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

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 sun protective range by clicking the links below:
Women UPF 50+
Men UPF 50+
Sun hats UPF 50+
Accessories UPF 50+
SPF 50+ Sunscreen