- A mole is nothing more than a group of cells cells that usually appear darker than the surrounding skin. Moles can range in color from nearly skin color to black. The shape of a mole can be either perfectly round or oval. While many moles are small, a mole can potentially be large enough to cover an entire arm or leg. However, the Mayo Clinic states most moles are no larger than 1/4 inch.
- Moles are caused by melanin. Normally, melanin is equally distributed throughout a person's skin by the cells that produce melanin, or melanocytes. However, sometimes melanocytes form groups. These groups, or clusters, give rise to dark, melanin-rich moles. Health care professionals do not yet understand why this happens.
- Most moles appear before a person's 20th birthday. However, some events may cause the appearance of more moles. Sun exposure can increase the number of moles on a person's body. Hormonal changes, which occur during puberty and pregnancy, can also cause the creation of new moles.
- Some moles have a high risk of developing cancer. Large moles that are present at birth and moles that are larger than 1/4 inch and are irregular in shape are at a higher than normal risk of becoming cancerous. Additionally, if you have more than 50 moles on your body, you are at an increased risk for cancer.
- You can screen your moles to catch potential problems early. Pay attention to the location of each of your moles and check them periodically. Check to see if you have moles that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, changes in color, are larger than 1/4 inch, or moles that are changing in any other way. If you notice any of these signs, contact your doctor.
