Moles (Nevi)
Nevi (commonly known as moles) are benign skin lesions originating from melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin, which gives skin its color. Moles are classified as congenital, meaning they are present at birth or become noticeable within the first year of life, and acquired, which develop during the first decades of life.
The number and type of moles depend on genetic and hereditary factors, while sun exposure may influence their development. This explains why they are more commonly found on areas of the body that are exposed to sunlight.
As mentioned, moles are benign skin lesions, but they are of particular medical interest because they may visually resemble melanoma, which is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. In addition, under certain conditions, some moles may serve as the background on which melanoma can develop.
For these reasons, any change in a mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist. If a mole is considered suspicious, it should be referred to a plastic surgeon for surgical removal.
Apart from cases where a mole is suspected of malignant transformation, a mole may also be removed if it is located in an area prone to frequent trauma, if it causes discomfort in daily life due to its size or position, or simply for aesthetic reasons.
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