There are several factors regarding what causes skin moles, some of which are more clear to doctors than others.
For instance, what's clear is how the mole itself is formed. Specifically, moles develop when skin cells, called melanocytes, grow in clusters or groups. Of course, these cells, which are responsible for the color (pigment) in our skin, usually grow evenly throughout the skin.
The good news is that more often than not, these skin growths are completely benign, as in not cancerous. But this isn't always the case.
It's possible for a previously normal mole to turn cancerous at any time, which is why it's incredibly important to note any changes in your moles. The kind of changes to look out for include size, shape or if the mole begins to bleed. You shouldn't hesitate to consult with your dermatologist if you're ever unsure about what you're looking at.
Are Some More Prone to Moles than Others?
Moles are quite common. In fact, most people don't just have one or two, the average is more than a dozen.
But why do some people have them and some don't?
Like I said, doctors are fairly clear about what's happening in the skin when a mole forms. But what's not always so clear is exactly what makes the cells behave in this way, although several factors have been identified as likely causes.
One factor is heredity. It should come as no real surprise that moles are passed on through our genes, along with just about every other aspect of our physical appearance. This is evidenced by the facts that not only are most moles present at birth, but also, identical twins have the exact same number of moles as one another.
And while we're on the subject of heredity, it's important to remember that cancer is also thought to have a genetic component. So it's a good idea to keep a watchful eye on your moles if you have any history of skin cancer in the family.
Another factor thought to trigger mole growth is hormonal changes in the body. Certain groups of individuals, including teenagers as well as pregnant or menopausal women are more prone to developing new moles than the rest of us.
One last factor is the sun. Specifically, excessive exposure to sun light is thought to trigger changes in the skin, which can cause either new moles to develop or existing ones to get bigger. Not surprisingly, tanning equipment has been known to create a very similar effect.
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