Benign Mole (melanocytic naevi)
June 14th, 2024 | MedAsk Team
What is a Benign Mole?
Benign moles, medically known as nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that appear on the skin’s surface. They commonly appear as small, symmetrical spots on the skin with smooth, well-defined borders and uniform coloration ranging from light brown to dark black. They may be flat or slightly raised, typically measuring a few millimeters to about a quarter of an inch in diameter (1).
Benign moles can develop anywhere on the body and are commonly found on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs. They are a common occurrence, with nearly everyone having them. It’s not unusual for individuals to have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles. While they can develop at any age, they are most commonly seen in childhood and adolescence, and many naturally disappear later in adult life.
Benign moles come in three primary types (2):
- Junctional melanocytic nevi are flat and typically circular with an even coloration, ranging from medium to dark brown.
- Compound melanocytic nevi appear as raised brown bumps, often with hair. Some may have a slightly rough, warty texture.
- Intradermal melanocytic nevi are also raised and may have hair, resembling compound nevi, but they are typically paler in color and may lack pigment altogether.”
What causes Benign Moles?
The exact cause of benign moles is not fully understood, but they are believed to be primarily influenced by genetics and sun exposure. Individuals with fair skin, light eyes, and a family history of moles are more prone to developing them. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds can also trigger the development of moles (3).
While most benign moles are harmless, individuals with a large number of moles, known as dysplastic nevi, may have an increased risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Regular self-examinations and professional skin checks are essential for early detection and proper management of any concerning moles.
Differentiating Benign Moles from Melanoma
Most moles are harmless and don’t show any symptoms. Understanding the differences between benign moles and melanoma can help individuals identify potentially concerning skin changes and seek prompt medical attention (4). Here are some key factors to consider:
Characteristics of Benign Moles:
- Uniform appearance, with regular borders, a symmetrical shape, and consistent coloration.
- Small in size (1-6 millimeters in diameter).
- Stable over time and do not change significantly in size, shape, or color.
- Flat or slightly raised
- Not tender or painful to the touch.
Characteristics of Melanoma:
- Asymmetric, where one half of the mole does not match the other half in size, shape, or color.
- Irregular borders, with jagged or blurred edges
- Uneven coloration, with shades of brown, black, red, or white within the same mole.
- Rapid growth, itchiness, tenderness, or bleeding
Differentiation Strategies:
The ABCDE rule is used to distinguish between benign moles and melanoma. This mnemonic stands for:
- Asymmetry,
- Border irregularity,
- Color variation,
- Diameter greater than 6 millimeters,
- Evolution or change over time.
Concerned about a suspicious mole or other skin issue? Have a conversation with MedAsk, our AI-powered symptom assessment tool and learn more about your condition.
Treatment Options
In most cases, benign moles do not require treatment unless they become symptomatic or are cosmetically bothersome. However, if a mole changes in size, shape, color, or texture, or if it begins to bleed, itch, or become painful, it should be examined by a healthcare professional. Treatment options for moles may include surgical excision, shave removal, or laser therapy (5).
Prevention Tips
While not all moles can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them. These include:
- Avoiding prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
- Using sunscreen with a high SPF and reapplying it regularly.
- Wearing protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves, when outdoors.
- Avoiding the use of tanning beds and lamps.
You can also use MedAsk to get more personalized guidance for managing your skin conditions.
Sources
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/moles-overview (Accessed June 12, 2024)
- https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/melanocytic-naevi-pigmented-moles/ (Accessed June 12, 2024)
- https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/moles/ (Accessed June 12, 2024)
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/moles-fact-sheet#what-are-the-differences-between-a-common-mole-a-dysplastic-nevus-and-a-melanoma (Accessed June 13, 2024)
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23312-mole-removal (Accessed June 13, 2024)