What Causes Moles?
9. Prognosis
The prognosis or outcome of having a single mole is excellent as these lesions are considered benign growths that have no potential to turn malignant (unless evolution occurs). Those with multiple moles or large moles may have a higher risk of melanoma with the risk increasing with higher number and bigger sizes.
Moles are biologically stable; however, they can also be associated with melanoma (skin cancer). The true rate of transformation of a mole to melanoma is unknown with some data suggesting that about 40% of melanoma cases have a precursor mole. The risk of melanoma is higher in congenital moles (especially in large moles). Some studies have suggested that melanoma may occur in up to 5% of giant congenital moles.
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