Signs and symptoms
... Moles come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. They can be flesh-colored, brown, blue or black spots that vary in shape from oval to round. They can be as small as a pinhead or large enough...

Causes
... Moles have no known purpose, and scientists don''t know why they develop. Most moles are harmless and don''t require special care. If a mole is irritated or unattractive, however, you may want to hav...

Risk factors
... Several types of moles have a higher than average risk of becoming cancerous. They include: Large moles present at birth. Large moles that are present at birth are called congenital nevi or giant hair...

When to seek medical advice
... If a new mole appears in adulthood, past age 20, see your doctor. These signs and symptoms may indicate a medical concern: Painful Itching or burning Oozing or bleeding Inflamed Scaly or crusty Sudden...

Screening and diagnosis
... You may choose to make a skin examination a regular part of your preventive medical care. Talk to your doctor about a schedule that''s appropriate for you. A general guideline is every three years for...