What causes a mole?
Moles
Concern about moles is one of the most common reasons for visiting a dermatologist, they are very common growths on the skin. Moles are pigmented skin growths medically known as nevi.
Moles can be present at birth, but most moles develop later in childhood until adulthood.
What causes a mole?
Moles are made of cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are found scattered throughout our skin and are the cells that give our skin its natural colour by generating a pigment called melanin. A mole is made of many melanocyte cells clustered together.
What do they look like?
Moles are usually brown but can vary in color (skin colored to pink to light brown to dark brown to blue to black). They can be flat (junctional nevi) or raised (compound nevi).
- Some people have many more moles than others—the average person has 10- 40 moles. Moles may darken during pregnancy or after sun exposure. They grow very slowly and some may have hair in them. Moles can be found anywhere on your skin, including your scalp, nails and genitalia.
Can a mole turn into cancer?
Yes, when a mole becomes cancer it is called a melanoma.this is the most serious type of skin cancerWhen should I be concerned about a mole?
- When it is an “ugly duckling”- It looks different from your other moles.
- When there is pain, bleeding, ulceration ,change in colour or shape
