MOLES - WatsonsHealth

MOLES

Overview & Facts

Moles are skin lumps that regularly show up as dark brown in color and are small. They are made up by clusters of pigmented cells. Moles show up during youth and puberty. Many people have more than 10 moles at one point in their lives which may disappear after some time.

Most moles are not serious. Once in a while, they end up cancerous. The doctor will examine and observe your moles and other pigmented lesions so that he or she will know whether they are cancerous or not. This is also the case when monitoring for malignant melanoma.

Types & Symptoms

There are many types of moles, some of which are the following:

  • Atypical moles, or dysplastic nevi
  • Congenital
  • Acquired
  • Junctional Melanocytic Nevi
  • Intradermal Nevi
  • Compound Nevi
  • Halo Nevi

The average mole is a dark brown colored spot. However, moles come in various colors, shapes and sizes. The characteristics of moles are the following:

  • Color: brown, black, reddish, bluish
  • Smooth or wrinkled
  • Flat or raised
  • With hair
  • Shape may be round or irregular
  • Usually less than 6 mm in diameter
  • Found anywhere in the body
  • May change in appearance or fade away over time

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor can distinguish moles by looking at your skin. You may have a skin examination every now and then. Ask your doctor when you should come back for follow-ups. During a skin exam, your specialist examines your skin from various regions of the body.

If your doctor is suspecting that your mole has a high risk for malignancy, he or she may obtain a small sample for a biopsy.

 

TREATMENT

Most moles do not need to be treated further.

Mole removal

A mole that is cancerous is removed through surgery. If the mole causes irritation every now and then, your doctor may suggest to remove it.

The removal of a mole may be done on an outpatient clinic. The procedure may leave a lasting scar.

If you see that a mole has returned, see your doctor instantly.

Cosmetic care

In case you’re hesitant about a mole, you could use cosmetics to help hide it. Hair that is growing from a mole should be plucked or cut. Talk to your dermatologist about removing the hair and the mole.

A mole that is cut or develops inflammation should be kept clean. Visit your doctor if the mole is non-healing.

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