Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Moles

Moles - What it is

A mole is a skin growth which comprises many pigment cells heaped up together. The scientific term for mole is naevus.

Moles - Symptoms

Most moles are not cancerous. However, there is a small risk of evolving into cancer, especially those moles which are already present at birth.

The "danger signs" to look out for in a mole are its:

A... asymmetry (whether it looks unequal when we draw an imaginary line to bisect the mole)

B... border (whether it is irregular and fuzzy)

C... colour (whether it has various shades, or changing in colour)

D... diameter (more than 6mm)

E... enlarging (out of proportion to the progress of the other moles in the body)

F... feels painful, or ulcerates, or bleeds, or simply "different" from the other moles in the body

Moles - How to prevent?

Moles - Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of moles is unknown. The vast majority of moles is not inherited and is not due to anything happening to the mother during her pregnancy. One theory attributes moles to a misplaced deposition of precursor cells (those that eventually give rise to pigment cells) during embryonic stage of foetal development. However, moles may continue to develop in a person from time to time.

Moles - Diagnosis

Moles - Treatments

Removal of moles is by surgical excision only.

Moles - Preparing for surgery

Most moles are easily removed under local anaesthesia.

Moles - Post-surgery care

Moles - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

TOP
Discover articles,videos, and guides afrom Singhealth's resources across the web. These information are collated, making healthy living much easier for everyone.