Benign Skin Lesions

Moles

 

What are moles?
Moles, or nevi, are the most common human growths. They're made up of melanocytes, cells that produce dark pigment. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin in various sizes and shapes and typically evolve and grow as we do. They start off looking like freckles, but may grow larger over time to become elevated and may grow hairs. Certain types of moles carry a risk for developing skin cancer.

What are acquired nevi?
Most moles that are acquired during life are less than 1/4 inch in size and result from sun damage.

What are atypical moles (dysplastic nevi)?
Atypical moles are larger than common moles, with borders that are irregular and poorly defined. They vary in color, ranging from tan to dark brown on a pink background and may fade into surrounding skin. Some atypical moles develop into skin cancer, but most moles in general do not become cancerous. It's not necessary to remove all atypical moles.

What are congenital nevi?
Only a few babies, about 1 in 100, are born with a mole, the congenital nevus. These can vary in size from being less than 1/4 inch to covering almost the entire body. Colors range from reddish to black and hairiness varies. Small and medium sized congenital nevi are usually not cancerous. They grow in proportion to body growth, and the color may stay the same, lighten slowly, or darken slowly over time. Changes in growth, in color, in surface texture, pain, bleeding, or itching should be evaluated.

What is the treatment?
If cancer or even cosmetics is a concern, surgery should be done to excise the mole. However, keep in mind that it'll probably leave a scar. Smaller nevi can be "shaved off". Larger ones can be cut out directly and the wound edges sewn together. Much larger nevi can be excised in stages until the whole thing is removed, called "serial excision.