Simple facts about moles that are worth knowing:
- A mole is a collection of pigment cells known as melanocytes.
- Moles are extremely common.
- The medical name for a mole is naevus.
- Moles that are present at birth or soon after are called congenital moles.
- Most moles develop where skin has been exposed to sunlight; they can also appear in places that never see the sun.
- The more moles you have, the higher your risk of melanoma.
- Melanoma develops when our skin produces abnormal melanocytes.
- Check your skin regularly; the change of seasons is a good way to remind yourself.
- New, changing or irritated moles should be checked by your doctor as soon as possible. Look for changes in size, shape and colour.
- Harmless moles can be raised or flat. They are normally brown or black, but can also be pink, red or even blue. Harmless moles do not normally change.