What types of moles are cancerous?
Most moles are harmless, but certain moles are more likely to develop into melanoma. Moles present at birth, also called congenital nevi, occur in about 1 percent of the population and are more likely to develop into melanoma. Large moles those which are larger than a pencil eraser with irregularly shaped borders are also more likely to become cancerous. These large moles are called dysplastic nevi. Individuals with more than 50 dysplastic nevi are at a greater risk for development of skin cancer. In addition, moles which first appear after age 20, or which change shape, color, size, or height, should be examined by a physician to ensure that they are not cancerous. Any mole which oozes, bleeds, itches, or becomes painful should also be evaluated by a physician. 5) How do you know if a mole should be removed? When a physician notes an unusual mole, he or she will usually perform a biopsy, removing a portion of the mole or the entire mole, and sending the tissue to a laboratory to be te
