Nearly everybody has at least one mole; the little pigmented patches on the skin look like freckles. These skin growths result from clusters of skin cells, known as melanocytes, that cause pigmentation or uneven hue. Moles are typically circular or oval with a smooth edge, but can also be flat or elevated and have a rough texture. While most Fort Worth moles are generally benign, some moles may signal the early development of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to have a doctor examine you for any unusual moles. Meanwhile, continue reading to learn about the different types of moles. 

Benign Mole

A benign mole is an ordinary mole. These moles typically have a very low risk of developing into skin cancer. The average width of a benign mole is less than 5 millimeters.

Most adults have 10-40 common moles. Some of these growths are congenital, meaning they were present at birth or can develop later as an adult.

While these ordinary moles are not malignant, individuals with over 50 benign moles might have a higher susceptibility to acquiring melanoma. Therefore, you should always talk to your specialist if you spot an increase in common moles or any other unusual changes, be it their shape, feel, or color.

Dysplastic Moles

A dysplastic or unusual mole is a mole that appears distinct from a common mole. Your mole can be larger, often greater than 10 millimeters wide, or it can have a distinct surface, border, or color. Your mole could even have a mix of various hues, ranging from dark brown to pink.

The dysplastic moles could form anywhere on your body but are particularly prevalent in sun-exposed areas like the upper back. However, this does not imply you cannot find dysplastic moles in locations not subjected to direct sunlight.

Often, individuals with dysplastic moles tend to also have a bigger number of common moles. These growths are probably one of the most common to develop into melanoma. Here is the standard checklist you can follow to determine if your dysplastic mole is a warning sign of melanoma:

1. Asymmetrical – cancerous moles have two distinct halves and an uneven form

2. Border- malignant moles typically feature a ragged or notched border

3. Colors- cancerous moles are usually of two or more hues

4. Diameter- malignant moles are typically bigger than 12 millimeters wide 

5. Elongation or Enlargement- a mole that shifts in size with time is probably malignant

Spitz Moles

Spitz moles are rare skin moles that typically affect young kids. These moles could be hard to distinguish from melanoma (cancerous moles) unless your dermatologist conducts a biopsy.

Typically, spitz moles are elevated, dome-shaped, and pink. You may also observe several hues on one mole, including black, brown, and red. Occasionally, spitz moles ooze pus or bleed. Therefore, you should immediately consult a dermatologist if you experience such issues.

Having moles is not a surefire indicator that you will develop skin cancer. Nonetheless, understanding when a mole can signify skin cancer could aid in the early detection of any malignancy. Therefore, always contact your dermatologist or specialist for clarification or necessary tests to save yourself from the serious health effects of skin cancer.