Moles have been a sentiment for centuries, and humans attach meanings to them. After decades of research, medical professionals know more about these dark spots. Moles are prominent symptoms of cancer, but all moles are not cancerous. 

In the past, many people saw moles as beauty marks. However, more people are beginning to prefer clear skin without moles. Moles create a minute bump which hinders shaving and many more regular activities. One out of every five people in Sydney has moles. While professional medical care provides safe solutions like mole removal in Sydney to these problems, many people remain sceptical. Worry not because this guide covers everything you must know about moles and their removal. 

What are Moles?

A mole, or nevi, is an abnormal skin growth that comprises aggregates of melanocytes – melanin-producing cells. These growths occur on the skin’s surface, and the brownish pigment gives moles their dark appearance. Most people possess ten to forty moles during childhood that change in appearance with age. While some become more prominent, others fade, and very few turn cancerous. 

History of Moles

Moles occur on the body where ultraviolet (UV) damage happens. In the past, people referred to moles as beauty marks. Additionally, many cultures thought the mark’s position foretold one’s abilities and future. 

During the smallpox pandemic, many mole-looking patches became dangerous. This period marks the attachment of negative connotations to moles. 

However, with scientific and medical research, professionals in Sydney know the exact nature of these growths. 

Unfortunately, science cannot predict when or if these moles will become cancerous in the future. Extended sun exposure could lead to the formation of more moles. 

What Causes Mole Formation?

Medical professionals call moles acquired melanocytic nevi, and while scientists know much about them, there is much speculation about what causes their formation. 

Some theories conclude that humans pass moles onto offspring via a vertical transfer of genes. According to this theory, genetics plays a crucial role in determining how many moles an individual has during their lifetime. 

Since moles are an aggregate of melanocytes, scientists widely agree that their formation can be induced by excessive sun exposure causing UV damage. This fact is crucial because the beach lifestyle in Sydney comes with ineludible sun exposure.

The fact that most moles develop during childhood and early adolescence remains widely established. New moles during adulthood occur less frequently, and many people rush to the doctor if this does happen. 

Relationship between Moles and Cancer

While moles are a symptom of melanoma and non-melanoma carcinomas, there is no direct relationship between them. Moles are aggregates of melanin-producing cells, and a change in DNA could cause their uncontrolled growth, leading to cancer. However, this change in DNA has no relation to the initial presence of a mole. 

Mole removal in Sydney serves only two purposes – cosmetic and alleviation of physical discomfort. Undergoing a mole removal procedure does not reduce the risk of developing skin cancer because the base change in DNA can occur regardless of whether a person has moles or not. 

Deadly melanomas can occur in places without blemishes, while the more common basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) do not occur in melanocytes. 

Mole Removal Risks

There are at least a hundred documented cases of DIY mole removals every year in Sydney, and most end poorly. Doctors inform patients of associated risks on a case-by-case basis since there are no general risks to mole removal. 

Alternatively, deciding to slice off moles at home without medical professionals carries multiple risks, such as infection and prominent scarring.