Causative & risk factors
Pigment cells (melanocytes) determine the color of the skin. Clustering of these pigment cells at certain points gives rise to moles. Prolonged exposure to the sun may cause moles to darken.
Clinical presentation
Moles may be present at birth or may develop later. An individual may possess a few to even 100 moles. The color is pink, tan, brown or black. Moles can darken with increasing age, pregnancy or sun exposure. They are usually round or oval in shape with a flattened or raised surface. Hair follicles may be present on moles.
Benign moles do not produce any symptoms. However, moles carry the risk of being transformed into melanoma (a type of skin cancer). This risk is especially higher in those who have congenital moles, dysplastic moles or a large number of moles. Hence any change in a mole’s color, size or appearance or development of any symptoms like itching, tenderness, bleeding etc. must be immediately referred to a physician.
Investigations
The diagnosis of moles is apparent on the basis of physical appearance. A skin biopsy is carried out if melanoma is suspected.
Treatment
Benign moles do not need any treatment. If cosmetic appearance is a problem, they can be removed via surgery or laser therapy.
Recent updates
Recent research suggests that having a large number of moles or suffering from sunburn before the age of 20 years is associated with a high risk of developing melanomas.
