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Moles (Nevi)

Moles (also called nevus for singular and nevi for pleural) are common proliferations of pigmented cells, called melanocytes. Most often, moles are benign (not cancerous) however they can rarely be precursor lesions to melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Please see above section under melanoma for screening recommendations for moles. Moles can be removed for cosmetic purposes or biopsied if they are atypical.