Moles
Moles (Medicine)
Moles (pronunciation: /moʊlz/), also known as melanocytic nevi (pronunciation: /ˌmɛlənoʊˈsaɪtɪk ˈniːvaɪ/), are small, usually dark, skin growths that develop from pigment-producing cells in the skin known as melanocytes. The term "mole" is derived from the Latin word "mola," which means "millstone" or "spot."
Description
Moles are common skin lesions. They can appear anywhere on the skin, either alone or in groups. Most moles are brown or black, but some can be skin-colored or yellowish. Moles can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some contain hair.
Types of Moles
There are several types of moles, including:
- Common Moles: These are usually found on skin exposed to the sun and are most often brown or black, with a distinct edge and a smooth surface.
- Atypical Moles: Also known as dysplastic nevi, these moles are larger than common moles and have irregular shapes and color patterns.
- Congenital Moles: These are moles that are present at birth.
- Acquired Moles: These are moles that appear after birth.
Causes
Moles are caused by clusters of pigmented cells called melanocytes that grow in a group rather than spreading out. Some people have a genetic predisposition to moles, which can be inherited from their parents. Sun exposure can also play a role in the development of moles.
Related Terms
- Melanoma: A type of skin cancer that can develop from moles.
- Dermatologist: A doctor who specializes in conditions of the skin, including moles.
- Biopsy: A procedure to remove a piece of skin or a mole to test it for cancer.
- Melanin: The pigment that gives skin its color and can cluster together to form moles.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Moles
- Wikipedia's article - Moles
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski