Moles and Common Skin Conditions

Are you concerned about a mole that appears suspicious? Are you uncertain whether it could be skin cancer or just a benign mole? When it comes to distinguishing between moles and skin cancer, it can be challenging. With that said, certain indicators can assist in distinguishing a benign skin lesion from a potential skin cancer.

Understanding Our Moles and Common Skin Conditions:

Let’s start by getting to know our friendly moles and other common skin conditions. Why are moles so important anyway? Well, one of the very first signs of a melanoma is a change in the size, shape, or colour of an existing mole, or the appearance of an entirely new mole on the body.

Moles (nevi) are common skin growths that are composed of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. They can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size, shape, and colour. They can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (appearing during childhood or adulthood). Most moles are harmless and pose no health risks, however, any mole has the potential to develop into melanoma. Because of this, it’s essential to be aware of the characteristics of cancerous skin lesions.

Let’s take a closer look at moles and common skin conditions

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	Nevi: Also known as common moles, are typically harmless and only rarely does a common mole turn into melanoma. Although common moles are generally harmless, having many moles (50+) is a risk factor for developing melanoma.  There are many different types of nevi to familiarize yourself with:  Compound nevi: raised and skin coloured  Acquired nevi: appear during childhood or adulthood  Blue nevi: blue-grey to blue-black moles that are typically flat or dome-shaped with a smooth surface  Intradermal nevi: flesh-coloured or light brown dome-shaped lesions.   Splitz nevi: often pink, raised bump, but sometimes red, blue or black.
	Birthmark: Common areas of discolored or raised skin that are present at birth or appear shortly after. Birthmarks are typically benign.
	Seborrheic Keratosis: This is a common non-cancerous skin growth that typically appears as brown or black raised lesions.
	Dermatofibroma: These are benign skin growths that often appear as small, firm, reddish-brown bumps.
	Actinic Keratosis: Actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition that develops from sun-damaged skin.
	Dysplastic nevi: also known as atypical moles, are a type of mole that appears unusual in comparison to regular moles. They are typically benign, but they often resemble melanoma. They are often bigger than regular moles, and their colour, surface and border may be different as well. People with dysplastic nevus syndrome typically have many dysplastic nevi and are at higher risk for developing melanoma.
	Age spots: also known as sunspots or liver spots, are small, flat, dark areas on the skin. They often appear on sun– exposed areas, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. For these reasons, they can often be mistaken for skin cancer.
	Sebaceous hyperplasia: is a result of clogged oil– producing glands and results in yellow-ish or flesh-coloured bumps on the skin, usually on the forehead and nose. For these reasons, they can resemble basal cell carcinoma.

We can’t talk about common skin conditions and skin cancer without mentioning actinic keratosis (AK). AK is a common precancerous skin condition that develops because of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is frequently found on sun-exposed areas like the face, lips, ears, scalp, neck, forearms, and back of the hands. This condition tends to grow slowly and is typically observed in individuals over the age of 40. If left untreated, the risk of AK developing into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, is about 5-10%.

One of the key factors in reducing the risk of skin conditions like AK is taking proactive steps to minimize sun exposure. Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays by wearing protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves, and diligently following the proper application of sunscreen, can greatly reduce your risk.

Recognizing the Symptoms for Actinic Keratosis:

Skin Cancer Detection :

• Regular Skin Examination: Perform regular self-examinations of your skin at home to identify any new or changing moles, lesions, or suspicious spots. Follow along with our skin exam guided video to perform your monthly skin exams.
• Full-Body Skin Examinations by a Dermatologist: Schedule routine skin checks with a dermatologist, who can conduct a thorough examination and address any concerns.

If you ever spot a mole or lesion that seems suspicious, don’t hesitate – speak with your healthcare provider. Remember, staying informed and vigilant about your skin health can make a real difference.

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