What are moles on the skin and ...?

Question

What are moles on the skin and how are they formed? Are they from an infected hair gland, liver problem or what?Someone I know gets a red spot on the skin and the next day it is brown. others have pea size lumps/growths.

Answer 1

Moles are actually tumors, a place where skin cells mutated and started growing more than they're supposed to. Usually, moles are benign (harmless), but if someone has one that is oddly shaped, has rough edges, or changes size or color rapidly, they should see a doctor immediately, as that can be a sign of cancerous growth.

Answer 2

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, 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).

Famous people known for their moles include Cindy Crawford, Steven Berkoff, and Robert De Niro.


[edit] Aesthetic
The number of moles on a person's body appears to be hereditary. This applies also to their color and shape.


[edit] See also
Beauty mark
Birthmark
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mole_%28skin_marking%29"

Answer 3

Safely & Permanently Remove Moles, Warts and Skin Blemishes

Answer 4

There are many different types of skin growths and lesions (including moles). Check out http://www.visualdxhealth.com for some good pictures of different skin conditions with an explanation of each. Maybe you can match based on a picture. When in doubt always talk to your doctor though!!!

Here's a quick bit of info on Seborrheic Keratoses -

Seborrheic keratoses are common benign growths of unknown cause seen in adults due to a localized thickening of the top skin layer.

Who has it
Although they can occur anytime after puberty, almost everyone over 50 has one or more of these and they increase in number with age. Some families have an inherited tendency to grow multiple lesions. Men and women are equally as likely to develop seborrheic keratoses; dark skinned people are less affected than those with light skin. Blacks may have a variation called dermatosis papulosa nigra on the face.

Answer 5

There are different sources for moles. Melanoma is a cancerous mole that forms in the skin because of damaged dna in melanin cells. They are characterized by uneven edges and often more than one color. Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer know to man. Some moles are benign blood vessel tumors, and still others are the result of the body's reaction to spider bites. I am sure there are many more types and causes of moles.