Moles, which are known as benign skin lesions, appear when the cells, known as melanocytes, grow in clusters. The cell melanocyte gives the skin the pigment for its natural color. When these cells are not spread throughout the skin they form into moles. Moles usually tend to be brown or black in color and can appear anywhere on one’s skin. Most individuals may have up to 40 moles by the age of 30.

Congenital nevi is a type of mole that appears at birth and can become a cancerous mole. Dysplastic nevi is a type of mole that has an irregular shape and is larger than the size of a pencil eraser. Moles which stay the same throughout your life should cause no concern. However, if you have any mole which becomes itchy, painful or appears after the age of 30, it is recommended for you to see a dermatologist who can better evaluate the mole to make sure it is not cancerous.

Dermatologists may need to do a biopsy to make sure that the mole is not cancerous. The dermatologist can later remove the mole by simply cutting it off. Those who would like to remove a mole for cosmetic reasons may also do so, after speaking to their dermatologist.