What is a skin mole?

A skin mole, also known as a nevus, is a common skin growth that develops when pigment cells in the skin, called melanocytes, cluster together. Moles can vary in size, shape, and color. They can be small, medium, or large, and can be round, oval, or irregular in shape. Moles can also range in color from light brown to dark brown, and can sometimes be black.

Moles are generally benign, meaning that they are not cancerous. However, some moles can develop into skin cancer, a condition called melanoma. It is important to regularly monitor your moles for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture. Any suspicious moles should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Moles are very common, and most people have at least a few of them. They typically develop during childhood and adolescence, and may continue to appear throughout adulthood. Moles can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the face, neck, arms, and legs.