Moles come in many shapes, colors and sizes. Moles are determined in the genetic makeup just as eye color and hair color are. Many are not present at birth, but appear later in life. They are usually small and flat then begin to grow and raise, and sometimes have hairs growing out of them. They are caused by special cells that make pigment called melanin.
Studies show that some moles have a higher risk than others to become cancerous.
These high risk moles can develop into melanoma. Sunburns increase the risk of melanoma, which is a very serious and possibly fatal form of cancer. Moles present at birth are higher risk for cancer. Dysplastic Nevi are believed to be hereditary. Perfectly round, even colored moles are usually not potentially cancercous.