Moles: Understanding Types, Risks, and Safe Removal at A1 Surgery Center in Jeddah – KSA
Moles come in a variety of forms and can be found on nearly anyone, with about 1% of newborns having some type of mole from birth. While most moles are benign and pose no serious health concerns, there are instances where moles can develop into melanomas, a form of skin cancer.
Considering the potential risk for malignancy, it’s often recommended to seek professional help to safely and effectively remove moles.
At A1 Surgery Center in Jeddah, our specialist plastic surgeons are skilled in carrying out skin surgery, including mole removal procedures. Mole excision, a common method used to completely remove moles, is one of the procedures we offer at our clinic.
Our team of experts is highly experienced in performing such procedures with precision and care, ensuring your peace of mind throughout the process. We understand the importance of thoroughness in mole removal, not just for cosmetic reasons but also to eliminate any potential health risks associated with these skin abnormalities. We are here to guide and assist you every step of the way.
What is a Mole?
A mole, medically known as a naevus (or naevi for multiple moles), is a benign, or noncancerous, skin growth. These are typically small in size and can either be smooth or have a raised surface.
Moles commonly have a round or oval shape and are often pigmented, meaning they carry some color – usually shades of brown, tan, black, red, pink, blue, or skin-toned. Some moles may even have a rough surface with hairs growing from them.
While it’s normal for individuals to have a single mole, it’s also possible to have multiple moles. On rare occasions, these moles can undergo changes in color, shape, or form nodules. It’s important to consult your GP if you observe such changes, as these could be signs of malignant transformations that might lead to skin cancer.
Moles typically appear later in childhood, though some are present from birth.
Scientifically, these skin growths are believed to occur due to anomalies during embryonic development. Melanocytes, which are cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes), are formed and move into the skin during this stage. Moles are hypothesized to be a result of errors in the formation, growth, or migration of these melanocytes.
What are the Different Types of Moles?
Moles come in different types and can be broadly categorized into two main groups: congenital moles, which are present at birth, and acquired moles, which develop later in life.
Congenital Moles
Congenital moles are the ones that a person is born with. At birth, these moles are usually light in color and may have a flat or slightly raised surface. As the individual grows older, the mole might become darker, larger, and may even develop long, coarse, dark hairs. Interestingly, some congenital moles may disappear on their own as the person ages. The most common type of congenital mole is the congenital melanocytic nevus.
Acquired Moles
These moles aren’t present at birth but instead appear later on, often during late childhood or adolescence, though they can also develop in adulthood. Physically, it might be hard to tell the difference between acquired and congenital moles. Common types of acquired moles include junctional nevi, dermal nevi, and compound nevi.
Other Types of Moles
In addition to congenital and acquired moles, there are other types as well. For instance, an atypical or dysplastic nevus is a large mole with an irregular shape, known to increase a person’s risk of developing melanoma skin cancer.
Diagnosing Moles
A proficient skin specialist is crucial in diagnosing your mole correctly. They consider various primary and secondary characteristics of the mole to provide an accurate diagnosis.