What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Junctional Mole
• Junctional Naevus
• Junctional Nevomelanocytic Nevi

What is Junctional Common Mole? (Definition/Background Information)

• A Junctional Common Mole is a type of common mole. In this type, the melanocytes are confined to the dermo-epidermal junction of the skin
• A nevus (plural nevi) is a mole on the skin that can occur on any part of the body. A common mole is benign tumor of melanocytic (pigment-based) cells that occur on the skin. It is also known as acquired melanocytic nevus
• Normally, Junctional Common Moles (or simply Junctional Moles) are present in all individuals including children and adults. The condition is more common in fair-skinned individuals than dark-skinned individuals
• Sun exposure is a risk factor for acquiring the condition. In many cases, Junctional Common Mole occurs in a random manner, while few cases are known to run in families
• However, the cause of the condition is generally unknown. Research studies have implicated certain genetic mutations as being the probable cause
• Treatment is generally not required for Junctional Common Mole unless it presents cosmetic issues. The prognosis is generally excellent with or without treatment, since these moles are generally benign

Who gets Junctional Common Mole? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• A Junctional Common Mole is a common skin condition that may be present at birth or form at any age in an individual; children and adults may have this type of nevus
• Both males and females are affected and there is no gender bias observed
• All racial and ethnic groups are at risk, but this nevus type is more frequent in fair-skinned individuals (Caucasians)

What are the Risk Factors for Junctional Common Mole? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors identified for Junctional Common Mole include:

• Sun exposure
• A positive family history of the mole, in some cases
• Generally, lighter-skinned races or individuals (such as Caucasians of America and Europe) are at a higher risk compared to other darker-skinned racial groups (such as Africans and Asians)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Junctional Common Mole? (Etiology)

• The cause of Junctional Common Mole formation is unknown, in a majority of cases. In some cases, certain gene mutations have been documented
• Most cases occur sporadically, meaning in a random fashion (sporadic, non-familial nevus). However, it can run in families too (familial nevus)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Junctional Common Mole?

The signs and symptoms of Junctional Common Mole that may be observed include:

• It is a benign tumor of melanocytic cells on the skin
• It is usually well-circumscribed and less than 10 mm in size. The nevi are usually round or oval in shape; although they can be of any shape
• They can be present as a macule, papule, or nodule (raised mass)
  • Papule: A papule is an area of abnormal skin tissue that is less than 1 centimeter around. Usually a papule has distinct borders, and it can appear in a variety of shapes
  • Macule: A macule indicates the presence of a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin less than 1 cm wide. A macule usually does not involve any change in the thickness or texture of the affected skin
• The benign mole is usually slow-growing and pigmented. The color may vary from skin color to light brown to black. The pigment color over the mole is usually uniform
• They may be single or many in numbers; on an average, a Caucasian adult may have about 20 moles
• Junctional Moles can occur all over the body. However, when they occur in African-Americans and Asians, they generally tend to involve the palms of hands, soles of feet, and the nail beds

They usually occur early in life and grow in size, as the child becomes an adult. As one age, these moles may become smaller and in many cases, they can disappear, when one reaches the age of 60 years.

How is Junctional Common Mole Diagnosed?

A Junctional Common Mole is diagnosed through the following tools:

• Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Note: In majority of the cases, no biopsy is necessary. But they may be performed to rule out other conditions presenting similar signs and symptoms.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Junctional Common Mole?

There are frequently no complications that arise from a Junctional Common Mole.

• Nevertheless, in some individuals, it may give rise to cosmetic concerns
• Scratching or itching of the moles may lead to bleeding and ulceration. This can cause secondary bacterial or fungal infections to develop
• Some moles may transform into a dysplastic mole, which is an early precursor to melanoma (a malignant skin cancer)

How is Junctional Common Mole Treated?

The treatment measures for Junctional Common Mole include:

• The healthcare provider may chose to regularly observe the mole, to check for any atypical features (a “wait and watch” approach may be followed)
• Surgical excision and removal of the mole, if necessary for cosmetic reasons
• The benign nevus can also be excised through electrocautery surgical procedure

How can Junctional Common Mole be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a way of preventing Junctional Common Moles. However the following measures can help these moles from becoming either a dysplastic mole or a melanoma:

• Minimize direct exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays
• Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps
• Perform self-examination of your skin, from head to toe, once a month (especially if you are at risk)
• Get a professional skin exam from a healthcare provider, once a year

What is the Prognosis of Junctional Common Mole? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Junctional Common Mole is excellent on its complete excision and removal
• Since, these are benign conditions, the prognosis is excellent even if no treatment is provided and only periodic observation maintained

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Junctional Common Mole:

• Common moles/nevi are of 3 types:
  • Junctional Common Mole
  • Compound Common Mole
  • Intradermal Common Mole
• Do not pick or scratch the moles
• Many researchers believe that a Junctional Mole becomes a compound mole, which then develops into a dermal mole