Moles, while many of us have them, not many people actually know what they are, or are aware of the different types that exist.
Scientifically known as melanocytic naevi (singular nevus), moles are spots that form on the skin, and are clusters made up of left-over melanocytes. Moles are usually brown or flesh coloured, can be flat or raised, and some may even have hair growing in them. Some moles change with time, either growing in number or changing colour, in accordance with fluctuating hormones, while others are present from birth. For example, some moles darken during pregnancy, and some moles begin to appear during puberty. Others darken in correlation to sun exposure over long periods of time. Some moles may even fade with old age after age 50 or even earlier.
There is a large variety of moles, categorised into different types, however the most common are: junctional, dermal, and compound. Junctional moles are mostly flat, round, and brown in colour. Dermal moles are usually raised, can include hair, and are pale in colour. Compound moles are somewhat of a combination between dermal and junctional, as they can be hairy, raised, and brown in colour. The type of moles that appear at birth, are known as congenital naevi.
Most moles are not cancerous, however it is important to monitor any and all changes that occur to your moles. Moles that change shape or border, are itchy/bleeding, or change colour, should be recorded and brought to the immediate attention of a doctor or dermatologist. Your doctor may recommend a removal or biopsy of the mole, which may very well save your life, as some moles can develop into Melanoma.
We understand the importance of monitoring your skin so that you can keep a record of any suspicious moles or changes- which is why we created the Mole Monitor app! Get more information about the Mole Monitor application by navigating to the "Learn More" tab at the top right of this page.
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Scientifically known as melanocytic naevi (singular nevus), moles are spots that form on the skin, and are clusters made up of left-over melanocytes. Moles are usually brown or flesh coloured, can be flat or raised, and some may even have hair growing in them. Some moles change with time, either growing in number or changing colour, in accordance with fluctuating hormones, while others are present from birth. For example, some moles darken during pregnancy, and some moles begin to appear during puberty. Others darken in correlation to sun exposure over long periods of time. Some moles may even fade with old age after age 50 or even earlier.
There is a large variety of moles, categorised into different types, however the most common are: junctional, dermal, and compound. Junctional moles are mostly flat, round, and brown in colour. Dermal moles are usually raised, can include hair, and are pale in colour. Compound moles are somewhat of a combination between dermal and junctional, as they can be hairy, raised, and brown in colour. The type of moles that appear at birth, are known as congenital naevi.
Most moles are not cancerous, however it is important to monitor any and all changes that occur to your moles. Moles that change shape or border, are itchy/bleeding, or change colour, should be recorded and brought to the immediate attention of a doctor or dermatologist. Your doctor may recommend a removal or biopsy of the mole, which may very well save your life, as some moles can develop into Melanoma.
We understand the importance of monitoring your skin so that you can keep a record of any suspicious moles or changes- which is why we created the Mole Monitor app! Get more information about the Mole Monitor application by navigating to the "Learn More" tab at the top right of this page.
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