pigmented nevus

A pigmented nevus, commonly known as a mole, is a skin lesion composed of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Moles can vary in color from light to dark brown or black. They can be present at birth or appear during childhood.1

Initially, new moles are typically flat and located between the epidermis and dermis. Over time, they may become raised and embedded in the dermis. While some moles can resemble cancer, most are benign. However, certain changes in a mole, such as progressive enlargement in adults, uneven pigmentation, or ulceration, can indicate the development of malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanomas can arise from existing moles or from normal skin.1