Moles (Nevi)

Signs & Symptoms

Moles, or nevi, are benign spots or growths that usually appear during childhood or early adulthood. Most moles are harmless, but some may develop into precancerous or cancerous lesions, notably melanomas. Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor your moles, especially if you have multiple skin lesions.

Here are some characteristics to watch for, according to the ABCDE method:

• Asymmetry: irregular shape from one side to the other
• Border: irregular, poorly defined, or blurry border
• Color: color variations (brown, black, red, white, blue)
• Diameter: size greater than 6 mm
• Evolving: changes in size, shape, or color over time

Certain individuals may have a higher risk of developing melanoma, particularly those with a large number of moles (over 50) or a family history of skin cancers.