the pigment in the skin helps to protect the skin from the sun. People with light skin don’t have as much pigment, and so they are more likely to burn. Moles are also more likely to be found on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands. But, despite a higher risk of skin cancer, moles can actually help to protect the skin from the sun by blocking the sun’s rays. Moles are present in people of all races and are usually harmless. However, if a mole is changing in size, shape, or color, then it is best to have it checked by a doctor.
