I have a lot of moles on my body, and sometimes they change color so i get them tested but its really annoying to have the doctor remove the entire mole and leave me with this scar, i hate it. There has got to be an alternative to doing this, please help...thanks
Testing for skin cancer moles? ALTERNATIVE METHOD?? Do you have to remove the entire mole?
As someone who had a mole diagnosed as a malignant melanoma, why would you care about a little scar when leaving the mole could result in death? Yes, a malignant melanoma is the skin cancer that spreads. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Like you, I have oodles of moles....many, many of which have been removed. I have had a malignant melanoma, a multi-focal basal cell, and numerous basal cells. AND I have never been a sunbather. I had two severe sunburns in my life...both prior to sunscreen availability. I look at the scars as a sign of life...not as a vanity issue to worry about.
BTW, you would hate my malignant melanoma scars...one runs the width of my underarm (lymph node biopsy to check for metastisis) and one that runs the entire width of my back across the shoulders (where the malignancy was removed...took that much area to "hit" healthy edges). Does it stop me from wearing a backless gown? NO, the scar is my reminder that I avoided death.
Reply:if the test results are O.K, you don't have to remove the moles!
but if you have to remove them, don't worry; the scars will be faded by the time! and having scars is better than having a progressed malignancy!
Reply:Honestly, its better you consult a specialist. I really want to help but I don't think I can give better answers than specialist do. Sorry.
good luck
Love is omnipresence, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Why I m getting some moles on my facial skin and how does it formed?
I five tiny moles on my skin . I have good skin and always wash my skin every night before I go to bed. I don't to be like protocol person.
Why I m getting some moles on my facial skin and how does it formed?
i have heard that moles and freckles are caused by sunlight or UV rays. i'm not entirely convinced because i have moles that have formed in places where there isn't too much sunshine...like the bottom of my foot! but in any case, make sure you use a facial moisterizer with SPF in it!
Reply:things chnage in your skin as you get older or are out in the sun.
if they are large or oddly shaped get them looked at or than likely they are just freckles.
Why I m getting some moles on my facial skin and how does it formed?
i have heard that moles and freckles are caused by sunlight or UV rays. i'm not entirely convinced because i have moles that have formed in places where there isn't too much sunshine...like the bottom of my foot! but in any case, make sure you use a facial moisterizer with SPF in it!
Reply:things chnage in your skin as you get older or are out in the sun.
if they are large or oddly shaped get them looked at or than likely they are just freckles.
What are moles on the skin and ...?
What are moles on the skin and how are they formed? Are they from an infected hair gland, liver problem or what?Someone I know gets a red spot on the skin and the next day it is brown. others have pea size lumps/growths.
What are moles on the skin and ...?
Moles are actually tumors, a place where skin cells mutated and started growing more than they're supposed to. Usually, moles are benign (harmless), but if someone has one that is oddly shaped, has rough edges, or changes size or color rapidly, they should see a doctor immediately, as that can be a sign of cancerous growth.
Reply:A mole or melanocytic naevus is a small, dark spot on the skin. It can be either subdermal (composed of melanin), or a pigmented growth on the skin, formed mostly of melanocytes. The high concentration of melanin is responsible for their dark color. They are a member of the family of skin lesions known as naevi.
Moles may either be present at birth or develop later in life. Acquired moles are a form of benign neoplasm, while congenital moles are considered a minor malformation, or hamartoma. Moles are most often of no medical consequence, but since they are permanent, removal may be performed for cosmetic or other reasons. Moles are usually circular or oval and not very large. Most children are born with moles, and almost everyone has at least one or two moles on their bodies. Large amounts can be concentrated on the back, chest, and arms.
Some scientists suspect that overexposure to ultraviolet light (including excessive sunlight) may play a role in the formation of acquired moles, but more research is needed in this area.
Dysplastic nevi or atypical mole syndrome is a hereditary condition which causes the person to have a large quantity of moles (often 100 or more) with some of them larger than normal and/or atypical. This leads to a higher risk of melanoma, a serious skin cancer. A slight majority of melanomas do not form in an existing mole, but rather create a new growth on the skin. Nevertheless, those with dysplastic nevi are at a higher risk of even this type of melanoma. Such persons need to be checked regularly for any changes in their moles (and to note any new ones).
Famous people known for their moles include Cindy Crawford, Steven Berkoff, and Robert De Niro.
[edit] Aesthetic
The number of moles on a person's body appears to be hereditary. This applies also to their color and shape.
[edit] See also
Beauty mark
Birthmark
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mole_%28sk...
Reply:There are different sources for moles. Melanoma is a cancerous mole that forms in the skin because of damaged dna in melanin cells. They are characterized by uneven edges and often more than one color. Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer know to man. Some moles are benign blood vessel tumors, and still others are the result of the body's reaction to spider bites. I am sure there are many more types and causes of moles.
Reply:There are many different types of skin growths and lesions (including moles). Check out http://www.visualdxhealth.com for some good pictures of different skin conditions with an explanation of each. Maybe you can match based on a picture. When in doubt always talk to your doctor though!!!
Here's a quick bit of info on Seborrheic Keratoses -
Seborrheic keratoses are common benign growths of unknown cause seen in adults due to a localized thickening of the top skin layer.
Who has it
Although they can occur anytime after puberty, almost everyone over 50 has one or more of these and they increase in number with age. Some families have an inherited tendency to grow multiple lesions. Men and women are equally as likely to develop seborrheic keratoses; dark skinned people are less affected than those with light skin. Blacks may have a variation called dermatosis papulosa nigra on the face.
What are moles on the skin and ...?
Moles are actually tumors, a place where skin cells mutated and started growing more than they're supposed to. Usually, moles are benign (harmless), but if someone has one that is oddly shaped, has rough edges, or changes size or color rapidly, they should see a doctor immediately, as that can be a sign of cancerous growth.
Reply:A mole or melanocytic naevus is a small, dark spot on the skin. It can be either subdermal (composed of melanin), or a pigmented growth on the skin, formed mostly of melanocytes. The high concentration of melanin is responsible for their dark color. They are a member of the family of skin lesions known as naevi.
Moles may either be present at birth or develop later in life. Acquired moles are a form of benign neoplasm, while congenital moles are considered a minor malformation, or hamartoma. Moles are most often of no medical consequence, but since they are permanent, removal may be performed for cosmetic or other reasons. Moles are usually circular or oval and not very large. Most children are born with moles, and almost everyone has at least one or two moles on their bodies. Large amounts can be concentrated on the back, chest, and arms.
Some scientists suspect that overexposure to ultraviolet light (including excessive sunlight) may play a role in the formation of acquired moles, but more research is needed in this area.
Dysplastic nevi or atypical mole syndrome is a hereditary condition which causes the person to have a large quantity of moles (often 100 or more) with some of them larger than normal and/or atypical. This leads to a higher risk of melanoma, a serious skin cancer. A slight majority of melanomas do not form in an existing mole, but rather create a new growth on the skin. Nevertheless, those with dysplastic nevi are at a higher risk of even this type of melanoma. Such persons need to be checked regularly for any changes in their moles (and to note any new ones).
Famous people known for their moles include Cindy Crawford, Steven Berkoff, and Robert De Niro.
[edit] Aesthetic
The number of moles on a person's body appears to be hereditary. This applies also to their color and shape.
[edit] See also
Beauty mark
Birthmark
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mole_%28sk...
Reply:There are different sources for moles. Melanoma is a cancerous mole that forms in the skin because of damaged dna in melanin cells. They are characterized by uneven edges and often more than one color. Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer know to man. Some moles are benign blood vessel tumors, and still others are the result of the body's reaction to spider bites. I am sure there are many more types and causes of moles.
Reply:There are many different types of skin growths and lesions (including moles). Check out http://www.visualdxhealth.com for some good pictures of different skin conditions with an explanation of each. Maybe you can match based on a picture. When in doubt always talk to your doctor though!!!
Here's a quick bit of info on Seborrheic Keratoses -
Seborrheic keratoses are common benign growths of unknown cause seen in adults due to a localized thickening of the top skin layer.
Who has it
Although they can occur anytime after puberty, almost everyone over 50 has one or more of these and they increase in number with age. Some families have an inherited tendency to grow multiple lesions. Men and women are equally as likely to develop seborrheic keratoses; dark skinned people are less affected than those with light skin. Blacks may have a variation called dermatosis papulosa nigra on the face.
Moles under ur skin?
im quite puzzled..i have noticed that when i bite my skin around my nails (i know its nasty sry guys) loads of moles have appeared ...does anyone know what it is and why they keep coming up?? is it maybe i have infected my skin? oh m ygosh what if its cancer...
Moles under ur skin?
I would suspect that it is just bleeding under your skin. When I went to New Orleans this past Spring to help with rebuilding, I had tons of those mole-looking things under my skin near my fingernails, I assumed from the pressure I was placing on my fingertips. They eventually went away, but it did take some time. If you're truly concerned about it though, I definitely would advise going to see the doctor and not waiting around too long. Try using fingernail clippers to remove hard skin from around the nails rather than biting though :)
Hope that helps!
Reply:Sounds like warts.
Reply:Read about clay, and take it...it will help, for sure!
Reply:Sounds like it could be scarring, to me. Moles usually don't appear suddenly, esp. all in one place. I seriously doubt it's cancer. And don't worry -- lots of people bite their nails/skin around the nails. It's a common habit and in my opinion, not particularly gross.
Reply:moles are cancer, in a membrane, see a doctor.
shamrock
Moles under ur skin?
I would suspect that it is just bleeding under your skin. When I went to New Orleans this past Spring to help with rebuilding, I had tons of those mole-looking things under my skin near my fingernails, I assumed from the pressure I was placing on my fingertips. They eventually went away, but it did take some time. If you're truly concerned about it though, I definitely would advise going to see the doctor and not waiting around too long. Try using fingernail clippers to remove hard skin from around the nails rather than biting though :)
Hope that helps!
Reply:Sounds like warts.
Reply:Read about clay, and take it...it will help, for sure!
Reply:Sounds like it could be scarring, to me. Moles usually don't appear suddenly, esp. all in one place. I seriously doubt it's cancer. And don't worry -- lots of people bite their nails/skin around the nails. It's a common habit and in my opinion, not particularly gross.
Reply:moles are cancer, in a membrane, see a doctor.
shamrock
Again..moles, anybody??? I mean the moles on your skin?
i already asked this question:
how do you get moles? does it have anything to do with the mutation of your skin pigment?
earlier, i catogarized this question in math %26amp; science, under biology, because i thought that the formation of the moles on human skin have to do anything with the skin pigment.
However this bunch of people reckoned that i was talking about 'the moles'(as in the chemistry) and 'the moles' (as in as animal).
so, they want me put this under health...whatever..
hope to get good answers later.
Again..moles, anybody??? I mean the moles on your skin?
Moles are natural occurence. If your mole changes in size or color, you should see a doctor for a review. I had two moles that changed color, my dermatologist removed them. He tested them and it was not cancerous.
If you notice any major changes in your moles, see a doctor. Even cancerous moles can be removed successfully.
Reply:moles can be caused from to much sun sometimes they will grow because of to much sun but that is nothin to worry about but if it changes color majorly then you will need to go see a doctor!!!!!!!
how do you get moles? does it have anything to do with the mutation of your skin pigment?
earlier, i catogarized this question in math %26amp; science, under biology, because i thought that the formation of the moles on human skin have to do anything with the skin pigment.
However this bunch of people reckoned that i was talking about 'the moles'(as in the chemistry) and 'the moles' (as in as animal).
so, they want me put this under health...whatever..
hope to get good answers later.
Again..moles, anybody??? I mean the moles on your skin?
Moles are natural occurence. If your mole changes in size or color, you should see a doctor for a review. I had two moles that changed color, my dermatologist removed them. He tested them and it was not cancerous.
If you notice any major changes in your moles, see a doctor. Even cancerous moles can be removed successfully.
Reply:moles can be caused from to much sun sometimes they will grow because of to much sun but that is nothin to worry about but if it changes color majorly then you will need to go see a doctor!!!!!!!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The D in the ABCD's of moles & skin cancer?
Does the mole ALWAYS have to be larger than a pencil eraser for it to be skin cancer? Or can it be a little smaller than it?
The D in the ABCD's of moles %26amp; skin cancer?
No, the mole, does not have to be larger than a pencil eraser; it can definitely be smaller than it. It also does not have to be raised from the skin either; it can be as smooth as your skin, like a freckle - you can't feel them.
There are several clues to tell you whether to worry or not.
1) If it is perfectly round, odds are it is benign. If it's not round and uneven in shape, that's a concern.
2) Color - moles can range from light to dark - more important is the evenness of the color. If it's all one color, it's probably OK, if there are mixed colors, a bit of a concern.
3) Does the mole itch? That is a concern.
4) Does the mole bleed at times (not just from a strap rubbing on it). That is a concern.
5) If you notice a sudden change in any of the above categories. That's a big concern
There are 3 types of skin cancer:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Malignant Melanoma
The first 2 types are not life threatening, but can be very disfiguring. They do not spread into the body, but can require very deep surgery, most often in the area of the face. The longer they are left there, the deeper they get, making surgery more disfiguring. The smaller, the better. Once you have had one of these, you are likely to get more, especially if exposed to the sun.
The 3rd type, Malignant Melanoma, is highly deadly, and unfortunately most people don't even know they have it until it is too late. That's why, in this day and age, a yearly screening is suggested, at least by your internist. If he/she is suspicious of a mole the doc will send you to a dermatologist.
If you have had one sunburn in your life, you are at a much higher risk of developing melanoma. If you had blond hair your risk goes up, if you have blue eyes, up even higher. It used to be that African-Americans didn't get malignant melanoma - that is no longer true. Because of changes in our atmosphere, everyone is now getting it, although lighter skinned people are at the highest risk.
Having a mole removed is completely painless. There is no real surgery unless the lab tells the doctor you have a malignancy. Then you need surgery, so they can find out how deep and how wide the mole is. You would be asleep for this. However, the earlier you get it checked the better the odds of never reaching that point.
It is much better to hear the doctor tell you that the mole is totally benign; do not feel you are making too big a deal about it. The doctor will only think you are foolish if you are worried about something and put it off until he has to tell you it's malignant and has spread throughout your body
I was very, very lucky when they removed my 3 moles. I couldn't see 2 of them. One of them was pre-cancerous - for malignant melanoma!! The doc said it had been in the process of changing into cancer when they removed it. I was going to wait until after the summer one year to get checked out, I figured September would be good. Thia was early June. My husband pushed me to go before summer, reminding me what I knew about it. He was right, so I went. Imagine how I felt when the doctor told me it would have been full-blown melanoma by September!! I was very lucky.
One of my high school friends died 6 months after we graduated. We didn't listen to anyone about "that stuff."
Reply:It can be any size.. those are just some guidelines to follow. If you have a questionable mole, contact your doctor or dermatologist.
Reply:No, it absolutely does NOT have to be larger than a pencil eraser. This is a general rule, but I personally have seen melanomas that were much smaller, some that were not very dark, even one under a toenail and one in the eye.
I worked for a doctor who had a patient that had a tiny little black spot on the back of her leg. He biopsied it and it was melanoma. Good clinicians know how to compare the size, shape and color of a "funny looking mole" as compared to the other moles on the person's body.
Oh - and by the way - most melanomas are pretty flat to the skin. They might look like a darker freckle and be easily ignored. The thing to look for is a mole that is changing - along with the ABCDs.
The D in the ABCD's of moles %26amp; skin cancer?
No, the mole, does not have to be larger than a pencil eraser; it can definitely be smaller than it. It also does not have to be raised from the skin either; it can be as smooth as your skin, like a freckle - you can't feel them.
There are several clues to tell you whether to worry or not.
1) If it is perfectly round, odds are it is benign. If it's not round and uneven in shape, that's a concern.
2) Color - moles can range from light to dark - more important is the evenness of the color. If it's all one color, it's probably OK, if there are mixed colors, a bit of a concern.
3) Does the mole itch? That is a concern.
4) Does the mole bleed at times (not just from a strap rubbing on it). That is a concern.
5) If you notice a sudden change in any of the above categories. That's a big concern
There are 3 types of skin cancer:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Malignant Melanoma
The first 2 types are not life threatening, but can be very disfiguring. They do not spread into the body, but can require very deep surgery, most often in the area of the face. The longer they are left there, the deeper they get, making surgery more disfiguring. The smaller, the better. Once you have had one of these, you are likely to get more, especially if exposed to the sun.
The 3rd type, Malignant Melanoma, is highly deadly, and unfortunately most people don't even know they have it until it is too late. That's why, in this day and age, a yearly screening is suggested, at least by your internist. If he/she is suspicious of a mole the doc will send you to a dermatologist.
If you have had one sunburn in your life, you are at a much higher risk of developing melanoma. If you had blond hair your risk goes up, if you have blue eyes, up even higher. It used to be that African-Americans didn't get malignant melanoma - that is no longer true. Because of changes in our atmosphere, everyone is now getting it, although lighter skinned people are at the highest risk.
Having a mole removed is completely painless. There is no real surgery unless the lab tells the doctor you have a malignancy. Then you need surgery, so they can find out how deep and how wide the mole is. You would be asleep for this. However, the earlier you get it checked the better the odds of never reaching that point.
It is much better to hear the doctor tell you that the mole is totally benign; do not feel you are making too big a deal about it. The doctor will only think you are foolish if you are worried about something and put it off until he has to tell you it's malignant and has spread throughout your body
I was very, very lucky when they removed my 3 moles. I couldn't see 2 of them. One of them was pre-cancerous - for malignant melanoma!! The doc said it had been in the process of changing into cancer when they removed it. I was going to wait until after the summer one year to get checked out, I figured September would be good. Thia was early June. My husband pushed me to go before summer, reminding me what I knew about it. He was right, so I went. Imagine how I felt when the doctor told me it would have been full-blown melanoma by September!! I was very lucky.
One of my high school friends died 6 months after we graduated. We didn't listen to anyone about "that stuff."
Reply:It can be any size.. those are just some guidelines to follow. If you have a questionable mole, contact your doctor or dermatologist.
Reply:No, it absolutely does NOT have to be larger than a pencil eraser. This is a general rule, but I personally have seen melanomas that were much smaller, some that were not very dark, even one under a toenail and one in the eye.
I worked for a doctor who had a patient that had a tiny little black spot on the back of her leg. He biopsied it and it was melanoma. Good clinicians know how to compare the size, shape and color of a "funny looking mole" as compared to the other moles on the person's body.
Oh - and by the way - most melanomas are pretty flat to the skin. They might look like a darker freckle and be easily ignored. The thing to look for is a mole that is changing - along with the ABCDs.
How and why do external skin moles develop? Obviously the ones that are not cancerous but why do they come?
The moles that are in question are the same typically moles that everyone knows about. I already know what to look for as regards to health hazardous ones. But it's puzzling, why and how do they develop? What are they made of? I speak of the external ones, the ones that are usually portrayed as the one by a witch's nose not the one that are beautified by Cindy Crawford.
How and why do external skin moles develop? Obviously the ones that are not cancerous but why do they come?
Moles, known medically as nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that often appear as small, dark brown spots on your torso, face, arms and legs. But moles can come in a range of colors and can develop virtually anywhere, including your scalp, armpits, under your nails, and between your fingers and toes.
Most people have between 10 and 40 moles, although the number you have may change throughout life. New moles can appear into mid-adulthood, and because moles last about 50 years, some moles may disappear as you age.
The great majority of moles are harmless, but in rare cases, moles may become cancerous. Monitoring moles and other pigmented patches is an important step in the diagnosis of skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma. Although not all melanomas develop from pre-existing moles, many begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on the skin.
Everyone has moles, sometimes 40 or more. Most people think of a mole as a dark brown spot, but moles have a wide range of appearance.
At one time, a mole in a certain spot on the cheek of a woman was considered fashionable. Some were even painted on. These were called "beauty marks." However, not all moles are beautiful. They can be raised from the skin and very noticeable, they may contain dark hairs, or they may be dangerous.
Normal Mole
Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They are usually brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes. The brown color is caused by melanocytes, special cells that produce the pigment melanin.
Moles probably are determined before a person is born. Most appear during the first 20 years of a person's life, although some may not appear until later in life. Sun exposure increases the number of moles.
Each mole has its own growth pattern. At first, moles are flat and tan, pink, brown or black in color, like a freckle. Over time, they usually enlarge and some develop hairs. As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming more raised and lighter in color. Some will not change at all. Most moles will slowly disappear, seeming to fade away. Others will become raised so far from the skin that they may develop a small "stalk" and eventually fall off or are rubbed off.
This is the typical life cycle of the common mole. These changes occur slowly since the life cycle of the average mole is about 50 years.
Moles may darken, with exposure to the sun. During the teen years, with birth control pills and pregnancy, moles often get darker and larger and new ones may appear.
Different Types of Moles
Recent studies have shown that certain types of moles have a higher-than-average risk of becoming cancerous. Some may develop into a form of skin cancer known as malignant melanoma. Sunburns may increase the risk of melanoma. People with many more moles than average (greater than 100) are also more at risk for melanoma.
Moles are present at birth in about 1 in 100 people. They are called congenital nevi. These moles may be more likely to develop a melanoma than moles which appear after birth. When a congenital nevus is more than eight inches across, it poses the greater risk for developing melanoma.
Moles known as dysplastic nevi or atypical moles are larger than average (usually larger than a pencil eraser) and irregular in shape. They tend to have uneven color with dark brown centers and lighter, sometimes reddish, uneven borders or black dots at edge. These moles often run in families.
Persons with dysplastic nevi may have a greater-than-average chance of developing malignant melanoma. These people should be seen regularly by a dermatologist to check for any changes that might indicate skin cancer. They should also learn to do regular self-examinations, looking for changes in the color, size or shape of their moles or the appearance of new moles. They should also shield their moles from sun exposure using sunscreen and/or clothing.
Recognizing the early warning signs of malignant melanoma is important. Remember the ABCD's of melanoma when examining your moles.
A stands for ASYMMETRY, when one half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
B stands for BORDER, when the border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred or irregular.
C stands for COLOR, when the color of the mole is not the same throughout or if it has shades of tan, brown, black, red, white or blue.
D stands for DIAMETER, when the diameter of a mole is larger than 6mm, about the size of a pencil eraser.
If a mole displays any of these signs, it should be checked promptly by a dermatologist.
Many people have flat moles. It's important to remember that not all moles look alike. They may be skin colored or pink, light tan to brown, and even blue-black. They may be round or oval, or their shape may be slightly irregular. They may be flat or raised, large or small, with or without hairs, mottled or evenly colored. If the appearance of a mole worries you or if it changes suddenly in any way, you should consult a dermatologist.
Other Pigmented Patches on the Skin
If you look closely at your skin, you may notice darkened spots that are not moles. Freckles are the most common of these spots. Unlike moles, they are rarely larger than the size of a pea, although sometimes they may seem to be because they blend into one another. Sun exposure may make freckles darker or freckles may fade completely in the winter. While moles may appear anywhere on the skin, freckles ordinarily are limited to sun exposed areas, such as the face, neck and upper back. Blondes and redheads freckle most easily.
Freckles
After middle age, a person may acquire other dark areas that are not moles. Brown, wart-like growths that appear on the face or trunk and look as if they have been stuck to the skin may be harmless growths called seborrheic keratoses.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/moles/D...
http://www.rdoctor.com
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://www.cdc.gov
http://www.kavokin.com
http://www.symptomat.com
http://www.webmd.com
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/p...
Multiple small gray-brown spots that may appear on wrists, backs of the hands, forearms, and face could be actinic lentigines. These are also called "liver spots" or "age spots," though they have nothing to do with liver or age. They are sunspots. Both actinic lentigines and seborrheic keratoses are easily diagnosed by your dermatologist and are not cancers.
Treatment of Moles
The majority of moles and other blemishes are benign (not-cancer). They will never be a threat to the health of the person who has them. Spots or blemishes that warrant medical concern are those that do something out of the ordinary-those that act differently from other existing moles. This includes any spot that changes in size, shape or color, or one that bleeds, itches, becomes painful, or first appears when a person is past twenty.
Occasionally, a mole may become a cancerous growth. Therefore, it's best to get medical advice if you notice a mole that does not follow the normal pattern. A dermatologist may be able to assure you that the mole is harmless. To accomplish this, he or she may study a sample of it under a microscope for an accurate diagnosis.
The dermatologist will remove the mole, or part of it, so that thin sections from the mole can be cut and examined under a microscope. This is a simple and harmless procedure. If the growth was only partially removed and it is found to be cancerous, then the entire lesion and an extra margin of safety will need to be removed.
A person may wish to get rid of moles that are in areas of trauma, where clothing can irritate them, or simply because they are unattractive. The most common methods of removal include numbing the spot and then shaving the mole off, or for some moles, cutting out the entire lesion and stitching the area closed.
Most procedures used to remove moles take only a short time and can be performed in a dermatologist's office. Sometimes a mole will recur after it is removed. If a removed mole does begin to reappear, the patient should return to see the doctor.
More About Moles
Many people wonder if it's safe to shave over a mole. Medical studies show that irritation such as shaving will not cause a mole to become cancerous. A person might want to have moles in a frequently shaved area removed because they are irritating.
Some moles contain hairs, which a person may consider unattractive. The hairs can be clipped close to the skin's surface, or removed permanently with electrolysis. Removal of the mole also removes the hair.
Another way to make a mole less conspicuous is to disguise it with makeup. Cosmetics specifically designed to cover blemishes provide more complete coverage than do ordinary cosmetics.
Most moles cause no problems. But occasionally a mole may be unattractive, irritating, or changing. If you see any signs of change or want a mole removed for cosmetic reasons, consult your dermatologist.
Reply:I'm not certain, but i think as we age, our cells have more of a tendency to mutate. A mole is a skin cell mutation. It just means that one of the cells mutated slightly and produced more of its kind.
Reply:I have heard that if a person has "skin tags" it is from high cholesterol.
Reply:Genetics can cause these moles, more in some of us than others. Usually lighter skin groups are more prone to them such as anyone with European Ancestry. Moles, are simply area's of melatin that is normally found in all skin colors that gives our skin it's pigment. A mole that is 'by a witch's nose' or on Cindy Crawford are still moles, doesn't matter who the person is. Sometimes we think of 'witches' as having a mole, when depicted in the media, I have always thought of the witch as having a wart ! Good question !
How and why do external skin moles develop? Obviously the ones that are not cancerous but why do they come?
Moles, known medically as nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that often appear as small, dark brown spots on your torso, face, arms and legs. But moles can come in a range of colors and can develop virtually anywhere, including your scalp, armpits, under your nails, and between your fingers and toes.
Most people have between 10 and 40 moles, although the number you have may change throughout life. New moles can appear into mid-adulthood, and because moles last about 50 years, some moles may disappear as you age.
The great majority of moles are harmless, but in rare cases, moles may become cancerous. Monitoring moles and other pigmented patches is an important step in the diagnosis of skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma. Although not all melanomas develop from pre-existing moles, many begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on the skin.
Everyone has moles, sometimes 40 or more. Most people think of a mole as a dark brown spot, but moles have a wide range of appearance.
At one time, a mole in a certain spot on the cheek of a woman was considered fashionable. Some were even painted on. These were called "beauty marks." However, not all moles are beautiful. They can be raised from the skin and very noticeable, they may contain dark hairs, or they may be dangerous.
Normal Mole
Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They are usually brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes. The brown color is caused by melanocytes, special cells that produce the pigment melanin.
Moles probably are determined before a person is born. Most appear during the first 20 years of a person's life, although some may not appear until later in life. Sun exposure increases the number of moles.
Each mole has its own growth pattern. At first, moles are flat and tan, pink, brown or black in color, like a freckle. Over time, they usually enlarge and some develop hairs. As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming more raised and lighter in color. Some will not change at all. Most moles will slowly disappear, seeming to fade away. Others will become raised so far from the skin that they may develop a small "stalk" and eventually fall off or are rubbed off.
This is the typical life cycle of the common mole. These changes occur slowly since the life cycle of the average mole is about 50 years.
Moles may darken, with exposure to the sun. During the teen years, with birth control pills and pregnancy, moles often get darker and larger and new ones may appear.
Different Types of Moles
Recent studies have shown that certain types of moles have a higher-than-average risk of becoming cancerous. Some may develop into a form of skin cancer known as malignant melanoma. Sunburns may increase the risk of melanoma. People with many more moles than average (greater than 100) are also more at risk for melanoma.
Moles are present at birth in about 1 in 100 people. They are called congenital nevi. These moles may be more likely to develop a melanoma than moles which appear after birth. When a congenital nevus is more than eight inches across, it poses the greater risk for developing melanoma.
Moles known as dysplastic nevi or atypical moles are larger than average (usually larger than a pencil eraser) and irregular in shape. They tend to have uneven color with dark brown centers and lighter, sometimes reddish, uneven borders or black dots at edge. These moles often run in families.
Persons with dysplastic nevi may have a greater-than-average chance of developing malignant melanoma. These people should be seen regularly by a dermatologist to check for any changes that might indicate skin cancer. They should also learn to do regular self-examinations, looking for changes in the color, size or shape of their moles or the appearance of new moles. They should also shield their moles from sun exposure using sunscreen and/or clothing.
Recognizing the early warning signs of malignant melanoma is important. Remember the ABCD's of melanoma when examining your moles.
A stands for ASYMMETRY, when one half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
B stands for BORDER, when the border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred or irregular.
C stands for COLOR, when the color of the mole is not the same throughout or if it has shades of tan, brown, black, red, white or blue.
D stands for DIAMETER, when the diameter of a mole is larger than 6mm, about the size of a pencil eraser.
If a mole displays any of these signs, it should be checked promptly by a dermatologist.
Many people have flat moles. It's important to remember that not all moles look alike. They may be skin colored or pink, light tan to brown, and even blue-black. They may be round or oval, or their shape may be slightly irregular. They may be flat or raised, large or small, with or without hairs, mottled or evenly colored. If the appearance of a mole worries you or if it changes suddenly in any way, you should consult a dermatologist.
Other Pigmented Patches on the Skin
If you look closely at your skin, you may notice darkened spots that are not moles. Freckles are the most common of these spots. Unlike moles, they are rarely larger than the size of a pea, although sometimes they may seem to be because they blend into one another. Sun exposure may make freckles darker or freckles may fade completely in the winter. While moles may appear anywhere on the skin, freckles ordinarily are limited to sun exposed areas, such as the face, neck and upper back. Blondes and redheads freckle most easily.
Freckles
After middle age, a person may acquire other dark areas that are not moles. Brown, wart-like growths that appear on the face or trunk and look as if they have been stuck to the skin may be harmless growths called seborrheic keratoses.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/moles/D...
http://www.rdoctor.com
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://www.cdc.gov
http://www.kavokin.com
http://www.symptomat.com
http://www.webmd.com
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/p...
Multiple small gray-brown spots that may appear on wrists, backs of the hands, forearms, and face could be actinic lentigines. These are also called "liver spots" or "age spots," though they have nothing to do with liver or age. They are sunspots. Both actinic lentigines and seborrheic keratoses are easily diagnosed by your dermatologist and are not cancers.
Treatment of Moles
The majority of moles and other blemishes are benign (not-cancer). They will never be a threat to the health of the person who has them. Spots or blemishes that warrant medical concern are those that do something out of the ordinary-those that act differently from other existing moles. This includes any spot that changes in size, shape or color, or one that bleeds, itches, becomes painful, or first appears when a person is past twenty.
Occasionally, a mole may become a cancerous growth. Therefore, it's best to get medical advice if you notice a mole that does not follow the normal pattern. A dermatologist may be able to assure you that the mole is harmless. To accomplish this, he or she may study a sample of it under a microscope for an accurate diagnosis.
The dermatologist will remove the mole, or part of it, so that thin sections from the mole can be cut and examined under a microscope. This is a simple and harmless procedure. If the growth was only partially removed and it is found to be cancerous, then the entire lesion and an extra margin of safety will need to be removed.
A person may wish to get rid of moles that are in areas of trauma, where clothing can irritate them, or simply because they are unattractive. The most common methods of removal include numbing the spot and then shaving the mole off, or for some moles, cutting out the entire lesion and stitching the area closed.
Most procedures used to remove moles take only a short time and can be performed in a dermatologist's office. Sometimes a mole will recur after it is removed. If a removed mole does begin to reappear, the patient should return to see the doctor.
More About Moles
Many people wonder if it's safe to shave over a mole. Medical studies show that irritation such as shaving will not cause a mole to become cancerous. A person might want to have moles in a frequently shaved area removed because they are irritating.
Some moles contain hairs, which a person may consider unattractive. The hairs can be clipped close to the skin's surface, or removed permanently with electrolysis. Removal of the mole also removes the hair.
Another way to make a mole less conspicuous is to disguise it with makeup. Cosmetics specifically designed to cover blemishes provide more complete coverage than do ordinary cosmetics.
Most moles cause no problems. But occasionally a mole may be unattractive, irritating, or changing. If you see any signs of change or want a mole removed for cosmetic reasons, consult your dermatologist.
Reply:I'm not certain, but i think as we age, our cells have more of a tendency to mutate. A mole is a skin cell mutation. It just means that one of the cells mutated slightly and produced more of its kind.
Reply:I have heard that if a person has "skin tags" it is from high cholesterol.
Reply:Genetics can cause these moles, more in some of us than others. Usually lighter skin groups are more prone to them such as anyone with European Ancestry. Moles, are simply area's of melatin that is normally found in all skin colors that gives our skin it's pigment. A mole that is 'by a witch's nose' or on Cindy Crawford are still moles, doesn't matter who the person is. Sometimes we think of 'witches' as having a mole, when depicted in the media, I have always thought of the witch as having a wart ! Good question !
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