Moles may be tan, brown, black, reddish-brown, red, purple, or skin-colored and perfectly flat or raised. Most moles are smaller than a pencil eraser (about 1/2 inch). A dysplastic nevus may be a marker for a person at risk for melanoma, especially if there is a family history of melanoma.
- Moles are common small flesh-colored, tan, brown, or black spots on the skin.
- Moles may be flat or raised.
- Sun exposure in childhood causes an increase in the number of moles.
- Most moles appear by age 30.
- Moles may be mistaken for freckles and other skin growths.
- Irregular enlarging moles may either be skin cancer or develop into a skin cancer called melanoma.
- Skin cancer may at times masquerade or hide as a regular mole.
- A dermatologist should promptly examine irregular or changing moles.
- Minor surgery is the only effective way to remove a mole.
What are moles?
Besides being a small burrowing mammal and a unit of chemical weight, the term mole (in reference to skin) describes a variety of skin imperfections. Many prefer the term beauty mark. The medical term for mole is melanocytic nevus. Moles may be tan, brown, black, reddish brown, red, purple, or skin-colored and perfectly flat or raised. Most moles are smaller than a pencil eraser (about 1/2 inch).
