I WAS BORN WITH A MOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF MY FOREHEAD SKIN
They should also learn to do regular self skin exams. These people should be seen regularly by a dermatologist to check for any changes that might indicate skin cancer. Persons with Clark’s nevi may have a slightly greater-than-average chance of developing malignant melanoma. They tend to have uneven color with dark brown centers and lighter, sometimes reddish, uneven borders or black dots at edge. Moles known as Clark’s nevi are larger than average (usually larger than a pencil eraser) and irregular in shape. When a congenital nevus is more than eight inches across, it poses greater risk for developing melanoma. These moles may be slightly more likely to develop a melanoma than moles which appear after birth.
Moles are present at birth in about 1 in 100 people. People with many more moles than average (greater than 100) are also more at risk for melanoma. Sunburns may increase the risk of melanoma. Some may develop into a form of skin cancer known as malignant melanoma. Different Types of MolesĬertain types of moles have a higher-than-average risk of becoming cancerous. Moles may darken, with exposure to the sun. This is the typical life cycle of the common mole and can occur over 50 years. Others will become raised so far from the skin that they may develop a small “stalk” and eventually fall off or are rubbed off. Most moles will slowly disappear, seeming to fade away. As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming more raised and lighter in color. Over time, they usually enlarge and some develop hairs. At first, moles are flat and tan, pink, brown or black in color, like a freckle.
Sun exposure increases the number of moles.Įach mole has its own growth pattern. Most moles appear during the first 20 years of a person’s life, although some may not appear until later in life. The brown color is caused by melanocytes, special cells that produce the pigment melanin. They are usually brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They can be raised from the skin and very noticeable, they may contain dark hairs, or they may be dangerous. Although some people refer to moles as a “beauty mark,” not all moles are beautiful. Most people think of a mole as a dark brown spot, but moles have a wide range of appearance. They tend to be more frequent in those with fair skin and can be found in numbers of 40 or more. Everyone has moles and they are considered normal to have.