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Almost everyone has a least one mole or at least has seen a mole. Some have more than one. Moles used to be portrayed as fashionable or sexy if they were cute little round ones on a woman's cheek, like Cindy Crawford's. Not to be confused with "beauty marks", which are not raised at all.
Moles come in many shapes, colors and sizes. Moles can appear anywhere on the body (the skin). Moles are determined in the genetic makeup just as eye color and hair color are. Many are not present at birth, but appear later in life. They are usually small and flat then begin to grow and raise, and sometimes have hairs growing out of them. They are caused by special cells that make pigment called melanin.
Do all moles have the possibility of becoming cancerous? Studies show that some moles have a higher risk than others to become cancerous. These high risk moles can develop into melanoma. Sunburns increase the risk of melanoma, which is a very serious and possibly fatal form of cancer.
Moles present at birth are higher risk for cancer.
Moles known specifically as "dysplastic nevi" are larger than average moles (usually larger than a 1cm in diameter), irregular colored and shaped are more likely to become cancerous. Dysplastic Nevi are believed to be hereditary. Perfectly round, even colored moles are usually not potentially cancercous. The majority of moles and skin blemishes are benign (not cancerous).
To be sure about whether or not a mole is cancerous or potentially cancerous, see a dermatologist to be on the safe side.
Your doctor can surgically remove a mole that is bothersome or gets in the way when shaving, or for cosmetic reasons. Unsightly hairs can be removed by shaving the hairs gently or plucking them or your doctor can remove them permanently. See your doctor if you notice that a mole changes, grows suddenly or bleeds or scabs over.
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