General Information. Moles are overgrowths of the skins pigment cells. They often appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigmented cells. Moles generally appear during childhood and adolescence. Most people have 10 to 40 moles, some of which may change in appearance or fade away over time. Most moles are harmless, but a select few can lead to skin cancer. Monitoring moles and other pigmented patches on your skin is a good way to detect skin cancer early.  Dr. Liana Abramova and her staff specialize in the diagnosis of moles and other precancerous lesions and will help you understand and manage the condition effectively.  Call Dermatology of Virginia in Fairfax at (703) 828-7128 and schedule your appointment today