normal a moles

  also known as common nevi, are benign (non-cancerous) skin growths made up of melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment.¹ Most adults have between 10 and 40 normal moles.²

Here are the typical characteristics of a normal mole:

• Size: Usually smaller than 5 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).³
• Shape: Round or oval with a distinct border that separates it from the surrounding skin.⁴ They are typically symmetrical, meaning if you were to draw a line through the middle, both halves would look similar.⁵
• Color: Usually a uniform color, such as pink, tan, or brown.⁶ In people with darker skin, they may be black.⁷
• Surface: Can be flat or slightly raised and usually has a smooth surface.
• Changes: Normal moles tend to remain stable in size, shape, and color over time.⁸ They may slightly change over many years, such as becoming more raised or lighter in color, and sometimes may even sprout a hair.⁹ New moles can appear, especially during childhood and adolescence.¹⁰

Atypical moles, also called dysplastic nevi, are moles that look different from common moles.¹¹ While they are usually benign, having atypical moles can increase the risk of developing melanoma, a type of skin cancer.¹²

Atypical moles often have some of the following characteristics:

• Size: Often larger than common moles (greater than 5 millimeters).¹³
• Shape: Irregular or asymmetrical shape, and the borders may be indistinct, ragged, or blurred, sometimes fading into the surrounding skin.¹⁴
• Color: May have uneven color with a mixture of tan, brown, red, or pink shades.¹⁵ They can also be darker or lighter than other moles on the person’s skin.