Moles are small pigmented spots that can appear on the skin, with the average person having 10-40 moles on their body. These moles can vary in appearance, with some being benign and others potentially cancerous. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of both benign and cancerous moles so that you can seek medical attention if necessary.
Benign moles are usually less than 5 mm in diameter, have a yellow-brown or brown color, round or oval shape, a smooth surface, and are often dome-shaped. The color of moles can be darker in people with darker skin types compared to those with lighter skin types. While benign moles are generally not harmful, certain factors such as prolonged exposure to sunlight, exposure to toxic chemicals, arsenic poisoning, and a family history of skin cancer can increase the risk of them becoming cancerous.
Moles that have a higher risk of being cancerous often have irregular edges, a non-smooth surface, multiple colors, and are larger than 6 mm in size. These moles may bleed easily, feel itchy, crusty, and change rapidly in size, shape
