National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Moles is the National Cancer Institute
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National Institutes of Health
Moles
Also called: Nevus
Moles are growths on the skin. They happen when cells in the skin, called melanocytes, grow in a cluster with tissue surrounding them. Moles are very common. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles. A person may develop new moles from time to time, usually until about age 40.
Moles are usually pink, tan or brown. They can be flat or raised. They are usually round or oval and no larger than a pencil eraser.
About one out of every ten people has at least one unusual (or atypical) mole that looks different from an ordinary mole. The medical term for these unusual moles is dysplastic nevi. They may be more likely than ordinary moles to develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Because of this, you should have a healthcare professional check your moles if they look unusual, grow larger, change in color or outline, or in any other way.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
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Start Here
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What Does a Mole Look Like?(National Cancer Institute)
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What Does a Mole Look Like?
The top row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Basics
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Learn More
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Multimedia & Cool Tools
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For group Basics
For group Learn More
For group Multimedia & Cool Tools
The bottom row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Research
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Reference Shelf
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For You
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For group Research
For group Reference Shelf
For group For You
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Overviews
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Common Moles, Atypical Moles (Dysplastic Nevi), and Risk of Melanoma(National Cancer Institute)
- Moles(American Osteopathic College of Dermatology)
- Moles (Nevi)(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Common Moles, Atypical Moles (Dysplastic Nevi), and Risk of Melanoma
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Diagnosis/Symptoms
- Atypical Moles: How to Recognize(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Treatment
- Laser Surgery(American Society for Dermatologic Surgery)
- Moles: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Nevus Removal(Nevus Outreach, Inc.)
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Prevention/Screening
- Body Mole Map(American Academy of Dermatology) - PDF
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Coping
- Psychological Challenges Associated with Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (CMN)(Nevus Outreach, Inc.)
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Specific Conditions
- Frequently Asked Questions about Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (CMN)(Nevus Outreach, Inc.)
- Moles: Who Gets and Types(American Academy of Dermatology)
- Skin Cancer: Atypical Moles(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in Spanish
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Related Issues
- Birthmarks(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in Spanish
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Pictures & Photographs
- Atypical Mole (Atypical Nevus)(Logical Images)
- Mole (Nevus)(Logical Images)
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Videos
- If I Had - A Changing Mole(Insidermedicine)
- If I Had - A Mole in My Eye(Insidermedicine)
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Nevus(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Nevus
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
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Directories
- Find a D.O. Dermatologist(American Osteopathic College of Dermatology)
- Find a Dermatologic Surgeon(American Society for Dermatologic Surgery)
- Find a Dermatologist(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Organizations
- American Academy of Dermatology
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National Cancer Institute
- Also available in Spanish
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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Also available in Spanish
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Children
- Birthmark (Congenital Melanocytic Nevus)(Logical Images)
- Moles in Children: What Parents Should Know(American Academy of Dermatology)
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Patient Handouts
- Birthmarks - pigmented
- Also available in Spanish
- Giant congenital nevus
- Also available in Spanish
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You may also be interested in these related encyclopedia pages:
MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA
