Mole & Skin Tag Removal
What are moles?
How many moles are normal?
When should I consult a doctor about a mole?
What is a skin tag?
A mole or melanocytic naevus is a small, dark spot on the skin. It can be either subdermal (composed of melanin), or a pigmented growth on the skin, formed mostly of melanocytes. The high concentration of melanin is responsible for their dark color. They are a member of the family of skin lesions known as naevi.
Moles may either be present at birth or develop later in life. Acquired moles are a form of benign neoplasm, while congenital moles are considered a minor malformation, or hamartoma. Moles are most often of no medical consequence, but since they are permanent, removal may be performed for cosmetic or other reasons. Moles are usually circular or oval and not very large. Most children are born with moles, and almost everyone has at least one or two moles on their bodies. Large amounts can be concentrated on the back, the chest and arms.
Some scientists suspect that overexposure to ultraviolet light (including excessive sunlight) may play a role in the formation of acquired moles, but more research is needed in this area.
Dysplastic nevi or atypical mole syndrome is a hereditary condition which causes the person to have a large quantity of moles (often 100 or more) with some of them larger than normal and/or atypical. This leads to a higher risk of melanoma, a serious skin cancer. A slight majority of melanomas do not form in an existing mole, but rather create a new growth on the skin. Nevertheless, those with dysplastic nevi are at a higher risk of even this type of melanoma. Such persons need to be checked regularly for any changes in their moles (and to note any new ones).
How many moles are normal?
The number of moles on a person’s body appears to be hereditary. This applies also to their color and shape. Most people have between 10 and 40.
When should I consult a doctor about a mole?
You can have any mole checked by a physician and removed, whether for aesthetic or health reasons. However, sudden and unexpected changes in skin moles (e.g. bleeding, irritation, darkening, sudden growth or change in shape) can be a sign of skin cancer, so monitoring for these factors is advised. If a mole appears suspicious, it can be biopsied and checked for signs of malignancy.
What is a skin tag?
A skin tag is a common, benign condition which consists of a bit of skin that projects from the surrounding skin and may appear attached to the skin. Skin tags can vary quite a bit in appearance. They may be smooth or irregular, flesh colored or more deeply pigmented, and either simply be raised above the surrounding skin or have a stalk (a peduncle) so that the skin tag hangs from the skin.
Skin tags can occur almost anywhere there is skin. However, favorite areas for tags are the eyelids, neck, armpits (axillae), upper chest, and groin. They are much more common with age beginning in middle age and they tend to be somewhat more prevalent in women than men.
