Why do people develop moles?

No one really knows why moles develop or their function. Most moles are harmless and do not require any type of special care. The majority of moles have no symptoms. However, all individuals who have moles should be vigilant for changes in color and size.  If you have a mole that had undergone change, a skin doctor is the ideal professional to deal with it. Moles can easily be removed under local anesthesia and their studied can be analyzed under a microscope. Because moles can sometimes turn into the deadly melanoma, it is vital that all individuals pay attention to their skin lesions. Signs of skin cancer in a mole are not hard to miss and if any changes are noticed, a visit to the doctor is highly recommended.

Why are moles black in color?

The reason why moles appear black is because of the presence of pigment, melanin. Melanin is normally produced in skin cells. However, in some cases cells that produce melanin aggregate and present as a mole. In some people, the mole may vary in color from grey, silver or deep purple

What usually happens to moles?

Moles can develop anywhere on the body but are most common around the armpit, scalp, under the nails, and in between the web spaces of fingers and toes. While some people may have just one mole, most people have an average of 5-12. The majority of moles become prominent in adolescence and many do spontaneously disappear with age.

How often does a cancer develop in a mole?

The majority of moles are harmless but in rare cases the moles can turn into a cancer. Because of the concern about moles and skin cancer, these skin lesions must be monitored for changes in skin color and size. Skin cancerous moles can turn into a malignant melanoma. However it should be understood that not all melanomas develop from preexisting moles, but many develop from sites in an around a preexisting mole.

I am confused. What is the difference between a mole and nevi?

Moles are also known as nevi and appear as aggregates of pigmented cells that often appear as small dark brownish black spots. Moles do vary in color and can occur anywhere on the body. Most people have several moles. In the majority of people, moles are only of cosmetic significance.