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Moles, also known as nevi, are a common type of skin growth. They often appear as small, dark brown spots that are caused by clusters of pigment-forming cells called melanocytes. Most people have 10 to 45 moles that appear during childhood and the teenage years.
Asymmetrical skin growths, in which one part is not like the other, might be melanoma. Here, the left side of the mole is dark and slightly raised. The right side is lighter in color and flat.
Moles, also known as nevi, are a common type of skin growth that vary in color, shape and size. While most moles are most often harmless, they rarely can become cancerous.
In people with brown and Black skin, typical moles are more likely to be dark brown or black. Typical moles have a distinct border separating the mole from the surrounding skin. They're oval or round and usually smaller than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) in diameter.
Molluscum contagiosum (mo-LUS-kum kun-tay-jee-OH-sum) is a fairly common skin infection caused by a virus. It causes round, firm, painless bumps ranging in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. If the bumps are scratched or injured, the infection can spread to nearby skin.
People who have many moles or abnormal moles called dysplastic nevi are at increased risk of skin cancer. These abnormal moles — which look irregular and are generally larger than normal moles — are more likely than others to become cancerous.
The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove all of the skin cancer without hurting the healthy skin around it. Mohs surgery allows the surgeon to be sure that all the cancer is gone. This makes it more likely that the cancer is cured. It reduces the need for other treatments or more surgery.
A skin biopsy is used most often to diagnose skin conditions. Skin biopsy procedures include: Shave biopsy. A tool like a razor is used to scrape the surface of your skin. It gathers a cell sample from the top layers of the skin. These layers are called the epidermis and the dermis.
Melanoma treatment often starts with surgery to remove the cancer. Other treatments may include radiation therapy and treatment with medicine. Treatment for melanoma depends on several factors. These factors include the stage of your cancer, your overall health and your own preferences.
To diagnose skin cancer, your doctor may: Examine your skin. Your doctor may look at your skin to determine whether your skin changes are likely to be skin cancer. Further testing may be needed to confirm that diagnosis. Remove a sample of suspicious skin for testing (skin biopsy).