Usually brown or black, moles can be anywhere on the body, alone or in groups, and generally appear before age 20. Some moles (not all) change slowly over the years, becoming raised, developing hair, and/or changing color. While most are non-cancerous, some moles have a higher risk of becoming cancerous. Have a dermatologist evaluate moles that change, have irregular borders, unusual or uneven color, bleed, or itch.
Some of us have more moles than others, the more moles you have on your body, the higher your risk of melanoma. Be very careful about exposing yourself to the sun and check your moles regularly for any changes. Remember the ABCD rule when checking moles, if you notice any of the following signs see your doctor without delay:
Moles are growths on the skin. They happen when cells in the skin, called melanocytes, grow in a cluster with tissue surrounding them. SKINIPEDIA, your Skin Encyclopedia
