Moles

Melanocytic nevi (moles) are benign lesions that arise from the proliferation of melanocytes in the skin (nevus cells). Depending on the location of these cells, they are classified as junctional, compound or intradermal melanocytic nevi.

Acquired moles appear in early childhood, develop in number and size in young adulthood, and gradually regress by the age of 60.

Indications for removing a suspicious mole:
According to the ABCDE rule recommended by the American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology, an existing or new lesion should raise concern if it has the following features:

A: Asymmetry
B: Border irregularity
C: Colour variation
D: Diameter (>6 mm)
E: Evolution Changes in the size, shape or colour of the lesion, or symptoms such as itching, bleeding or ulceration

A mole’s location is an additional indication for removal when it makes monitoring difficult, as with lesions on the scalp, soles or anogenital region.

Dermoscopy plays a key role in examining and monitoring moles. It is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses a special instrument, the dermatoscope, to magnify structures down to the level of the upper dermis.