Moles are common skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body, from the face to the limbs. They present as small, pigmented spots, and new ones often develop over time. While most moles are harmless, understanding their characteristics and the factors that lead to their appearance can help in monitoring skin health.
What Are Moles?
Moles, medically known as melanocytic nevi, are benign skin lesions formed by clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. When melanocytes grow in concentrated groups rather than being evenly spread, a mole forms. Most moles appear during childhood and adolescence.
Common benign moles exhibit uniform color, ranging from tan to dark brown, or even pink or black, especially on darker skin tones. They are round or oval-shaped and can be flat or slightly raised on the skin surface. These moles have smooth, distinct borders and are symmetrical, meaning if an imaginary line were drawn through them, both halves would appear similar.
Factors Contributing to New Moles
The appearance of new moles throughout life is influenced by several factors, including inherited traits, environmental exposures, and bodily changes. Genetics play a significant role, as the number and type of moles an individual develops can be predetermined by family history. If parents or close relatives have many moles or specific types, such as atypical moles, there is a higher likelihood of developing similar patterns.
Sun exposure, particularly to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is a major trigger for new mole formation. UV rays can stimulate melanocytes to multiply, leading to the development of new moles, especially on areas of the body frequently exposed to sunlight like the face, arms, neck, and back. This effect is more pronounced with exposure during childhood, with the moles appearing later in life.
Hormonal fluctuations within the body can also influence mole development and changes in existing moles. Periods such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are associated with hormonal shifts that can lead to the appearance of new moles or cause existing ones to darken or increase in size. For instance, increased levels of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) during these times can contribute to these changes.
Moles can emerge at any age, though most acquired moles appear during childhood and young adulthood, peaking during adolescence. While the majority of moles develop by age 30, new moles can form later in life. Some moles may also fade or disappear with advancing age.
Identifying Moles That Need Medical Review
It is important to monitor moles for any changes, as some alterations could indicate a need for medical evaluation. The ABCDEs of melanoma detection serve as a helpful guide for self-examination and identifying potentially concerning moles. This system helps in recognizing characteristics that may point to melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
“A” stands for Asymmetry, meaning one half of the mole does not match the other half in shape or appearance. A benign mole is symmetrical. “B” refers to Border irregularity, where the edges of the mole are ragged, notched, or blurred rather than smooth and well-defined. The pigment might also appear to spread into the surrounding skin.
“C” signifies Color variation within the mole. Instead of a uniform color, a suspicious mole may have multiple shades of brown, black, or tan, and sometimes even areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue. “D” represents Diameter, with moles larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) being a potential warning sign. However, some melanomas can be smaller than this diameter.
“E” is for Evolving, which means any change in the mole’s size, shape, or color over weeks or months. This also includes new symptoms like itching, tenderness, or bleeding from the mole. Regular self-skin checks and professional dermatological examinations are recommended to promptly identify any such changes and ensure early detection of any concerning lesions.