Melanocytic nevus

A melanocytic nevus is a usually noncancerous condition of pigment-producing skin cells. It is a type of melanocytic tumor that contains nevus cells. A mole can be either subdermal or a pigmented growth on the skin, formed mostly of a type of cell known as a melanocyte.

The high concentration of the body's pigmenting agent, melanin, is responsible for their dark color.
Moles are a member of the family of skin lesions known as nevi, occurring commonly in humans.
Some sources equate the term "mole" with "melanocytic nevus", but there are also sources that equate the term "mole" with any nevus form.

Back to Skin & Sun Damage →

Source: Wikipedia · Image: Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

SUNSTOKE

Smart in the sun — SPF know-how, safe tanning, and protecting your skin without hiding indoors.

Get new guides by emailOccasional emails. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

InformationAbout Contact Privacy Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Affiliate Disclosure Cookie Policy

Museum entries, images, and facts are drawn from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, used under public-domain and Creative Commons licenses.