Moles

Moles are defined as a clusters of pigmented cells that generally appear as small in size, dark brown spots on the face, arms, legs etc. But rarely moles can be seen on some other sites such as scalp, armpits, under the nails and between finger and toes.

Hence, we can say that the moles can develop anywhere and their colouring tendency also varies. Even it has been known that the moles disappears with age as they last for about 50 years and after that they tend to fade away. Moles, are generally known to be harmless but in rare cases they become malignant/ cancerous and thus leading to serious effects.

Causes of Moles

Normally, our skin get colour due to a pigment known as melanin. Melanin is present in cells known as Melanocytes and such cells are either present in the upper layer of the skin known as epidermis or the outer layer of the skin’s second layer known as dermis.

Melanin is then transported from the meloncytes onto the surface cells of the skin. Generally, it has been seen that melanin is evenly distributed by in some cases melanocytes grow together in a cluster and thus gives rise to moles.

But the exact cause of their development or regarding purpose they serve, is nothing known. It has been thought that certain unusual looking moles known as dysplastic nevi have more chances to become cancerous and thus require special attention. Such types of moles are commonly seen on the back in both men and women.

Symptoms of Moles

Usually the mole appears as a plain, brown spot. But it varies in colour, shape and sizes. It may be present if flesh colour, reddish brown in colour, medium to dark brown in colour or blue in colour. Its shape is also variable, that is may be oval or round in shape.

It may also appear as a small pinhead size or may be large enough and cover and entire limb. Certain moles are seen which are larger than 8 inches in diameter and are present since birth, these moles may create certain problems.

They must be removed because in later stages, they may develop into malignant melanoma, which is known to be the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The upper surface of the mole may be smooth in appearance or it may be wrinkled.

It may be either flat or raised. Moles usually in the beginning start as flat and brown coloured surface but later on it become raised and lighter in colour. Few of the moles become too much raised and form a small stalk and are thus generally rubbed, while some simply disappears.

Moles commonly develop by the age of 20. These moles are more likely to become darker, larger and more numerous during adolescence or pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills because at that time there is extensive hormonal changes noted.

Treatment of Moles

If the mole seems to be painful itching, burning, oozing, bleeding inflamed, scaly, etc. then consultation should be made with a doctor.

Then the tissue sample of the mole is taken and if it comes out to be cancerous then the whole mole and a margin of normal tissue around it is needed to be removed.

For cosmetic reasons, the mole can be removed in various ways like shaving incision in which a small blade is used to shave off the mole lying close to the skin, Punch biopsy uses a small cookie-cutter like device to remove the mole and Excisional surgery may also be used to cut down the mole and surrounding margin of healthy skin.

Bookmark:

Please submit your Suggestions / Tips here. We value your input

© 2004-2009, iymed.com. All rights reserved. Directory 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5