MOles & Growths

Most people have moles and growths on their skin, and most of the time, they’re nothing to worry about. Moles are simply a cluster of pigmented skin cells, and the average person has between 10 and 40 moles on their body. While most moles appear by the time you’re out of your teens, they can continue to appear throughout your life.

While most moles are harmless, it’s important to keep an eye on any change in size, color or texture, which can be a sign of cancer. Any time a mole changes shape or the edges become ragged, you should have it checked by a doctor. If a mole looks concerning, most doctors will perform a biopsy where they remove some or all of the mole and test it for cancer.

Moles aren’t the only type of growth that can appear on the skin. While most other growths aren’t dangerous, some of them can be uncomfortable and may need to be removed. Benign growths range from skin tags to lipomas (fatty lumps under the skin) to keloids (fibrous growths that appear in wound sites). If you notice a growth on your skin or it is causing you discomfort, it’s important to mention it to your doctor.