Important Mole Information

Learn about melanin cells.

What You Need to Know About Moles and Dysplastic Nevi

Our doctor's have done a lot of research to help you learn about common moles, and unusual ones called dysplastic nevi, or atypical moles. This web site contains images that shows what moles look like and explains how they may be related to melanoma -- a type of skin cancer. The web site describes the signs of melanoma and explains how you can check your skin for moles that might be cancerous.

Cancer research has led to real progress against cancer, leading to better survival and an improved quality of life. Through research, our knowledge about moles and cancers of the skin keeps increasing. We are finding new ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer.

Moles -- Moles are growths on the skin. Doctors call moles "nevi" (one mole is a nevus). These growths occur when cells in the skin, called melanocytes, grow in a cluster with tissue surrounding them. Moles are usually pink, tan, brown, or flesh-colored. Melanocytes are also spread evenly throughout the skin and produce the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment, causing the skin to tan, or darken.

Moles are very common. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles. A person may develop new moles from time to time, usually until about age 40. Moles can be flat or raised. They are usually round or oval and no larger than a pencil eraser. Many moles begin as a small, flat spot and slowly become larger in diameter and raised. Over many years, they may flatten again, become flesh-colored, and go away.

Dysplastic Nevi -- About one out of every ten people has at least one unusual (or atypical) mole that looks different from an ordinary mole. The medical term for these unusual moles is dysplastic nevi. The Pictures of Ordinary Moles and Dysplastic Nevi can be found at skin cancer mole picture.

Doctors believe that dysplastic nevi are more likely than ordinary moles to develop into a type of skin cancer called melanoma. Because of this, moles should be checked regularly by a doctor or nurse specialist, especially if they look unusual; grow larger; or change in color, outline, or in any other way.

Melanoma -- Melanoma is a type of skin cancer--one of the most serious types because advanced melanomas have the ability to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can also develop in the eye, called intraocular melanoma, or rarely in other parts of the body where pigment cells are found.

Melanoma begins when melanocytes (pigment cells) gradually become more abnormal and divide without control or order. These cells can invade and destroy the normal cells around them. The abnormal cells form a growth of malignant tissue (a cancerous tumor) on the surface of the skin.

Melanoma can begin either in an existing mole or as a new growth on the skin. A doctor or specialist can tell whether an abnormal-looking mole should be closely watched or should be removed and checked for melanoma cells. The purpose of routine skin exams is to identify and follow abnormal moles. If you have what you believe to be a cancerous mole, see your doctor. Do not use Dermatend brand mole remover on cancerous moles.