Moles are small growths on the skin. They typically appear as light to dark brown spots on the skin that are either flat or raised. Most people have benign moles, which are harmless.
Moles that become atypical (called dysplastic nevi) can eventually become melanoma . Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. Moles that change or look atypical need to be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Moles develop from pigment-producing cells in the skin called melanocytes. These cells form a cluster, causing the mole.
These factors increase your chance of developing moles. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
Most people have some benign moles that appear at birth, childhood, or adolescence.
Benign moles, which can appear anywhere on the body, are usually:
Signs that a mole may be atypical include:
The doctor will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Tests may include:
Benign moles do not need to be treated. However, surgery may be done to remove those that are unsightly or irritated.
Treatment for atypical moles include:
Atypical moles that are cancerous or suspected of being cancerous can be removed . The mole tissue is examined under a microscope. If cancer cells are found, more surgery is done to remove any remaining portion of the mole and surrounding tissue.
To help prevent benign moles from becoming atypical (and possibly cancerous):
To detect atypical or cancerous moles early:
Have moles removed if your doctor recommends it.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/english/
Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatologists.ca/index.html
References:
Berkow R, Merck Research Laboratories. The Merck Manual of Medical Information—Home Edition . New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.
Moles. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/dermaz/Default.aspx . Accessed July 29, 2008.
Moles. Mayoclinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/ . Updated February 2008. Accessed July 29, 2008.
What you need to know about moles and dysplastic nevi. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/moles-and-dysplastic-nevi . Updated September 2002. Accessed July 29, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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