Skin Moles - What Are They Excatly?

The Merck Manual  describes Moles as little dark skin growths that develop from pigment-producing skin cells.

Here are some facts you may want to know about moles:

(1) The tendency to develop atypical moles is hereditary.

(2) Moles and atypical moles that change drastically should be biopsied for possible melanoma.

(3)  Most of the moles can be removed with a scalpel (using local anesthetics).

(Almost) everyone has moles but the “mole population” vary:  some have less than a dozen - others may hundreds.

The moles themselves vary in size, color and shape: They can be  raised, flat, smooth or wart-like. Some moles  have hairs growing out.

Once formed, moles remain for a lifetime (unless removed) .  Moles occur more commonly among caucasians - especially on sun-exposed areas of the skin.