Fear of moles often forces us to visit a dermatologist or cosmetologist to have them removed or, at the very least, to ensure they haven't become cancerous. Everyone knows that a rapidly growing or darkening mole can be a dangerous malignant disease—melanoma. Therefore, doctors often remove apparently harmless moles simply to reassure their patients. Removing every single mole is virtually impossible, as a person can have forty or more.
If you're concerned about your birthmarks, it's best to consult a dermatologist rather than a cosmetologist. A dermatologist can refer you for all the necessary tests to ensure the mole is harmless.
A mole itself consists of a cluster of cells, the majority of which are melanocytes (the cells that produce skin pigment). Their color ranges from gray to black, with tan and dark brown in between. However, a black mole isn't always ominous. Pigmentation isn't a requirement—many moles are flesh-colored. Shapes are as varied as colors: from a flat spot to an obvious bump, and the surface can be smooth or uneven. Some moles have hair growing on them, which is also harmless.
Most scientists believe that moles are not caused by solar radiation, but for unknown reasons, they appear more often on sun-exposed areas of the skin and less frequently on the buttocks, inner arms, and other sun-protected areas. For this reason, it is still recommended to limit direct sunlight and use sunscreen.
Newborns have either no moles at all or very few; they begin to appear around the sixth month of life and continue to increase in number until the person reaches 20-25 years of age. Later, new moles appear infrequently, and existing ones age and fade with age. This process intensifies after age 50. By age 80, moles usually disappear, but this does not apply to other pigmented spots on the skin that often appear with age.
Signs of a benign mole include uniform coloration, smooth, even borders, and unchanged color and size.
Signs that should cause you concern include enlargement, color change (moles can even turn red, white, bluish, or black), and any changes in surface texture—cracking, scaling, oozing, bleeding, or thickening.
But a particularly ominous sign of a mole degenerating into a malignant tumor is the appearance of colored spots at its borders.
Moreover, benign moles usually grow more slowly. But they also often enlarge and become raised.
Moreover, if you stare at any mole for too long, it will eventually seem incredibly unpleasant and suspicious. In this case, it's best to see a doctor and ask what to do. After all, the more you examine a mole that seems suspicious, the more you'll find signs that it's becoming malignant. Moles on the head, as well as large and suspicious moles, should only be removed by a doctor. You can remove small moles yourself at home if you ask your doctor for a prescription for a suitable solution. You can remove them using cauterization.
Instead of walking around worrying about the worst, get your moles taken care of and you'll have one less thing to worry about.
Good luck to you!