Moles
What are moles?
A mole is a collective term for a variety of skin changes. The medical name is nevus. Moles are formed when a type of skin cells undergoes increased cell division.
Most dark or brown-colored moles contain an accumulation of melanin, the skin's pigment. Melanin protects the skin from sunlight. When we tan in the summer, the production of melanin in the skin increases. Having 25-30 moles is common for an adult.
Some moles are congenital, but most appear later in life. How easily one gets moles is mostly genetically determined, but sun exposure increases the chance of getting more moles.
Which moles or skin marks are dangerous?
Most moles are not dangerous. However, if you observe these symptoms, it may be wise to have it checked.
Skin Cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type. The most important warning sign is a new spot on the skin or a mole that changes.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer. These are less critical but should also be removed.
Oteria helps you check all of these, as well as more rare types of cancer. Any spot can be scanned.
Melanoma
The incidence of melanoma has increased significantly among both men and women over the last 10 years, but more men than women die from the disease.
Compared to the other Nordic countries, the mortality rate is 40% higher in Norway. Globally, Norway is in second place in terms of mortality due to melanoma, only surpassed by New Zealand.
One of the reasons why Norwegians fare so poorly in the statistics on mortality due to melanoma is that it is detected too late.
Book an appointment
There is no need to download the app if you simply want to have an in-person check done by a doctor or doing mole removal for cosmetic reasons.
