Moles (Nevi)

 You may have noticed several brown or black dot-like marks on your body from birth or developing during the first two years after birth. These are often referred to as beauty marks or moles, but medically, they are known as Melanocytic nevus. These are benign (non-cancerous) entities and do not require any treatment. Moles or nevi are usually brownish or black, typically round or oval-shaped and symmetrical. A mole can last up to 50 years. However, consult a dermatologist (a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) if you suspect a mole is abnormal. 

Meanwhile, you can learn everything about moles or nevi through this informative blog, as we highlight the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of moles.  

What is a Mole?

Moles, also known as nevus (plural) or nevi (singular), are a collection of colored cells. The color can range between brown to black. They typically appear as small, flat, symmetrical dot-like marks or tiny spots. You can be born with moles or develop them later in life.  

There are many types of moles; most of them are harmless, while some can be serious.  

What Are the Types of Moles?

There are several types of moles, namely: 

Congenital nevus

• This is a type of mole that you have had since birth.
• They may be small or large and vary in color, texture, and consistency. 
• Sometimes, a congenital nevus can cover a large area of your body.  

Common nevus 

• These moles are acquired or develop a few years after birth, maybe in early childhood.
• These are small, round, dome-shaped, pink, brown, or black tiny dots. 

Dysplastic nevus

• These are benign, atypical moles that may often resemble melanoma.
• They vary in color with ragged borders and are usually asymmetrical.
• You may be at an increased risk of developing melanoma if you have a dysplastic mole.  

Blue nevus

• You may have blue-colored moles that may be congenital or acquired. 
• These may appear flat or dome-shaped with a color ranging from blue-gray to blue-black.  

Miescher nevus

• These are brown or skin-colored dome-shaped moles on the face and neck.
• These are typically firm and rounded, with a hair follicle emerging. 

Unna nevus 

• These soft, brownish moles appear on the trunk, arms, and neck.
• This type of mole may resemble a raspberry.  

Meyerson nevus

• This type of mole is surrounded by a ring of eczema (an itchy, red rash).
• Regardless of your eczema, it develops on your skin, with men being more susceptible than women. 

Halo nevus

• This mole consists of a white ring of unpigmented cells around it.
• These moles may gradually fade and disappear over time.

Spitz nevus 

• This is a raised, pink, dome-shaped mole that typically appears before age 20.
• They are of varying color and may even ooze or bleed sometimes, thus making them hard to distinguish from melanoma. 

Reed nevus

• This is a dark brown or black colored raised, dome-shaped mole commonly seen affecting women.
• They can grow rapidly, appearing as spindle-shaped under a microscope, and be mistaken for a melanoma. 

Agminated nevus

• These refer to a cluster of similar moles in a particular area of your body.  

What Causes Moles?

Moles usually appear when the cells in your skin grow in clusters instead of spreading throughout the skin. They are often made up of melanocytes, which make the pigment that gives your skin color. 

Certain risk factors can increase your susceptibility to develop moles in different parts of your body. These include:

• Having a family member suffer from atypical moles or having a history of skin cancer
• Having a fair skin
• Excessive sunlight 

How Are Moles Diagnosed?

You may have developed a mole, but consult your dermatologist if you are unsure of what type of nevus you have. 

If you notice any changes in the existing mole or a new mole may develop and grow rapidly, your doctor can rule out malignancy through a diagnostic test called biopsy.  

There are several types of biopsy: 

Shave Biopsy

• Your doctor will use a razor to shave off a layer on the superficial layer of your skin and study under a microscope. 

Punch Biopsy

• Your doctor will use a special punch tool or device to remove a skin sample.
• This sample includes the superficial skin layer and some tissue from the deeper skin layers. 

Excisional Biopsy 

• Your doctor will use a surgical instrument such as a scalpel to remove the entire mole and some of the skin around it.  

Do Moles Need Treatment?

Benign skin moles do not require treatment. However, if your doctor suspects malignancy after conducting a biopsy, it is best to have the entire mole removed surgically under anesthesia with minimal invasion.

Currently, suspicious skin moles can be removed through laser therapy or cryotherapy (freezing). 

When Should You See a Doctor for Moles?

It is essential to look out for changes in your mole. Any abnormal color, shape, size, and border changes could indicate malignancy. Cancer is the easiest to treat if detected early. Remember to examine your skin once a month with the following screening criteria:  

• A is for asymmetrical shape 
• B is for a border that should be solid and not irregular 
• C is for color to check if there is any color change or uneven, blotchy colors
• D is for diameter to check if the mole is larger than a pencil eraser 
• E is evolving to check for new signs such as itching or bleeding.  

Takeaway

Most people get moles, which are common, harmless, non-contagious entities. They vary in size and shape but are always symmetrical and are brown or black in appearance. There are several types of moles based on the time of development, location, and appearance. These beauty marks are not of great concern until they show any changes in their appearance. If you suspect any abnormal change in your mole, consult your dermatologist immediately. They can perform diagnostic tests to rule out malignancy. Stay alert!