Common Skin LesionsMost skin lesions are not signs of more serious problems although this cannot be determined merely from visual inspection. Among the benign or non-cancerous types, the common skin lesions are congenital nevus, blue nevus, common nevus (including atypical or dysplastic nevus) and spitz nevus. Congenital nevus is seen on infants and may cover more than five percent of the infant's body. Some larger congential nevus spots are removed at early ages.
Common nevus skin lesions may be of the atypical or dysplastic nevus subtypes. Atypical nevus are among the larger lesions with irregular edges that feel like pebbles under the skin. The atypical nevus are the most likely to turn into malignant melanoma. Not every person who has atypical nevus gets melanoma but the difficulty in knowing whether the irregularity of the mole is just atypical or developing cancer is hard to tell. Blue nevus is a skin lesion with a slightly blue tone. The blue color is caused by malignant melanoma cells under the skin. Surgical removal of this type of skin lesion is often necessary. This condition can occur in children and adults. Spitz nevus are small pink nodules that are benign and often seen on children. These lesions may look like melanoma at first although many spitz lesions are benign. A biopsy is required to make the distinction. Pigmented skin lesions are commonly called moles. Most moles are benign however some turn malignant and are then described as melanoma. Moles can occur on any part of the body and are usually small and slightly raised. As long as the moles remain the same size and color, there is no cause for concern. Some people may choose to have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons but this must be done by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. When the mole changes colors from the typical tan to brown tones or the border becomes irregular, that is the time to have it check by a physician. Early diagnosis and treatment of melanoma is important for reducing the spread of this skin cancer. A biopsy of the suspicious area is the primary means of confirming this diagnosis. A simple formula for evaluating changes in moles is the ABCDE method. Look for changes in: Asymmetry - one half of the mole appears different than the other side Border - the edges of the mole are ragged or undefined Color - the pink, tan or brown tone has changed over time Diameter - the mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser Elevation - the mole feels raised to the touch where previously it was flat If the mole or any common skin lesions become scaly, itchy or bleed those are uncommon signs that need to be examined by a physician. After the biopsy, any moles found to be melanoma are surgical removed and the area closed with simple stitches. Generally this is the only treatment needed. The next step is faithful use of high SPF sunscreen and careful monitoring of any other common skin lesions. |