What’s the difference between a benign and a malignant mole?

2 min read

A common mole is benign and not cancerous.

People who have more than 50 common moles have an increased probability of developing melanoma.

Moles are a form of skin growth (or lesion as they are also known) which occur when melanocytes cells, (the cells which produce the protective pigment melanin) aggregate at the surface of the skin. Benign moles are often an expression of damaged skin cells as a result of exposure to UV rays from the sun. Most benign moles appear during adolescence, some appear later in life.

A benign mole can develop into a malignant mole

There is a type of common mole, a dysplastic mole, that can develop into a malignant mole or melanoma skin cancer. A dysplastic mole is larger in size (often more than 5mm wide) than a typical common mole and has an irregular shape. Most dysplastic moles do not develop into a melanoma skin cancer and tend to remain stable throughout a persons life.

Malignant moles are when a skin growth mutates and evolves in an irregular or uncontrollable manner. Malignant moles are cancerous.

Sun protective clothing is the best defence against sunburn, skin ageing and skin cancer.

Dermatologists recommend sun protection, sun protective or UPF clothing as the best defence against sun burn, skin ageing and melanoma skin cancer.

Solbari is the leading Australian sun protective clothing brand with customers in over 60 countries. Solbari offers a range of UPF 50+ rated sun protective clothing, broad brim sun hats, umbrellas and arm sleeves.

All Solbari fabrics are tested and rated UPF 50+ by the Australian Government. UPF 50+ is the maximum rating for fabrics in Australia.

You can find out more about Solbari's certified UPF50+ sun protective range by clicking the links below:
Women UPF50+
Men UPF50+
Sun hats UPF50+
Accessories UPF50+

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Content Disclaimer: All content on the Solbari website is for informational purposes only. It does not consitute and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions about your health or a medical condition.

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