Moles

Most people have moles on their bodies. Moles are spots on the skin that are brown, blue, black, or flesh-colored. They are collections of pigment cells that may stay smooth, become raised or wrinkled, and even fall off in old age. Moles can occur anywhere on the body. Moles on the face have been thought of as beauty marks. Most moles appear by age 20 and last an average of 50 years.

Moles start out as a flat brown or black spot much like a freckle. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, elevations, and colors. As they age, moles become larger and can develop hairs. Most become elevated and lighter in color before eventually disappearing. A few grow so tall they develop a stalk and fall off naturally.

Some moles are at risk for turning into cancer. Moles that appear at birth in about 1 out of 100 people may fall into this group.A change in a mole can be a warning sign for a type of cancer called malignant melanoma.

Seek medical evaluation if you notice any of the following characteristics of a mole:
* Asymmetry: One-half of a mole does not match the other half.
* Irregular border: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
* Variable color: Shades of color are not uniform. Watch for shades of red and black, tan and brown, or a red, white, or blue combination.
* Large diameter: Any mole larger than a pencil eraser is at risk. Smaller ones are usually harmless.

Additionally, symptoms of itching, pain, bleeding, recurrence, or swelling of moles require medical evaluation. Moles can be removed surgically for testing and for cosmetic purposes.