All about moles (nevi): types, causes, complications
Posted by Ivatherm
Moles, also known as pigmented nevi, are growths that form on the skin. Some are congenital, while others appear as a result of sun exposure.
Although most moles appear as small, brownish spots, they can vary in size and color: from skin-toned to pink and red. Hair can grow on the surface of some nevi.
Almost everyone has moles, and usually, they do not pose a health risk. Problems arise when nevi change their size, shape, or color. Therefore, most moles are benign, but it is still important for a dermatologist to examine them once changes occur in their structure.
The main cause for the appearance of moles is sun exposure, which is also the primary factor for the development of certain types of skin cancer.
In this blog post, we will present the types of moles, their symptoms, and how to differentiate between normal and dangerous moles. You will also find information about diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and possible complications, such as melanoma.
Table of Contents
What are moles?
A mole is a small colored spot on the skin, composed of a group of cells called melanocytes. These are responsible for producing melanin, the skin's natural pigment. Normally, melanocytes develop individually on the skin's surface, but occasionally, these cells form in a cluster, leading to the appearance of a mole.
Moles can appear anywhere on the body and can be raised or flat. They usually form in childhood, but in some cases, moles are present from birth.
Moles appear on the skin due to sun exposure. Although the number of moles varies from person to person, fair-skinned individuals generally have more nevi due to lower melanin levels. The average number of moles for adults is between 10 and 40.
Genetics can play an important role in a person's likelihood of developing moles, as can sun exposure. Many people also find that their moles change in response to hormonal shifts. During pregnancy, moles can become darker, puberty can cause more nevi to appear, and between ages 40 and 50, they may begin to fade and disappear. All these changes in moles are normal.
Why do moles appear?
Moles are caused by abnormal growth of skin cells. However, abnormal growth does not always mean cancer.
Some people are born with moles, which are known as congenital nevi. However, most people develop moles during childhood and adulthood. Sun exposure and other factors that cause skin aging can lead to the formation of age-related nevi.
Some moles can become cancerous, but most are harmless. Regular examination of them is recommended.
Types of moles
Not all moles are the same. Their classification can be done according to several criteria: from their development time and location on the skin's surface to their manifestations.
There are two main types of moles:
normal moles;
atypical moles.
Normal moles
These moles are the most common. Most adults have between 10 and 40 normal moles. They appear most frequently in childhood and can continue to develop until the age of 40. Typically, the color of these moles is brown, they are flat, symmetrical, circular, and uniformly pigmented. Their size does not exceed 5-6 mm.
These growths are usually found on areas most exposed to the sun. Rarely, they can develop on the scalp, breasts, or buttocks.
Atypical moles
Atypical moles or dysplastic nevi are those that have irregular shapes. Usually, they have blurred edges, varied colors, are larger than most normal moles, and can be both flat and raised. These moles can be hereditary, and a person can have over a hundred such moles. Most dysplastic nevi are benign, but a person with many such moles has an increased risk of skin cancer. Melanoma can develop in an atypical mole. Regular self-examination is essential to detect changes in these types of moles.
Atypical moles can appear anywhere on the body, but they are more common on the trunk. They can also appear on the scalp or neck, but rarely form on the face.
Depending on the period of development, moles can be divided into two categories:
congenital moles;
acquired moles.
Congenital moles
Congenital moles, also known as congenital nevi, are those that appear at birth or within the first year of life. They are caused by melanocytes in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin), the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin), or both skin layers. These types of moles can vary in size and are often considered birthmarks. Congenital nevi have a higher risk of developing into melanoma later in life and should be monitored starting in adolescence. If a nevus has a diameter larger than eight millimeters, the risk of it becoming a cancerous mole is higher.
Acquired moles
Acquired moles are those that appear during childhood and maturity. Most of these moles are benign and pose no health risk, although in rare cases, they can turn into cancerous moles. Acquired moles are very common and usually appear as a result of repeated sun exposure.
Moles can also be divided based on where they appear. The most common types of moles are:
junctional melanocytic nevi;
intradermal nevi;
compound nevi.
Junctional melanocytic nevi
Junctional melanocytic nevi arise from an accumulation of melanocytes at the junction between the dermis and epidermis. These moles are usually slightly raised, with regular borders and dark pigmentation, although colors can vary: from light brown to dark brown. People acquire these moles during childhood and early adulthood, as melanocytes migrate into deeper skin layers with age.
Intradermal nevi
Intradermal nevi are skin-colored and not very prominent. Their pigmentation is not as dark as junctional melanocytic nevi because they are located in the dermis or the middle layer of the skin. These moles usually develop in late childhood or throughout adulthood and are benign.
Compound nevi
Compound nevi have both an intraepidermal and an intradermal region. These moles have a raised central area with flat areas around the edges. They usually have distinct borders and even pigmentation.
Moles: symptoms
A typical mole is a small brown spot. However, there are several aspects, including color, shape, and size, by which nevi can be identified.
Color and texture. Moles can be brown, black, blue, red, or pink. They can be smooth, wrinkled, flat, or raised. Hair can grow on some of them.
Shape. Most moles are oval or round.
Size. Moles typically have a diameter of about 5-6 millimeters. Congenital ones can be larger, covering a part of the face, trunk, or a limb.
Moles can develop anywhere on the body, including the scalp, armpits, under nails, and between fingers and toes. Moles can change shape, color, and size, fade, and even disappear over time. Due to hormonal changes during adolescence and pregnancy, moles can become darker and larger.
Most moles are harmless. However, some types can turn into skin cancer. Overexposure to the sun, especially in childhood, can increase the number of nevi, and people with many normal moles may have a higher risk of developing melanoma.
Irregular moles (dysplastic or atypical nevi) indicate that a person has an increased risk of developing melanoma, and the probability increases with the number of moles a person has.
Unusual moles that may indicate melanoma
What do moles that might be cancerous look like? A mole can be a sign of skin cancer if it has irregular borders or an asymmetrical shape, or if its color, shape, size, or height changes. There are several aspects, grouped in a test called ABCDE, which can indicate melanoma.
A – asymmetrical shape (one half of the mole is different from the other half);
B – moles have irregular, jagged, or distorted borders;
C – moles have changed color, have many shades, or pigmentation is not uniform;
D – moles have a diameter greater than six millimeters;
E – moles change in size, shape, color, or height.
The evolution of some moles can cause various symptoms, including itching or bleeding in the affected area.
Cancerous or malignant moles vary greatly in appearance. Some may have all the mentioned changes, while others have only one or two unusual characteristics.
Moles: prevention methods
There are several measures that can help limit the development of moles and their main complication: melanoma.
Regular examination
Regular examination of the skin to check for changes that may signal the appearance of melanoma is recommended. A skin self-examination should be performed once a month. Areas not necessarily exposed to the sun should not be excluded, including the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, area under the nails, spaces between the toes, armpits, chest, and the genital area.
Skin protection
Ultraviolet radiation is one of the main factors for the appearance of skin cancer. Prolonged sun exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma. Children who do not protect their skin from solar radiation tend to develop more moles.
Therefore, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours is an effective measure to prevent the appearance of moles and to reduce the risk of some nevi transforming into melanoma. Between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, ultraviolet rays are very strong, so outdoor activities should be rescheduled for other times of the day.
Also, using cosmetic products with sun protection factor is another useful measure to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays. Dermatologists recommend using sun protection throughout the year. Products with at least SPF 30 should be applied 30 minutes before going out and reapplied every two hours or more often, if swimming or engaging in intense physical activities.
Sunlight Moisturizing Cream for Face SPF50+ is an Ivatherm product that offers 360° sun protection for sensitive, dry, and dehydrated skin. Thanks to its sun filters, Physalis fruit extract, and other natural ingredients, this product protects skin cells from the mutagenic effects of ultraviolet radiation and prevents premature skin aging.
Other means of protecting the skin against ultraviolet rays include sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and other clothing items that can help avoid sunburn, including clothing made from special fabrics that block UV radiation.
Last but not least, it is advisable to avoid artificial tanning sources, which can contribute to increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.
Diagnosis and treatment of moles
The dermatologist is the one who can make a correct analysis of moles and, during the examination, if there is a suspicion that a nevus may be cancerous, its removal is recommended. As a rule, a dermatological examination to check moles should be performed at the end of summer, after the skin has been exposed to solar radiation.
The most effective method is dermoscopy, a non-invasive method through which moles are examined. With the help of a dermatoscope, the doctor can view a magnified image of the nevi, including those in the deeper layers of the skin.
Most moles do not require treatment. If a mole is injured, the affected area should be kept clean, and if it does not heal quickly on its own, a medical consultation is necessary.
At the same time, unsightly moles that are bothersome or undergo changes and are thus prone to the risk of turning into melanoma can be surgically removed. Most of the time, the procedure for removing a nevus does not leave permanent scars. For people with dark skin, the risk of side effects is higher. After surgery, pigmentary changes may occur at the incision site.
Moles: complications
Melanoma is the primary complication of moles. Some people are at a higher risk of their moles becoming cancerous and turning into melanoma.
Among the risk factors for melanoma, associated with moles, are:
Congenital nevi. People born with large moles are more prone to suffering from melanoma. In a child, a large mole means having a diameter of over five centimeters.
Unusual nevi. Moles that are large and have an atypical shape (dysplastic nevi) are often hereditary.
A large number of nevi. Over 50 moles represents an increased risk of melanoma and breast cancer.
Personal or family history of melanoma. People previously diagnosed with melanoma are more likely to have a cancerous mole again. Also, some types of atypical nevi are responsible for a genetic form of melanoma.
In conclusion, moles are skin growths that, in most cases, are harmless. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes to the formation of nevi throughout life, especially during childhood and adolescence. It is normal for a newborn to have moles on their body and for them to fade or disappear with age. Melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, can develop in a mole.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
All about moles (nevi): types, causes, complications
Moles, also known as pigmented nevi, are growths that form on the skin. Some are congenital, while others appear as a result of sun exposure.
Although most moles appear as small, brownish spots, they can vary in size and color: from skin-toned to pink and red. Hair can grow on the surface of some nevi.
Almost everyone has moles, and usually, they do not pose a health risk. Problems arise when nevi change their size, shape, or color. Therefore, most moles are benign, but it is still important for a dermatologist to examine them once changes occur in their structure.
The main cause for the appearance of moles is sun exposure, which is also the primary factor for the development of certain types of skin cancer.
In this blog post, we will present the types of moles, their symptoms, and how to differentiate between normal and dangerous moles. You will also find information about diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and possible complications, such as melanoma.
Table of Contents
What are moles?
A mole is a small colored spot on the skin, composed of a group of cells called melanocytes. These are responsible for producing melanin, the skin's natural pigment. Normally, melanocytes develop individually on the skin's surface, but occasionally, these cells form in a cluster, leading to the appearance of a mole.
Moles can appear anywhere on the body and can be raised or flat. They usually form in childhood, but in some cases, moles are present from birth.
Moles appear on the skin due to sun exposure. Although the number of moles varies from person to person, fair-skinned individuals generally have more nevi due to lower melanin levels. The average number of moles for adults is between 10 and 40.
Genetics can play an important role in a person's likelihood of developing moles, as can sun exposure. Many people also find that their moles change in response to hormonal shifts. During pregnancy, moles can become darker, puberty can cause more nevi to appear, and between ages 40 and 50, they may begin to fade and disappear. All these changes in moles are normal.
Why do moles appear?
Moles are caused by abnormal growth of skin cells. However, abnormal growth does not always mean cancer.
Some people are born with moles, which are known as congenital nevi. However, most people develop moles during childhood and adulthood. Sun exposure and other factors that cause skin aging can lead to the formation of age-related nevi.
Some moles can become cancerous, but most are harmless. Regular examination of them is recommended.
Types of moles
Not all moles are the same. Their classification can be done according to several criteria: from their development time and location on the skin's surface to their manifestations.
There are two main types of moles:
Normal moles
These moles are the most common. Most adults have between 10 and 40 normal moles. They appear most frequently in childhood and can continue to develop until the age of 40. Typically, the color of these moles is brown, they are flat, symmetrical, circular, and uniformly pigmented. Their size does not exceed 5-6 mm.
These growths are usually found on areas most exposed to the sun. Rarely, they can develop on the scalp, breasts, or buttocks.
Atypical moles
Atypical moles or dysplastic nevi are those that have irregular shapes. Usually, they have blurred edges, varied colors, are larger than most normal moles, and can be both flat and raised. These moles can be hereditary, and a person can have over a hundred such moles. Most dysplastic nevi are benign, but a person with many such moles has an increased risk of skin cancer. Melanoma can develop in an atypical mole. Regular self-examination is essential to detect changes in these types of moles.
Atypical moles can appear anywhere on the body, but they are more common on the trunk. They can also appear on the scalp or neck, but rarely form on the face.
Depending on the period of development, moles can be divided into two categories:
Congenital moles
Congenital moles, also known as congenital nevi, are those that appear at birth or within the first year of life. They are caused by melanocytes in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin), the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin), or both skin layers. These types of moles can vary in size and are often considered birthmarks. Congenital nevi have a higher risk of developing into melanoma later in life and should be monitored starting in adolescence. If a nevus has a diameter larger than eight millimeters, the risk of it becoming a cancerous mole is higher.
Acquired moles
Acquired moles are those that appear during childhood and maturity. Most of these moles are benign and pose no health risk, although in rare cases, they can turn into cancerous moles. Acquired moles are very common and usually appear as a result of repeated sun exposure.
Moles can also be divided based on where they appear. The most common types of moles are:
Junctional melanocytic nevi
Junctional melanocytic nevi arise from an accumulation of melanocytes at the junction between the dermis and epidermis. These moles are usually slightly raised, with regular borders and dark pigmentation, although colors can vary: from light brown to dark brown. People acquire these moles during childhood and early adulthood, as melanocytes migrate into deeper skin layers with age.
Intradermal nevi
Intradermal nevi are skin-colored and not very prominent. Their pigmentation is not as dark as junctional melanocytic nevi because they are located in the dermis or the middle layer of the skin. These moles usually develop in late childhood or throughout adulthood and are benign.
Compound nevi
Compound nevi have both an intraepidermal and an intradermal region. These moles have a raised central area with flat areas around the edges. They usually have distinct borders and even pigmentation.
Moles: symptoms
A typical mole is a small brown spot. However, there are several aspects, including color, shape, and size, by which nevi can be identified.
Moles can develop anywhere on the body, including the scalp, armpits, under nails, and between fingers and toes. Moles can change shape, color, and size, fade, and even disappear over time. Due to hormonal changes during adolescence and pregnancy, moles can become darker and larger.
Most moles are harmless. However, some types can turn into skin cancer. Overexposure to the sun, especially in childhood, can increase the number of nevi, and people with many normal moles may have a higher risk of developing melanoma.
Irregular moles (dysplastic or atypical nevi) indicate that a person has an increased risk of developing melanoma, and the probability increases with the number of moles a person has.
Unusual moles that may indicate melanoma
What do moles that might be cancerous look like? A mole can be a sign of skin cancer if it has irregular borders or an asymmetrical shape, or if its color, shape, size, or height changes. There are several aspects, grouped in a test called ABCDE, which can indicate melanoma.
A – asymmetrical shape (one half of the mole is different from the other half);
B – moles have irregular, jagged, or distorted borders;
C – moles have changed color, have many shades, or pigmentation is not uniform;
D – moles have a diameter greater than six millimeters;
E – moles change in size, shape, color, or height.
The evolution of some moles can cause various symptoms, including itching or bleeding in the affected area.
Cancerous or malignant moles vary greatly in appearance. Some may have all the mentioned changes, while others have only one or two unusual characteristics.
Moles: prevention methods
There are several measures that can help limit the development of moles and their main complication: melanoma.
Regular examination
Regular examination of the skin to check for changes that may signal the appearance of melanoma is recommended. A skin self-examination should be performed once a month. Areas not necessarily exposed to the sun should not be excluded, including the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, area under the nails, spaces between the toes, armpits, chest, and the genital area.
Skin protection
Ultraviolet radiation is one of the main factors for the appearance of skin cancer. Prolonged sun exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma. Children who do not protect their skin from solar radiation tend to develop more moles.
Therefore, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours is an effective measure to prevent the appearance of moles and to reduce the risk of some nevi transforming into melanoma. Between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, ultraviolet rays are very strong, so outdoor activities should be rescheduled for other times of the day.
Also, using cosmetic products with sun protection factor is another useful measure to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays. Dermatologists recommend using sun protection throughout the year. Products with at least SPF 30 should be applied 30 minutes before going out and reapplied every two hours or more often, if swimming or engaging in intense physical activities.
Other means of protecting the skin against ultraviolet rays include sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and other clothing items that can help avoid sunburn, including clothing made from special fabrics that block UV radiation.
Last but not least, it is advisable to avoid artificial tanning sources, which can contribute to increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.
Diagnosis and treatment of moles
The dermatologist is the one who can make a correct analysis of moles and, during the examination, if there is a suspicion that a nevus may be cancerous, its removal is recommended. As a rule, a dermatological examination to check moles should be performed at the end of summer, after the skin has been exposed to solar radiation.
The most effective method is dermoscopy, a non-invasive method through which moles are examined. With the help of a dermatoscope, the doctor can view a magnified image of the nevi, including those in the deeper layers of the skin.
Most moles do not require treatment. If a mole is injured, the affected area should be kept clean, and if it does not heal quickly on its own, a medical consultation is necessary.
At the same time, unsightly moles that are bothersome or undergo changes and are thus prone to the risk of turning into melanoma can be surgically removed. Most of the time, the procedure for removing a nevus does not leave permanent scars. For people with dark skin, the risk of side effects is higher. After surgery, pigmentary changes may occur at the incision site.
Moles: complications
Melanoma is the primary complication of moles. Some people are at a higher risk of their moles becoming cancerous and turning into melanoma.
Among the risk factors for melanoma, associated with moles, are:
In conclusion, moles are skin growths that, in most cases, are harmless. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes to the formation of nevi throughout life, especially during childhood and adolescence. It is normal for a newborn to have moles on their body and for them to fade or disappear with age. Melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, can develop in a mole.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.