Mole Removal

What Are Moles?
Moles, also known as nevi, are clusters of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color). They often appear as brown, black, or flesh-colored spots and can develop anywhere on the body. Moles can be present from birth (congenital moles) or develop over time due to sun exposure or hormonal changes.
Types of Moles
Common Moles: Typically small, round or oval, and uniform in color, these are harmless and often appear during childhood or adolescence.
Atypical or Dysplastic Moles: These moles are larger, irregular in shape, and may have uneven coloring. While they’re usually benign, atypical moles have a higher chance of becoming cancerous.
Congenital Moles: Moles present from birth. The larger the congenital mole, the greater the risk of it developing into melanoma.
Spitz Nevus: A type of mole that resembles melanoma but is benign. These moles can appear pink, red, or black and are usually dome-shaped.
Signs a Mole May Be Cancerous
The ABCDE rule is used to assess moles for potential signs of skin cancer:
A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
B - Border: The edges are irregular, blurred, or jagged.
C - Color: The mole has varying shades of brown, black, or even red, white, or blue.
D - Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
E - Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or color over time.