Dermatology Phone:
402-484-9009
Aesthetic Center Phone:
402-484-0908
Fax: 402-483-4223
info@suttonryan.com
1710 South 70th Street
Lincoln, NE 68506
Moles
|
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. 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. 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 and a yearly skin check by your dermatologist is recommended. Look for Danger Signs in Pigmented Lesions of the Skin:
Asymmetry--one half unlike the other half.
Border --irregular, scalloped or poorly circumscribed border.
Color -- varied from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue.
Diameter -- while melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller. If you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds (even if it is small) you should see a dermatologist. |
