Sofia Martinez
Nevus, or naevus (plural nevi or naevi), is the medical term for a mole. These are very common skin lesions, with most people having between 10 and 40. They are formed by pigment-producing skin cells and are usually harmless and non-cancerous. However, some nevi can be more serious and require timely examination and removal. Nevi can appear anywhere on the body and vary in colour, shape, and consistency. They can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed during childhood or adolescence).
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What You'll Learn
Nevi are harmless, non-cancerous and do not require treatment
A nevus, or mole, is a visible, circumscribed, long-lasting lesion on the skin or neighbouring mucosa. Moles are typically harmless, non-cancerous, and do not require treatment. Moles are formed when specialized cells called melanocytes, which give skin its colour, clump together. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles, and they can be present at birth or develop later in life. Moles that are present at birth are known as congenital moles, while those that develop during childhood or adolescence are called acquired nevi. Moles can also develop later in life due to sun exposure.
There are several types of nevi, including common nevi, dysplastic nevi, and atypical moles. Common nevi are typically small, round, and smooth with distinct edges and a uniform colour. They can be pink, tan, brown, or black. Dysplastic nevi, on the other hand, are larger than common moles, with irregular borders, a mix of colours, and a slightly raised surface. Atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, are larger than common moles and may have irregular borders, a mix of colours, and a flat or pebbly surface. While most moles are harmless, it is important to monitor them for any changes in size, colour, shape, or height, as this could indicate skin cancer.
Although most moles are benign and do not require treatment, it is important to consult a dermatologist if you notice any unusual changes. Early detection and treatment of melanoma can be lifesaving. Additionally, while removing benign moles does not lower the risk of skin cancer, some people may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
In summary, nevi are typically harmless, non-cancerous lesions that do not require treatment. However, it is important to regularly examine your skin and consult a healthcare professional if you notice any changes or unusual symptoms.
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They are typically small brown, tan or pink spots
Nevi, the plural of nevus, are very common. Most people have between 10 and 40. They are formed by pigment-producing skin cells and are usually non-cancerous. They are typically small brown, tan or pink spots, but they can also be black, blue, grey, or skin-coloured. Moles that you are born with are known as congenital moles, whereas moles that develop during childhood or adolescence are called acquired nevi. Moles can also develop later in life due to sun exposure.
Congenital nevi are generally categorised as small, medium, or giant in size, and they vary in colour, shape, and consistency. For example, a Miescher nevus is a brownish or skin-coloured, dome-shaped mole that often appears on the face or neck. It tends to be firm, round, and smooth, and may have hair growing out of it. Unna nevi, on the other hand, are soft, brownish moles that are similar to Miescher nevi but are usually found on the trunk, arms, and neck. They may resemble a raspberry. Meyerson nevi are moles surrounded by a small ring of eczema, an itchy, red rash.
Acquired nevi can also take various forms. A halo nevus is a mole with a white ring of unpigmented skin around it. Over time, the central mole fades from brown to pink and eventually disappears. Spitz nevi are raised, pink, dome-shaped moles that typically appear before the age of 20. They can vary in colour and may bleed or ooze, making them hard to distinguish from melanoma. Reed nevi are dark brown or black, raised, dome-shaped moles that often affect women. They can grow quickly and may be mistaken for melanoma. Agminated nevi refer to a cluster of similar moles located in one area of the body.
Most nevi are harmless and do not require treatment. However, some can be cancerous or precancerous, so it is important to consult a doctor if you notice any changes in the colour, number, size, itchiness, or bleeding of your moles.
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Moles can be congenital or acquired
Moles, or nevi, are overgrowths of skin cells called melanocytes. They are very common, especially in people with fair skin, and are almost always noncancerous or benign. Moles can be congenital or acquired. Congenital nevi are moles that are present at birth or appear in infancy. They are uncommon, occurring in only about 1% to 2% of newborns. Congenital moles are typically tan in colour and flat or mildly palpable, but they can be many colours and may reflect the background colour of the skin. They are often found on the trunk or limbs, although they can appear anywhere on the body. Large congenital nevi, or giant congenital nevi, are rarer, occurring in approximately 1 in 20,000 newborns worldwide. These moles are larger than 40 cm^2 in adulthood and carry a higher risk of developing melanoma.
Acquired nevi, on the other hand, appear during childhood or adulthood. They are also called melanocytic nevi and include the subtype epidermal nevus. Junctional melanocytic nevi tend to first appear in childhood as flat, freckle-like lesions that are uniform in colour. They are commonly found on the face, arms, legs, trunk, genitals, or soles of the feet. During adulthood, these nevi may become more raised, lose pigmentation, or even disappear. Acquired nevi are benign lesions, but they do have the potential to change into melanoma, although this is rare. Atypical nevi, a type of acquired nevus, are larger and have irregular borders and variations of colour. They may occur anywhere on the body but are most frequent on the back and sun-exposed areas.
The development of moles is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Heredity contributes to the development of certain types of nevi, such as dysplastic nevi, and individuals with a family history of moles may have a higher-than-average number of benign moles. However, the genetic factors involved in the growth of moles are not well understood. Spending time in the sun and ultraviolet radiation exposure can also increase the number of moles a person has. Moles may also appear during times of hormonal changes, such as adolescence and pregnancy.
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Atypical moles may resemble melanoma
A nevus, or mole, is a common skin lesion. The term nevus is used to denote both neoplastic and non-neoplastic, congenital and acquired, as well as hereditary and non-hereditary skin lesions. While most moles are normal, some can be atypical or cancerous.
Atypical moles are very similar in appearance to melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer, and can be challenging to distinguish without medical expertise. Both atypical moles and melanoma exhibit asymmetry, an irregular border, multiple colours, and the ability to grow over time. However, atypical moles do not always have the same appearance, and some may not display all of these characteristics.
It is important to monitor atypical moles closely, as they can become cancerous. People with a family history of melanoma, a weakened immune system, or certain inherited disorders, such as xeroderma pigmentosum or familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome (FAMMM), are at an increased risk of developing melanoma. Additionally, having more than 40 moles or more than five dysplastic nevi significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.
To identify melanoma, one can use the ABCDE guide:
- Asymmetry: Melanomas are typically asymmetrical, meaning that if you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves will not match.
- Border: Borders of melanoma tend to be uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges, while common moles usually have smoother and more even borders.
- Colour: Multiple colours within a lesion can be a warning sign. Melanomas may have different shades of brown, tan, or black, and as they grow, colours like red, white, or blue may also appear. Rare amelanotic melanomas are colourless.
- Diameter and Dark: A lesion with a diameter of about 6mm or larger is a warning sign. However, it is ideal to detect melanoma when it is small. Additionally, look for lesions that are darker than others.
- Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or elevation of a spot, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting, may indicate melanoma.
If you have atypical moles, it is crucial to seek professional guidance from a dermatologist, who can determine whether a mole is atypical or cancerous and provide recommendations for monitoring and treatment. Regular skin examinations, including self-checks and dermatologist visits, are essential for early detection and treatment of melanoma.
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Consult a dermatologist if you notice any changes in your mole
A nevus, or mole, is a common skin lesion. While most moles are harmless, some may become cancerous, so it's important to know when to consult a dermatologist.
Moles are skin-coloured to brown growths or spots on the skin. They can be present at birth or appear at any time during a person's life. Most people have between 10 and 45 moles on their body, and they usually have smooth, even, and distinct borders. Moles that are cancerous tend to be asymmetrical, with poorly defined or bumpy borders.
If you notice any changes in an existing mole or the appearance of a new mole, it is important to consult a dermatologist. This includes changes in size, shape, or colour. Moles that have jagged or uneven edges, or that differ in appearance from your other moles, should also be checked. If you have dysplastic nevi, or irregular moles, you are also at a higher risk of developing melanoma, so regular checks with a dermatologist are recommended.
It is also important to be vigilant about monitoring your moles if you have fair skin, many moles, or a family history of skin cancer. Additionally, if you are over 30 and notice a new mole, it is recommended to have it checked by a dermatologist, even if it is likely harmless.
In summary, while most moles are harmless, changes in their appearance can be a sign of skin cancer. Consulting a dermatologist for a skin examination or biopsy is crucial if you notice any changes in your moles, as early detection is key to successful treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Nevus (plural: nevi) is the medical term for a mole. They are very common, with most people having between 10 and 40.
Non-neoplastic means benign or non-cancerous.
Nevi are typically round or oval-shaped and uniform in colour, ranging from skin-coloured to dark brown. They can appear anywhere on the body but are more common in areas exposed to the sun, such as the outer arm.
Most nevi are harmless and don't require treatment. However, it's important to monitor your moles for any changes in colour, size, itchiness or bleeding, and consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice any alterations.
