Moles are common growths on the skin that are usually brown or black in color. They can appear anywhere on the skin, either alone or in groups. Most appear in early childhood, and they can grow or change in color. Moles occur when the cells in the skin grow in a cluster, instead of being spread throughout the skin. These cells, called melanocytes, make the pigment that gives skin its natural color.
Most moles are harmless. If a mole on your body has the following traits, it's most likely nothing to worry about:
- One color - often brown, but a mole can be tan, black, red, pink, blue, skin-toned or colorless
- Round in shape
- Flat or slightly raised
- Looks the same from month to month
- Asymmetry - One half is unlike the other half
- Border - An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border
- Color - Varied from one area to another, has shades of different colors
- Diameter - Generally bigger than 6mm
- Evolving - Looks different, is changing in size, shape or color