Lentigines

Lentigines, commonly referred to as "liver spots," are darkened patches that resemble moles. They are usually brown or tan and tend to increase as we age. Generally, they show up on sun-exposed parts of the skin, and like freckles, a large number of them can signal a risk of skin cancer. These lesions themselves, however, are not harmful. 

Treatment for liver spots is mostly cosmetic. 

Nevus

A nevus, or mole, is a common benign lesion that is usually darker than the surrounding skin and is raised. There are many factors that contribute to the development of moles, such as race, age and sun exposure. Most moles are benign, but some can be atypical and should be checked by a doctor. See below for signs of atypical lesions.