Having 20 moles is considered a normal number for most adults. Most people have between 10 and 40 common moles, and some can have up to 50 or more.
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.
It is normal for a person to have between 10 to 40 moles by adulthood. The life cycle of an average mole is about 50 years. As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming raised and lighter in color.
Although common moles are pretty normal and shouldn't always be a cause for concern, having more than 50 common moles on your body puts you at a drastically increased risk of skin cancer. If you have a lot of moles on your body, regardless of the type of moles that they are, you should consult your physician.
Only rarely does a common mole turn into melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Although common moles are not cancerous, people who have many small moles or several large ones have an increased risk of developing melanoma (1).
Three key warning signs a mole might be cancerous, often remembered by the ABCDE rule, are Asymmetry (one half doesn't match the other), Border irregularity (uneven, notched edges), and Color variation (multiple shades like brown, black, blue, red, or white). Other crucial signs include changes in Evolving (size, shape, color), Elevation/Elevation, Firmness, or Growing (becoming lumpy, scaly, itchy, bleeding, or sore).
Almost everyone (around 100%) with stage 1 melanoma skin cancer will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after they are diagnosed.
Precancerous moles, more commonly referred to as precancerous skin lesions, are growths that have an increased risk of developing into skin cancer. Precancerous skin lesions, usually referred to as actinic keratosis or solar keratoses, can cause different types of skin cancer, including: Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Other signs of melanoma on the skin
Spread of pigment from the border of a spot into surrounding skin. Redness or a new swelling beyond the border of the mole. Change in sensation, such as itchiness, tenderness, or pain. Change in the surface of a mole – scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a lump or bump.
What percentage can we expect? A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests around 7% of suspicious mole removal is cancerous. This number drops when accounting for all moles removed, as most are benign (non-cancerous).
Some melanomas can spread within a few months, while others may grow more slowly. It is not possible to predict how quickly melanoma will progress with certainty.
Most skin cancers arise as new spots. Existing moles can become cancerous, but it is more common for skin cancer to appear out of nowhere. Unfortunately, there's not a 100% reliable way for you to know if a mole is cancerous without going to the dermatologist.
Moles, often confused for beauty marks, can be sexy. But, there are some people who have the unfortunate luck to get moles that are not so pretty to look at. Some of the world's most famous models and actors have moles on their face, but they are not an eyesore or health hazard.
Treatment for moles
Also, the procedure to remove moles can be quite distressing for children and has a high risk of scarring. It's usually best to wait until the teenage years before looking into mole removal. At this age, your child can decide for themselves about whether to get a mole removed.
Genetic mutations may play a large part in new moles appearing. It's thought to be an interaction of genetic factors and sun damage. However, how exactly this causes moles is still not very well understood by researchers. One type of mole called atypical, or dysplastic nevi, is usually hereditary.
Can a doctor tell if a mole is cancerous just by looking at it? If the skin cancer is starting to advance, then yes, the symptoms may be obvious to the naked eye. However, early melanoma symptoms aren't always visible at a glance.
The 5 key signs of melanoma, often remembered by the ABCDE rule, are Asymmetry (uneven halves), Border irregularity (ragged edges), uneven Color, a Diameter larger than a pencil eraser (6mm), and Evolving (changing) size, shape, or color, plus other signs like non-healing sores, itching, or bleeding from a spot.
Melanomas most often develop in areas that have had exposure to the sun. This includes the arms, back, face and legs. Melanomas also can happen in areas that aren't as exposed to the sun. This includes the soles of the feet, palms of the hands and fingernail beds.
Mole that changes over time
Both basal and squamous cell skin cancers are relatively slow-growing, but the most important difference between squamous cell skin cancer versus basal cell skin cancer is that squamous cell skin cancer is more likely to spread to other organs. If it spreads, it can be life-threatening.
Visible signs of precancerous skin
While patches can vary in particulars, some of the signs include: Crustiness or bleeding. Diameter of less than one inch. Discoloration, often appearing brown, pink, gray, red, yellow, or white.
Antioxidants and Melanoma
Studies show selenium-rich diets may also reduce risk for melanoma and support survivorship. Foods rich in this antioxidant include Brazil nuts, scallops, lobster, barley, oats, whole wheat, wheat germ and milk.
The melanoma may come back in: the same area where it started – at your surgery scar. areas of skin near to where it started – called satellite or in-transit metastases. the lymph nodes closest to where it started.
Lung and bronchus, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers are responsible for nearly 50% of all deaths.