What kind of mole can turn into melanoma?

What kind of mole can turn into melanoma?

Although anyone can develop melanoma, people with the following risk factors have an increased chance of melanoma (1): Having a dysplastic nevus. Having more than 50 common moles. Sunlight: Sunlight is a source of UV radiation, which causes skin damage that can lead to melanoma and other skin cancers.

Can atypical moles turn into melanoma?

Some atypical (as well as common) moles can change into melanoma, but most atypical moles will never change to cancer. In fact, melanoma is more likely to develop as a new, unusual spot on normal skin, unrelated to moles.

What can develop into malignant melanoma?

But melanoma can develop in people with darker complexions, including Hispanic people and black people. A history of sunburn. One or more severe, blistering sunburns can increase your risk of melanoma. Excessive ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

How quickly does a mole change into melanoma?

Melanoma can grow very quickly. It can become life-threatening in as little as six weeks and, if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun. Nodular melanoma is a highly dangerous form of melanoma that looks different from common melanomas.

Are there any moles that turn into melanoma?

Yes, but a common mole rarely turns into melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer. One reason is that very few dysplastic nevi or common moles turn into melanoma (1, 3).

What kind of skin cancer looks like a mole?

Dysplastic Nevi (DN) – A type of mole that may develop into a type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma. They look different from common moles. A DN is often larger with borders that are not easy to see.

Why are atypical moles more dangerous than normal moles?

Though benign, they are worth more of your attention because individuals with atypical moles are at increased risk for melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer. An atypical mole can occur anywhere on the body. The appearance of these moles can vary greatly. The best advice is to know your skin.

What kind of growth is a mole on the skin?

Common Moles – A non-cancerous growth on the skin that is formed by a cluster of melanocytes (cells that make a substance called melanin, which gives color to skin and eyes). A mole may be dark or flesh-colored and may be raised from the skin.

What’s the difference between a mole and melanoma?

A melanoma is not a mole, but it may look like one, and may develop from one. Here are a few key things that differentiate a regular spot from a mole: Regular moles generally have smooth and even borders, while an early melanoma’s border will likely be uneven.

How to identify moles and melanoma?

Diameter: Normal Mole. A normal mole can be any size but typically lesions that are less than 6 millimeters in diameter are less concerning for melanoma. This is a small mole that has other features of normal moles: Symmetry: If you cut this lesion in half, both sides would match in color, thickness, and shape.

How do moles turn into melanoma?

Researchers have found some gene changes inside mole cells that may cause them to become melanoma cells. But it’s still not known exactly why some moles become cancerous while most don’t. DNA is the chemical in each of our cells that makes up our genes, which control how our cells function.

Can you tell if a normal looking mole is melanoma?

Actually, melanoma can be detected while it still looks normal . In order for this to happen, you’d have to either have normal moles removed and then biopsied, or, a more practical approach is to take advantage of the latest melanoma detection technology. There’s always a period of time in which a mole, that has become malignant (melanoma) still looks normal or unchanged to the naked eye.