Pictures Of Skin Moles: Cancerous Versus Non-Cancerous

Skin Moles And Other Lesions
Photos and Images

List Of Pictures

Common Skin Moles
Dermal Melanocytic Nevi
Clark Nevi Moles
Halo Nevi
Blue Nevi
When Is A Mole Cancerous?

Related Articles

Common Skin Moles

These are the most common type of mole and consist of a nest of cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that produce the color (pigment called melanin) of the skin. These moles are typically brown, round and flat.

Dermal Melanocytic Nevi Mole

Raised, pale and sometimes hairy moles.

Clark Nevi Moles

Dysplastic or atypical nevi (also called clark nevi): Larger moles than come in a range of colors and may be flat or bumpy. These types of moles tend to be hereditary and appear in greater numbers between the ages of 5 and 8.

Halo Nevi Mole

Rarer type of mole surrounded by a white ring where the skin has lost its color.

Blue Nevi Mole

Less common, dark blue mole. Can appear anywhere on the body, including the head.

When Is A Mole Cancerous?

In the vast majority of cases, moles remain benign and harmless (although some people choose to have them removed for cosmetic purposes if they are unsightly). However, as there is always the risk that a mole could become cancerous, you should keep an eye on their appearance for any changes. The American Cancer Society recommends using the ABCD rule for early detection of skin cancer:

A: Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
B: Border irregularity: Moles have smooth circular or oval borders. Cancerous moles have uneven, ragged edges.
C: Color change: Most moles only have 1 or 2 colors running through them but cancer (melanomas) have lots of different shades.
D: Diameter: The mole is growing in size.

BACK TO HEALTH PICTURES / BACK TO HOMEPAGE