Rootskin - Moles

What Are Moles?

Nevus is the medical term for moles, which are small congenital growths on the human skin, usually slightly raised and dark and sometimes hairy. These growths occur when cells in the skin, called melanocytes, grow in a cluster with tissue surrounding them. Melanocytes are distributed evenly throughout the skin and produce the pigment in your body that give you a natural skin color. Sun exposure causes the melanocytes to produce more pigment, therefore your skin darkens or tans.

Moles vary in size, shape and color and can be present anywhere on the body. Some moles may be considered a thing of beauty, some may go undetected, and others can be very unpleasant and bothersome.

Types of Moles

Congenital Nevi
These are moles that are present at birth. They vary in size and color, and may change slightly in size as you age in proportion to your body growth. The color may also change and become slightly lighter or darker over time. Any accelerated change in size, color or texture should be noted as it could be a cause for concern. At this point you may want to pay a visit to a dermatologist.

Acquired Nevi
These moles are acquired during childhood and early in the adult life. They are usually less than 1/4 inch in size and vary in color and size. Although there is little risk of melanoma cancer developing, they should be watched to insure early detection should any changes occur. Moles acquired after the age of 50 could be a cause for concern and should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Dysplastic Nevi
These moles are also acquired and may appear as an isolated mole or in a cluster. They are larger than common moles and have irregular borders that may appear fuzzy. The center may be raised and darkened. Doctors believe that these moles have an increased risk of melanoma. They can be hereditary and families having a history of Dysplastic Nevi or Melanoma should be checked regularly and do self-examinations

What causes moles?
Moles may be present at birth, or slowly develop over time. Sun exposure has been said to aid in the development of moles, but mainly atypical. Heredity also has a part in what type of moles an individual may have.

Reasons for removing moles
There are different reasons for the removal of moles. These reasons should affect which procedure is chosen for the removal.

Typical reasons for mole removal include:

Cosmetic reasons
A mole that an individual believes hinders their beauty or stands out unfavorably. People with facial moles, or somewhere highly visible, tend to have them removed, as these moles can be exhausting to ones self esteem.

Nuisance/Skin Irritations
These moles may be located in an area that causes irritation such as a bra line or belt line etc. They could also be protruding moles that interfere with shaving.

Prevention
Removing any type of mole to aid in the prevention of melanoma. These are most likely atypical moles.