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Description
A mole is a pigmented (colored) spot on the outer layer of the skin. They can
occur singly or in clusters on any part of the body. Most moles are brown, but
colors can range from pinkish flesh tones to yellow, dark blue, or black
Causes and symptoms
The cause of moles is unknown, although atypical moles seem to run in families
and result from exposure to sunlight. Researchers identified two genes known as
CDKN2A and CDK4 that govern susceptibility to melanoma in humans. Other
susceptibility genes are being sought. Most experts, however, think that these
susceptibility genes are not sufficient by themselves to account for moles
becoming cancerous but are influenced by a combination of other inherited traits
and environmental factors.
Treatment
Most moles are not dangerous. The only moles that are of medical concern are
those that look different than other existing moles or those that first appear
after age 20. If you notice changes in a mole's color, height, size or shape,
you should have a dermatologist (skin doctor) evaluate it. You also should have
moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly, or become tender or
painful.
If laboratory analysis confirms that a mole is cancerous, the dermatologist will
remove the rest of the mole. Patients should realize that slicing off a section
of a malignant mole will not cause the cancer to spread. Removing a mole for
cosmetic reasons involves numbing the area and using scissors or a scalpel to
remove the elevated portion. The patient is left with a flat mole the same color
as the original growth. Cutting out parts of the mole above and beneath the
surface of the skin can leave a scar more noticeable than the mole.
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