Moles
Melanocytic nevi are commonly called “moles” in the United States, though several other types of nevi or moles also exist (see seborrheic keratosis as one example). True melanocytic nevi are very common and usually benign but they must be monitored for change due to the low risk of transformation into skin cancer. It is estimated that 1:3,000 to 1:10,000 benign nevi may transform into melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma can may also mimic melanocytic nevi, therefore new and changing brown skin lesions should be evaluated by an expert.
Signs & Symptoms
Melanocytic nevi appear as round or oval, raised or flat spots on the skin. They are made from nests of the pigment-producing cells in the skin called melanocytes. Sun exposure and genetic predisposition are risk factors to develop melanocytic nevi.
Treatment
Lesions confirmed as benign by an expert require no further treatment. Melanocytic nevi are sometimes biopsied when the diagnosis is uncertain. Painful or itchy moles may be treated with a procedure called, "shave removal" but medical insurance coverage of this procedure is not always guaranteed and cosmetic fees for treatment may be necessary.
Reference: Hauschild et al. Melanocytic nevi, J Dtsch Dermatol Ges, 2011. PMID: 21762380