ASK THE EXPERTS
SKIN EXPERT
Dr Adam Friedmann is consultant dermatologist at Stratum Dermatology Clinics (stratumclinics.com).
Q I have lots of moles on my arms, legs and torso. Does that mean I’m more at risk from skin cancer? What can I do to protect myself?
A Anything up to 150 to 250 moles is classed as normal but much above this number and the risk of melanoma does, unfortunately, start to increase. The increased number of moles also increases the number of melanocytes (melanin-producing cells responsible for skin pigment) in the skin and, as such, increases the risk of skin cancer. Also, it is sometimes a marker of a genetic trait for increased numbers of moles, or sometimes a marker of increased sun exposure. If the moles are unusual looking (atypical) then it may be part of a condition called atypical mole syndrome which does result in an increased risk of developing melanoma.
About 50 per cent of malignant melanoma will arrive in existing moles and half will arrive in new
