Skin Moles - charm or threat?

A skin mole (melanocytic nevi
) is a permanent or acquired dark spot on the skin. Usually it is part of skin pigmentation and appears on part of the body, where melanocytes form cluster formations. Most often moles are a benign growth of the color cells of the skin (melanocytes) and can even add some charm to the appearance of their owners. However, sometimes moles can cause a serious health risk.

Moles naturally appear in the first year of life and are believed to be the result of a disorder in the development of the fetal cells. Women are prone to having more moles appear on their skin throughout the second or third decade of their life due to sunburns or as a result of pregnancy.
The skin mole can range in color from light to dark brown, even black. The size and form can also vary. The single skin mole is referred to in medical terms as a nevus. The nevi (the plural for a nevus) can be in singular clusters or spread on the entire torso, arms and legs. The surface of the moles may be flat or raised. Some will sprout a few hairs, which is normal.
Skin Mole types

There are several skin mole types. The most common one is the lentigo, which is most often seen in people with dark skin. It is a dark circular mark with the size of a lentil bean and with a slightly elevated surface. Its color can be yellow-brown or dark brown. Usually it doesn’t sprout any hair.

Another type of skin mole is the cellular. It is a raised hemispherical formation, which is soft to touch with smooth or with a furrow pattern. The color can be the same as the skin, grayish or dark purple. The size can vary from that of a lentil bean to a cherry. This type of mole usually appears on the face and torso.

The blue nevus is a variant of a common mole. It appears mostly on the face in the shape of small lentil-like ganglions, which have a blue color and can be seen through the skin. The blue nevus is composed of melanocytes, the cells which produce the melanin pigment. This nevus gets its name from the distinct clinical appearance because of the pigmented cells within the dermis. It is benign and is usually more of a cosmetic problem.

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