Skin moles are pigmented skin cells that have formed into a cluster. They appear in different sizes, shapes and colors although most are dark brown. They also can appear on any part of the body. Usually skin moles are not harmful, but can sometimes turn into a cancerous mole. Malignant melanoma is one such type of skin cancer that can occur from a skin mole.

Almost all individuals have some skin moles and it is not uncommon for moles to disappear over time or to appear during adulthood. Skin moles usually appear on the body before the age of 20, although they may change in appearance due to pregnancy, adolescence or other periods in life during hormonal changes. There are some warning signs to watch for in moles that if occur, need to be examined by a physician. If a mole becomes crusty or scaly, begins to burn or itch, becomes painful or starts bleeding or oozing or if the mole changes in appearance suddenly with shape, size, elevation or color.