Moles are common skin growths that appear as small, often dark brown spots on the skin. They form when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment, grow in clusters rather than spreading evenly throughout the skin. Most moles are harmless and can appear anywhere on the body.
Why Moles Appear Under Breasts
It is common and considered normal for moles to develop under the breasts, just as they can appear on any other part of the body. This area, including the upper chest, the breast mound, and the region where the breast meets the chest wall, can host moles.
Several factors contribute to the appearance of moles in this specific region. Genetics play a role, as individuals may inherit a predisposition to developing a certain number and type of moles. Additionally, chronic friction from clothing, such as bras, can irritate the skin and potentially influence mole formation or changes. While less direct than other body areas, indirect sun exposure can also contribute to mole development, as many moles that appear in adulthood are linked to sun exposure. Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during puberty or pregnancy, can also lead to moles becoming darker or larger.
Distinguishing Normal from Atypical Moles
Normal moles typically exhibit consistent characteristics, making them distinguishable from those that may require closer attention. A common mole is usually round or oval with smooth, well-defined edges. They generally have a uniform color, often appearing in shades of brown, tan, or black, and are typically smaller than 6 millimeters in diameter, roughly the size of a pencil eraser. These moles tend to remain stable in appearance over long periods.
Conversely, atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, possess irregular features that warrant monitoring. The ABCDE rule serves as a practical guide for identifying characteristics that might suggest a mole is atypical or potentially concerning.
“A” stands for Asymmetry, meaning one half of the mole does not match the other half if an imaginary line were drawn through its center.
“B” represents Border irregularity, where the edges of the mole are uneven, ragged, notched, or blurred, unlike the smooth borders of common moles.
“C” signifies Color variation, indicating multiple colors or uneven coloring within the same mole, such as different shades of brown, tan, black, or even areas of red, white, or blue.
“D” refers to Diameter, specifically a mole larger than 6 millimeters (about 1/4 inch or the size of a pencil eraser). While some benign moles can be larger, this size criterion suggests further inspection.
“E” stands for Evolving, which means any noticeable change in the mole’s size, shape, color, or elevation over time. New symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting also fall under this category and indicate a need for examination.
Monitoring and Medical Consultation
Regular self-examination of your skin, including the area under your breasts, is important for identifying any changes in moles. This self-check can be performed monthly using a full-length mirror, and a hand-held mirror or assistance can help view hard-to-reach areas.
If any mole exhibits characteristics described by the ABCDE rule, or if a new mole appears rapidly, medical consultation is suggested. Other symptoms that warrant a doctor’s visit include a mole that becomes painful, itchy, inflamed, bleeds, or develops a crusty surface.
A healthcare provider, often a dermatologist, will perform a visual inspection and may use a tool called a dermatoscope. This specialized magnifying device allows for a detailed, non-invasive examination of the mole’s structure and pigmentation beneath the skin’s surface. If the mole appears suspicious after this examination, a biopsy may be performed, where a small tissue sample is removed for microscopic analysis to determine its nature.