It is an abnormal collection of pigment cells which are present within the skin. The cells are called melanocytes. Moles are quite common and most of the people are born with it and others develop it during their lives. They are usually circular or oval in shape and are not very large. Moles are generally concentrated on the arms, back or chest. The moles usually are less than ¼ inch in size and most of them are formed during childhood and early adult life and they are believed to be caused due to sun damage. They may be found anywhere on the skin either alone or grouped. Moles could be raised from the skin and are noticeable. They may also contain dark hairs but that doesn`t make them dangerous. The number of moles on a person`s body and shape and color is determined by heredity. Most of the people have moles and they generally appear by the time a person attains the age of twenty and they resemble freckles at first. The shape and color of mole doesn`t change usually. Hormone level changes which occur during pregnancy and puberty make the moles look larger and darker. There is a chance that new moles may develop during this period. Moles usually last for about fifty years before fading

Cause

Moles are caused as a result of a harmless proliferation of the pigment cells within the deeper layer of the skin. Few of the moles, referred to as congenital melanonaevi are generally present at birth but a majority of them develop spontaneously or are a result of exposure to sunlight and they appear on those areas where the skin is exposed to sunlight. Most of the moles disappear with age.

Symptoms

They vary in color which ranges from yellow brown, black or flesh colored. They could also be flat or raised or smooth, hairy and warty. Generally the moles are harmless but in some cases they may become cancerous leading to a potentially deadly tumor known as malignant melanoma.

Treatment

Treatment of a majority of moles is not required but they might be removed for reason of cosmetic appearance. They may be removed through shave excision (removal) in which the doctor numbs the region around a mole and then a small blade is made use of for shaving the mole close to the skin. Under excisional surgery, as the name suggests the doctor cuts off the mole and a surrounding margin of healthy skin. Doctors also treat moles through punch biopsy where the mole is surgically removed by making a small incision or using a punch biopsy technique which involves the use of a small cookie-cutter like device.

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