The medical term for a mole is a naevus and is normally used to describe any growth on the skin that can display a range of pigmentation shades.
Naevi are common skin conditions and are mostly harmless (benign). They can be present at birth and these are known as birthmarks or can occur later in life.
They can occur in individuals with a genetic predisposition or those with sun damaged skin and are more common in fairer skinned individuals.
The medical term for a mole is a naevus and is normally used to describe any growth on the skin that can display a range of pigmentation shades.
Naevi are common skin conditions and are mostly harmless (benign). They can be present at birth and these are known as birthmarks or can occur later in life.
They can occur in individuals with a genetic predisposition or those with sun damaged skin and are more common in fairer skinned individuals.
Any new naevus or a naevus that has changed may represent a non-benign (malignant or cancerous) naevus. The changes to look for are:
• Change in shape (such as becoming asymmetrical and irregular)
• Change in colour (shades of black or brown and also areas of no colour)
• Change in size (becoming bigger)
• Changes in texture, bleeding or itching
A pigmented growth that is malignant is called a malignant melanoma and is a form of skin cancer.
Prevention is always crucial and as such high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is advised to reduce sun damage to the skin cells that is known to increase the risk of skin cancers such as malignant melanoma.
If you are concerned at the appearance of any mole, whether preexisting or new, it is highly advised that you seek Dr Rorys expert opinion. He has treated thousands of cases of skin cancer and is an expert in diagnosis, monitoring and surgical treatment.
Individuals can be mapped in order to monitor changes in naevi over time by mole mapping.
