6 Causes of Moles on the Body, Beware of Characteristics and Types

Kapanlagi.com - Almost everyone has moles with various shapes and locations. For example, they can be on the face, hands, feet, chest, or other parts of the body. The cause of moles on the body can occur when cells called melanocytes gather and clump on the surface of the skin. This will form moles on the body with various characteristics and types.

Moles can grow in various shapes, such as round, oval, or irregular. Based on their texture, moles are generally found to be flat or protruding, smooth or rough. The color of moles also varies, ranging from dark black, brown, blackish-brown, reddish-brown, red, to purple. These colors come from melanocytes, which are cells that produce or regulate melanin to control skin pigmentation.

Moles can grow on any part of the body and tend to be small, with most having a diameter of less than ¼ inch. Moles usually appear in childhood and will develop as the body grows. Although caused by melanocyte cells that accumulate. The growth of new moles can appear with specific causes, either age factors or medical conditions.

However, it should be noted that some types of moles may be cancerous melanoma skin. This is what needs to be watched out for if you have moles with specific characteristics and types. The causes of moles on the body along with their characteristics and types can be found in the review below. The causes of moles have been summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. Sun Exposure

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The first cause of moles can occur due to sun exposure. According to merdeka.com, sun exposure can trigger the growth of moles. This is because frequent exposure to sunlight can cause the skin to produce more melanocytes that accumulate or gather. This is what triggers the formation of moles on the surface of the skin.

Meanwhile, according to healthline.com, sun exposure, especially ultraviolet rays, can play a role in the natural formation of moles. In some cases, excessive sun exposure can even increase the risk of skin cancer.

2. Genetic Mutation

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The next cause of moles can be due to genetic mutations. Genetic mutations are known to be a possibility for the growth of moles on the body. According to healthline.com, citing a 2015 study, genetic mutations in the BRAF gene play a role in the formation of moles. At least 78 percent of benign mole growth is believed to originate from genetic mutations in the BRAF gene.

3. Certain Medication Effects

The next cause of moles can be due to side effects of certain types of medication. As it is known, certain medications often cause side effects after consumption. For example, feeling nauseous, dizzy, sweaty, or experiencing digestive disorders.

However, it turns out that certain types of medication can also trigger the growth of new moles. According to merdeka.com, some types of medication such as antibiotics, hormonal drugs, and antidepressants can affect the body's immune system. This affects the skin's condition, making it more sensitive and triggering the growth of moles on the body.

4. Melanocyte Cells Do Not Spread

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As mentioned earlier, the main cause of moles is the accumulation or clustering of melanocyte cells on the surface of the skin. When melanocyte cells do not spread evenly on the skin surface, it can trigger the growth of moles. When melanocyte cells do not spread, it can form moles with specific skin color pigments such as black, brown, dark brown, or reddish-brown. According to webmd.com, the color of moles will become darker when exposed to sunlight and hormonal influences.

5. Family History

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Family history also plays a role in the growth of moles on the body. According to healthline.com, new moles may grow due to family history factors. For example, having a family with a history of atypical moles. If there are family members with atypical moles, the risk of melanoma may be higher.

Atypical moles are moles that have irregular shapes, rough surfaces, and larger sizes compared to normal moles. This type of mole needs to be monitored as it can increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer inherited from family history.

6. The Influence of Hormones

The next cause of moles can occur due to the influence of hormones in a person. For example, in women, hormonal influence tends to occur during certain periods including menopause, puberty, or pregnancy. According to molemap.net.au, at these ages, hormonal influence plays a role in the formation of new moles on the body and triggers the development of moles over time.

7. Types of Moles

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After understanding some causes of moles, it is also important to recognize the types of moles that are normal or not. This is done to prevent further risk levels when experiencing moles that are cancerous or known as melanoma. The types of moles that need to be recognized include:

1. Common moles: Common moles are moles that grow on the body with even pigmentation. These moles have smooth characteristics, shaped like a dome or round, flat surface, small size that does not change, and consist of only one color. These moles can be caused by exposure to sunlight or acquired after birth. Common moles are known to rarely transform into melanoma or skin cancer as reported by molemap.net.au.

2. Atypical moles: These moles are moles that need to be cautious and tend to be abnormal. This type can develop into melanoma or be cancerous with characteristics such as irregular shape, larger size, varied colors, or rough surface.

3. Congenital or birth moles: These moles are usually acquired at birth or congenital. They have small size, round shape, can be flat or raised, and have color variations. These moles have a risk of developing into melanoma. Therefore, it is necessary to be cautious if they show characteristics or signs of abnormal moles.

8. Characteristics of Moles to Be Alerted

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The characteristics of moles that need to be alerted can be seen through the following review. Some points below may trigger the development of moles into melanoma. The following are characteristics of moles that can develop into melanoma or skin cancer as reported by healthline.com:

- Having an asymmetrical or irregular shape.

- The color of the mole changes, with multiple color mixtures.

- The size of the mole tends to be larger than ¼ inch.

- Moles continue to change in size, color, and shape.

Those are the causes of moles on the body with their characteristics and types that need to be alerted. Consultation and examination can be considered to address abnormal moles in order to prevent further risk levels.

(kpl/nlw)