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Moles, also known as nevi, are a common type of skin growth. They often appear as small, dark brown spots that are caused by clusters of pigment-forming cells called melanocytes. Most people have 10 to 45 moles that appear during childhood and the teenage years.
A spot with more than one color or uneven color may indicate cancer. Colors can include shades of tan, brown or black or areas of white, red or blue. Melanomas can look different on Black and brown skin than they do on white skin.
In people with brown and Black skin, typical moles are more likely to be dark brown or black. Typical moles have a distinct border separating the mole from the surrounding skin. They're oval or round and usually smaller than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) in diameter.
People with Black skin are at increased risk of other surgical side effects, such as pigmentary changes where the cut is, and keloid scars, which are raised scars after an injury heals. If you notice that a mole has grown back, see your healthcare professional promptly.
A seborrheic keratosis (seb-o-REE-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a common noncancerous (benign) skin growth. People tend to get more of them as they get older. Seborrheic keratoses are usually brown, black or light tan. The growths (lesions) look waxy or scaly and slightly raised.
People who have many moles or abnormal moles called dysplastic nevi are at increased risk of skin cancer. These abnormal moles — which look irregular and are generally larger than normal moles — are more likely than others to become cancerous.
Melanoma treatment often starts with surgery to remove the cancer. Other treatments may include radiation therapy and treatment with medicine. Treatment for melanoma depends on several factors. These factors include the stage of your cancer, your overall health and your own preferences.
Learn about moles (nevi), what causes them, whether they put you at increased risk of skin cancer and how to check a mole for signs of skin cancer. Moles are a common type of skin growth. They often appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigmented cells.
Most people have 10 to 40 moles — small, dark brown spots — on their body. Although most moles are harmless, they can become cancerous in rare cases. Luckily, skin cancers, like melanoma, are usually highly treatable. When certain melanomas are found and treated before they spread to the lymph nodes, there is a 99% five-year survival rate.
ANSWER: If you have a concerning spot on your skin, you should have it evaluated by your primary care team or dermatologist. There are three major kinds of skin cancer — squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous.