Moles
Some are beauty marks, some snag clothing, some you may just not want anymore - few become bad.
What is a mole?
A mole is also called a melanocytic nevus – yeah, we love complex words. A mole is just an island of melanocytes (cells that make skin pigment) that have grouped together.
Why do I have them?
Genetics. Also, injury to the skin makes them occur in higher numbers. One of the most common injuries to the skin is a sun burn or just sun exposure and this also makes more moles.
Aren’t they bad?
No, moles aren’t bad. A mole that hurts, bleeds, grows quickly, grows asymmetrically etc. could be bad.
Don’t they cause melanoma?
Not really. Less than 30% of melanoma arise from a mole. Most melanomas arise from normal skin (probably about 75%).
If you have a mole that is different than the rest, is growing faster than the rest, is “growing and arm or a leg”, or you are just worried about, you should book an appointment with a board certified dermatologist to be evaluated.
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation (link - https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/
For Physicians only (or patients of Dr. Contestable) – “Moles – Patient Handout”