Moles are a very common form of skin growth. Moles are often small, dark brown spots that appear due to clusters of pigmented cell cells. Moles usually appear in childhood and adolescence. Moles can appear in between 10 and 40 people, with some moles changing or disappearing over time.Moles are usually harmless. They can become cancerous in rare cases. Skin cancer is often detected by monitoring moles and pigmented patches.Moles are also known medically as nevi.
Common Symptoms
A typical mole looks like a brown spot. There are many types of moles.
- Texture and color: Moles can be brown or tan, black or red, as well as blue, yellow, and pink. They can be raised or smoothed. They could have hair growing from their ends.
- Shape: Most moles can be shaped in either an oval or a round shape.
- Size: Moles typically measure less than 1/4 inches (roughly 6 millimeters). This is the equivalent of a pencil eraser. Congenital moles (also known as congenital nevi), can grow to be more extensive and cover large areas of the skin or limbs.
Moles can develop on any part of your body. The majority of moles are between 10 and 40. Most moles develop before the age of 50. Moles can appear different or disappear over time. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or adolescence may lead to moles becoming darker and more prominent.
Common Complications
Melanoma is the most serious complication of moles. There is a greater chance that moles will become cancerous or develop into melanoma in some people than the average. These are some factors that can increase your chance of developing melanoma:
- Large moles are a sign of a large birth. Congenital nevi is the name for large moles. These moles can be considered large on an infant if they are more than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. A large mole is rarely cancerous, and it almost never becomes so before puberty.
- Moles that are unusual. Atypical (dysplastic nevi are moles larger than the common mole, and have a different shape. They are usually hereditary. They often have darker brown centers and lighter, more uneven borders.
- Multiple moles. A higher risk of developing melanoma if you have more than 50 moles. There are two studies that add to the evidence that mole count predicts cancer risk. One study found that those under 50 who have more than 20 moles on their arms are at greater risk for melanoma. Another study found a correlation between breast cancer risk and the number of moles on women’s arms.
- Melanoma in your family or personal history. A mole that has been diagnosed with melanoma is more likely to become cancerous if it’s happened before. A few moles that are atypical can lead to genetic melanoma.
What is the Cost of Mole Removal?
Mole removal costs can vary widely and depend on many factors. Mole removal is usually covered by insurance for medical reasons. This includes cancerous or precancerous moles. Insurance doesn’t usually cover moles that are removed for cosmetic reasons. The cost of removal will also depend on the size and location of the mole.
