Skin Moles and How to Identify Them
Harmless but Require Monitoring!
Various changes often appear on our skin, which is the largest organ of the body and serves as its external protective shield.
These changes are commonly called “skin lesions” and, in the majority of cases, are benign. However, some can be benign tumors or precancerous lesions that may evolve into skin cancer.
It is a fact that whenever something appears on our skin that causes concern for any reason, it is best to consult a specialist immediately.
This is important because we must first confirm that it is not a malignancy, and secondly, because such changes can affect our external appearance in a negative way, impacting our psychological well-being, regardless of any risk to our health.
We can remove these lesions easily and without endangering our health, considering a range of parameters.
Physiology Plays an Important Role
Moles, commonly called “beauty marks,” are benign pigmented lesions. Most people have moles. They appear mainly on fair skin, in areas exposed to the sun for long periods, or in people with a family history of moles.
They can be flat or raised, have well-defined borders, and vary in color: almost skin-colored, red, brown, or black. They can range in size from a lentil-sized spot to a large area of skin, resembling an extensive mark.
They can appear anywhere on the skin, even on the scalp, from the age of 6 months to 40 years, and after 50, they tend to diminish.
They should be checked by a doctor at least once a year. People with a large number of moles or atypical moles should have a dermoscopic examination and mole mapping for early detection of changes.
Characteristics That Require Regular Monitoring:
- Asymmetry in shape, where the two halves of the mole are different.
- Irregular borders, with color extending into the surrounding area.
- Varied color within the lesion, with shades of black, brown, gray, or blue.
- Changes in size and diameter.
- Raised mole noticeable upon palpation.
- Itching, pulling sensation, bleeding, or other discomforts.
Types of Benign Skin Lesions
When referring to benign skin lesions, we mean cellular growths of the skin, classified into several types, with the most common being:
- Junctional
- Compound
- Pigmented
Lesions are removed under mild local anesthesia, and the sample is sent for histological examination. A scar may remain, depending on the size of the area treated.
You will be given instructions for post-operative care, depending on the area where the excision was performed.
In conclusion, if you have any concerns or questions, the doctor can provide a clear answer about your specific case, guide you properly, and help you find the right solution for you.
For this reason, do not hesitate to contact Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon Mr. Daskalakis for any questions about moles or any other plastic surgery matter that concerns you.
References
- Liu P, Wu S, Liu Y, et al. (2021). A Clinicopathological Analysis of Melanocytic Nevi. Frontiers in Medicine.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.681668/full - Yeh I. (2022). New and evolving concepts of melanocytic nevi and melanocytomas. Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0893395222007153
- Barnhill RL, Busam KJ, Elder DE, et al. (2023). Revision of the Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis (MPATH-Dx) Version 2.0. JAMA Network Open. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2800213
