Mole

The mole is the unit of measurement for amount of substance in the International System of Units (SI). The unit is defined as the amount or sample of a chemical.
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These cells are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Moles may darken after exposure to the sun, during the teen years, and during pregnancy. Congenital nevi are moles that are present at birth. Congenital nevi occur in about one in people. These moles are slightly more likely to develop into melanoma cancer than are moles that appear after birth. A mole or freckle should be checked if it has a diameter of more than a pencil eraser or any characteristics of the ABCDEs of melanoma see below.

Dysplastic nevi are moles that are generally larger than average larger than a pencil eraser and irregular in shape. They tend to have uneven color with dark brown centers and lighter, uneven edges. These nevi are somewhat more likely to become melanoma. In fact, people who have 10 or more dysplastic nevi have a 12 times higher chance of developing melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

Any changes in a mole should be checked by a dermatologist to evaluate for skin cancer. The vast majority of moles are not dangerous.

Moles, Freckles, & Skin Tags: Types, Causes, Treatments

Moles that are more likely to be cancer are those that look different than other existing moles or those that first appear after age If you notice changes in a mole's color, height, size, or shape, you should have a dermatologist skin doctor evaluate it. You also should have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, or become tender or painful.

Examine your skin with a mirror or ask someone to help you. Pay special attention to areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest, neck, face, ears, legs, and back. If a mole does not change over time, there is little reason for concern. If you see any signs of change in an existing mole, if you have a new mole, or if you want a mole to be removed for cosmetic reasons, talk to your dermatologist.

If a mole displays any of the signs listed below, have it checked immediately by a dermatologist. It could be cancerous. Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. The most common location for melanoma in men is the chest and back and in women, it is the lower leg. Melanoma is the most common cancer in young women. This is a simple procedure. If the dermatologist thinks the mole might be cancerous, cutting through the mole will not cause the cancer to spread. If the mole is found to be cancerous, the dermatologist will cut out the entire mole or scar from the biopsy site by cutting out the entire area and a rim of normal skin around it, and stitching the wound closed.

A skin tag is a small flap of tissue that hangs off the skin by a connecting stalk.

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Skin tags are not dangerous. They are usually found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts , or in the groin area. Skin tags appear most often in women, especially with weight gain, and in elderly people. Skin tags usually don't cause any pain. However, they can become irritated if anything, such as clothing, jewelry, or skin rubs against them. Your dermatologist can remove a skin tag by cutting it off with a scalpel or scissors, with cryosurgery freezing it off , or with electrosurgery burning it off with an electric current. Lentigines are more common among whites, especially those with fair skin.

Exposure to the sun seems to be the major cause of lentigines. Lentigines most often appear on parts of the body that get the most sun, including the face and hands. Some lentigines may be caused by genetics family history or by medical procedures such as radiation therapy. The best way to prevent lentigines is to stay out of the sun as much as possible, especially between the hours of 10 a. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 when outdoors, and wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Avoid using tanning beds. Freckles are small brown spots usually found on the face, neck, chest, and arms. Here is a general rule. Mole A mole on your body usually has these traits. One color - Often brown, but a mole can be tan, black, red, pink, blue, skin-toned, or colorless.

Mole (unit)

Flat or slightly raised. Unchanged from month to month. Melanoma The most-serious skin cancer differs from moles in that it tends to show one or more of the following traits: One half is unlike the other. An irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border. Image property of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Who gets and types Almost every adult has a few moles. There are other types of moles. If you discover any one of these moles on your skin, you should have a dermatologist who can give you skin exams. Atypcial moles Melanoma can grow in an atypical mole. Atypical mole dysplastic This type of mole can look like melanoma. It is not melanoma. But you have a higher risk of getting melanoma if you have: Already had a melanoma. A first-degree relative parent, brother, sister, or child who had melanoma. Larger than an eraser on the end of a pencil. Have an odd shape not round.

Show more than 1 color — mixes of tan, brown, red, and pink.

Moles and Your Skin

Many moles — more than Some moles that are atypical. A blood relative who has or had melanoma. This congenital mole was small when the girl was born. When it started to grow, her dermatologist removed it. Congenital mole When a person is born with a mole, the mole is called a congenital mole. Spitz nevus This mole can look like melanoma. This type of mole is often pink, raised, and dome-shaped.

Acquired mole 50 to or more When a mole appears on the skin after a person is born, it is called an acquired mole. If a person has 50 or more of these moles, the person has a higher risk for getting melanoma. Diagnosis and treatment How do dermatologists tell whether a spot is a mole? How do dermatologists treat moles? Most moles do not require treatment. A dermatologist will remove a mole that: Bothersome rubs against clothing, etc.


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Unattractive to a patient Suspicious could be skin cancer A dermatologist can usually remove a mole during an office visit. A dermatologist will use one of these procedures: The dermatologist cuts out the entire mole and stitches the skin closed if necessary.

Mole (animal)

Your mole will also be looked at under a microscope by a specially trained doctor. This is done to check for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found, your dermatologist will let you know. The dermatologist uses a surgical blade to remove the mole. In most cases, a specially trained doctor will examine your mole under a microscope. Never try to remove a mole at home While it may seem more convenient to shave off or cut out a mole yourself, there are 3 very good reasons a dermatologist should remove it: If the mole contains skin cancer, some of the cancer cells can stay in the skin and even spread.

You can disfigure your skin causing a scar. A dermatologist uses sterile equipment to prevent infection. Outcome After a mole is removed, the skin will heal. If the mole grows back, immediately make another appointment to see your dermatologist. This could be a sign of melanoma, the most-serious type of skin cancer. Tips for managing Dermatologists recommend the following to their patients: See a mole on your skin that is changing, itching, or bleeding? If you do, immediately make an appointment to see a dermatologist. These are signs that you could have melanoma, the most-serious type of skin cancer.

Caught early, melanoma can be cured. Without treatment, melanoma can spread. This can be deadly. Perform self-exams of your skin. A self-exam can help you catch melanoma early. Body mole map pdf Protect your skin from the sun. It is believed that being out in the sun increases the number of moles on your skin. And we know that the sun causes skin cancer.


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Tanning beds and sun lamps also cause skin cancer. To protect your skin, skip getting a tan and wear sunscreen every day. Have 50 or more moles on your skin? People with many moles have a higher risk of getting melanoma, so you should have a dermatologist who can examine your skin as often as necessary. Join a support group. If you have a higher risk of getting melanoma, joining a support group may help you feel better.

You have a higher risk if you have FAMMM, large noticeable moles, or a mole that covers most of the body. Support and information for people who have large nevi and neurocutaneous melanocytosis NCM.