What is the medical term for a mole?

The medical term for a mole is "nevus." This term is used specifically to describe a benign skin lesion that is often pigmented. A nevus typically appears as a small, dark spot on the skin, formed from clusters of melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for pigment production.

Understanding this term is crucial because moles can vary in appearance, size, and color, and recognizing what constitutes a nevus is important in distinguishing normal skin variations from potentially concerning lesions that may require further examination.

In contrast, other terms listed may refer to different types of skin conditions. "Neoplasm" denotes any new and abnormal growth of tissue, which can include benign and malignant tumors, but is broader and not specific to benign moles. A "macule" refers to a flat, distinguishable area of skin that is a change in color but does not involve any raised structure or abnormal growth. Similarly, a "papule" is a solid, raised lesion that is typically smaller than 1 centimeter and is often associated with various skin conditions, rather than being a specific type of mole.