What is Benign Mole?

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Most moles are benign or harmless. Moles are types of skin growths or lesions, commonly referred to as a nevus (plural: nevi). Nevus is a generalized medical term for a visible, circumscribed, chronic lesion that sits on the skin or mucosa. They can take many different forms, including freckles, moles, skin tags, and seborrheic keratoses.^[1]

Typically, moles are pink, brown, or tan in color with a distinct border. Moles usually develop within the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis (outer layer of skin), which contains blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, and other structures. Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster, forming a lesion, instead of spreading out across the skin.^[2]

Some moles that develop from cells are called melanocytes, which make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. They can also develop from other cells, including nevus cells. The adoctor can help you find the nearest doctor adoctor Algeria.

Types of benign moles

The most common types of benign mole include:^[3]

• Compound melanocytic nevi, which are usually raised above the skin, light brown and sometimes hairy.
• Dermal melanocytic nevi, which are usually raised, pale and sometimes hairy.
• Junctional melanocytic nevi, which are usually brown, round and flat.

Seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is a kind of skin growth or lesion that usually appears as a brown, black, or light tan blemish on the face, chest, shoulders, or back. They are usually melanocytic, i.e. melanin-containing, or pigmented.

Seborrheic keratoses are common and can be scaly, waxy, and slightly raised above the skin (elevated). Although these growths are not themselves harmful, they can be difficult to distinguish from malignant melanoma, one of the most serious types of skin cancer, so it is advisable to have them checked to ensure that they are not, in fact, melanomas.^[3]

Red, scaly and swollen keratoses

If a keratosis becomes actinic, i.e. red, scaly, and swollen, this could indicate that it is precancerous. Actinic seborrheic keratoses, also known as solar keratoses, usually occur as a result of years of sun exposure.^[4]

Any suspected actinic keratosis should be checked and removed by a doctor, because, although these lesions are not always malignant, they may develop into melanoma skin cancer if left untreated.

Atypical moles

Atypical moles are also known as dysplastic nevi, and the term describes unusual-looking moles.

Atypical moles may be mistaken for melanoma, but are not necessarily cancerous or precancerous. However, even though an individual atypical mole may be benign, people who have dysplastic nevi are at increased risk of developing melanoma compared to those who do not. Melanoma can develop in a mole or elsewhere on the body.

Common types of dysplastic nevi include:^[5]

• Blue nevus, which is dark blue in color and can be flat or raised.
• Dysplastic or atypical nevus, which is also known as “Clark nevi,” this is an unusual looking, slightly larger size of mole with an irregular border.
• Halo nevus, which is urrounded by a white ring where the skin has lost its color.

Causes of benign moles

Most moles are made of cells called melanocytes which make a pigment called melanin. Melanin has two principal functions: it helps to protect the body from ultraviolet light (UV radiation) from the sun and gives skin and hair its natural color. People with darker complexions have more of these cells and are more likely to develop new moles after exposure to sunlight.^[2]

Moles can occur anywhere on the body. They can be present at birth (congenital), but it is possible for them to develop throughout one’s lifetime (acquired). People can be born with moles, or develop new ones of any size and color throughout their lifetime, at any age. In general, however, darker skin types usually have darker moles.

Changes in benign moles

Environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, and hormonal changes such as going through puberty or pregnancy can cause moles to darken or develop.

Therefore, the appearance of moles can change over time. They can change in number and appearance and can also fade away. It is important to familiarise oneself with the lesions on one’s body so as to establish their size, shape, and type(s) are normal, as this may be different for every person. This will make it easier to spot atypical lesions or changes to lesions, which could indicate melanoma.

Changes in moles may require a visit to a doctor to determine if the mole is exhibiting dysplasia, i.e. becoming dysplastic. When a lesion becomes dysplastic, this is a sign that it contains abnormal cells or maybe undergoing abnormal development. A mole becoming dysplastic may indicate the development of melanomas or carcinomas (cancerous cells).

Identifying cancerous moles

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanomas develop from melanin-containing cells, called melanocytes. People with fair skin, red or blond hair, or who spend a lot of time in strong sunlight are at higher risk of developing melanoma. It is important to avoid prolonged sun or other UV radiation exposure to reduce the risk of developing dysplastic or cancerous moles.

Good to know: The most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. The typical warning sign of non-melanoma skin cancer or carcinoma is a growth or sore that doesn’t heal, which should be checked by a doctor.

Read more about Melanoma »

Potential indicators that a mole is cancerous include:

Nevi with three or more different shades of brown or black are particularly likely to be dysplastic, indicative of melanoma or carcinoma. The alphabetic mnemonic (ABCDE)^[5] is a useful way to remember the important indicators that an atypical nevus could be cancerous:

• Asymmetry. Changing shape, in particular if lesions develop an irregular edge.
• Border. The border or edges of the nevus become ragged, blurred, or irregular.
• Color. Getting darker, becoming patchy or multi shaded; its color may have shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red.
• Diameter. The nevus may get bigger; enlargement is especially concerning if its diameter becomes larger than the eraser of a pencil.
• Elevation/Evolution. The nevus may appear elevated, or raised from the skin, and may look inflamed, bleed or become crusty.

If a nevus suddenly begins to display any of these signs, it is important to have it examined by a dermatologist; a doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the skin. It is also vital to have nevi checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly, or become tender or painful.

Treatment

If a dermatologist believes a melanocytic nevus needs to be evaluated further to find out whether it is cancerous, they will conduct a biopsy. This involves shaving or cutting it out so that it can be examined under a microscope.

If an atypical nevus is found to contain cancerous melanocytes, the dermatologist will remove the entire mole or scar from the biopsy site by cutting out the entire area, as well as a rim of normal skin around it. They will then suture the wound, i.e. stitch the wound to close it. This treatment is carried out to ensure that any melanoma-containing cells are removed in their entirety, preventing melanoma from spreading elsewhere in the body.

Removing benign moles

Even though benign moles do not pose health risks such as melanomas, many people opt to have them removed. Most people who seek to have nevi removed do so for cosmetic reasons, for instance, if one is embarrassed about how a particular mole or moles look, or practical reasons such as if they snag on clothing or impede shaving.

Scarring is a possible consequence of removing a mole. With scarring in mind, its location and the likely aesthetic development of the scar should be considered before removal, especially in cases where the procedure has been sought for cosmetic reasons.

Common methods of removing nevi include:^[6]

Burning moles off, with an electric current that passes through a wire that becomes hot and is used to burn off the upper layers of the skin. The heat helps prevent bleeding. More than one treatment may be needed to remove a nevus.

Alternatively, the nevus can be cut off the skin. Some nevi may have subcutaneous cells, which reside underneath the skin, so the doctor might need to make a deeper cut to remove the entire mole to prevent it from growing back. The cut may require stitches.

Nevi can also be frozen off with liquid nitrogen. The dermatologist will swab or spray a small amount of super-cold liquid nitrogen on the mole or skin tag. After it has been frozen off, there might be a blister at the site where it was, but this usually heals on its own.

Prevention

By taking appropriate measures to avoid sun damage, a person can:

• Prevent new nevi from developing
• Prevent existing melanocytic nevi from developing melanoma skin cancer

When spending time in direct sunlight, always:

• Wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), such as SPF 50
• Use sun-protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, sleeves and long pants
• Seek shade regularly
• Stay out of the sunlight between peak hours, (around 10am to 4pm)

Check the body several times per year, particularly after periods of sun exposure, for any new atypical moles or atypical changes to existing moles, which could indicate melanoma.

Benign mole FAQs

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1. “Other benign skin growths.” Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2018. Accessed: 31 October 2018. ↩

2. “How moles develop.” Aim at Melanoma Foundation. 2014. Accessed: 31 October 2018. ↩ ↩

3. “Melanocytic naevi (pigmented moles).” British Association of Dermatologists. September 2017. Accessed: 31 October 2018. ↩ ↩

4. “Actinctic keratoses (solar keratoses).” NHS. 08 May 2018. Accessed: 31 October 2018. ↩

5. “Pathology of dysplastic (atypical) melanocytic nevi.” Medscape. 27 December 2015. Accessed: 31 October 2018. ↩ ↩

6. “Can I get a mole removed on the NHS?” NHS. 04 October 2018. Accessed: 31 October 2018. ↩

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**Question: What is a Benign Mole?**



**Answer:**



A benign mole, also known as a melanocytic nevus, is a common skin growth consisting of a cluster of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that provides color to the skin. Benign moles are typically ⁢harmless and do ⁢not pose any health risks.



**Characteristics of Benign Moles:**



* **Color:** Benign moles can range from brown to black or even blue-black.

* **Size:** Usually less than ​1 cm (0.4 inches) in diameter.

* **Shape:** Round or oval with well-defined borders.

* **Surface:** Smooth or slightly raised.

* **Consistency:** Soft to ​firm.

* ‌**Growth:** Benign ‌moles often appear in childhood or adolescence and​ gradually increase in size and number over time. They typically ⁢stabilize ⁢in adulthood.



**Causes⁢ of Benign Moles:**



The exact​ cause of​ benign moles is unknown, but they are thought to result from‍ a combination ⁣of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation‌ from the sun or tanning beds.



**Importance of Differentiating Between Benign and Malignant Moles:**



While⁢ most moles are benign, it is crucial to be able to differentiate them from ‌malignant moles, such​ as melanoma, which can be dangerous. The ABCDE rule⁢ is a mnemonic device that ⁤helps ⁤identify ‌concerning moles:



* **A (Asymmetry):** ‌Malignant moles often⁣ have irregular or asymmetrical shapes.

* **B⁣ (Border):**​ Malignant moles usually have ragged or poorly defined borders.

* **C (Color):** Malignant moles‍ may have multiple colors, ⁤such as⁣ black, brown, blue, or red.

* **D ⁣(Diameter):** Malignant moles often exceed 6 mm (0.24 inches) in diameter.

* **E (Evolution):** Malignant‌ moles tend to change in size, shape, or color over time.



**When to See a Doctor:**



If you ⁤notice‌ any changes⁢ in the appearance of an existing mole or if a new mole develops, especially if it fits the ⁣ABCDE criteria, it ⁢is important to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.



**Treatment Options for Benign Moles:**



Benign moles typically do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or if the patient desires to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Removal options include:



* **Surgical ⁤excision:**‌ Involves ⁢cutting the mole out.

* **Laser therapy:** Uses a laser​ to vaporize the mole.

* **Cryotherapy:** ⁢Freezes the mole with liquid nitrogen.