This post provides an extensive exploration of abnormal moles. From it you will learn about abnormal mole biopsy, abnormal cells in mole biopsy, abnormal moles melanoma as well as abnormal moles not melanoma. We also give you pictures of abnormal moles.
Whenever an abnormal mole appears on any part of the skin, it is likely to cause panic in the patient. This should not be the case. Abnormal moles do not always have to be a sign of melanoma. Though they are one of the risk factors, abnormal moles when removed early enough will control the spread of any abnormal cells it might be carrying. Get the facts concerning abnormal moles from this post.
Table of Contents
Abnormal Mole Biopsy
Abnormal moles are those that have unusual features in terms of how they look. This may at times extend even to the tissues in them when they are removed and examined under a microscope, a process referred to as a biopsy. This group of moles also tends to possess the ABCDE
characteristics. In bare eyes, it is difficult to tell between an abnormal mole that has melanoma and one that doesn’t. Only a biopsy examination can show in the abnormal mole results whether one has melanoma.
When moles start to become abnormal, they are said to be atypical. In order to know the severity of the condition, a biopsy needs to be carried out. An abnormal mole biopsy therefore refers to a medical test done by a dermatologist by sampling tissues and cells for examination. In this case, the tissues being tested will be those from the mole.
Abnormality of the cells could be severe moderate or mild. The abnormal mole results tend to show if the atypical cells have extended beyond the margins of the biopsy specimen. For mild and moderate severity in the abnormality of the cells, there is no standard measurement as to how big or small the margin should be. In case of severe abnormality, a margin of five millimeters is recommended. This is so is because abnormal moles have a higher risk of turning into melanoma. This risk increases if some atypical cells are left behind. The margins for abnormal mole biopsy should be clearly defined when excision is being done.
Abnormal mole results may at times come with the presence of atypical cells. This is different from having an abnormal mole as not all abnormal moles may have abnormal cells. In case this happens, a wide excision is recommended.
Abnormal Cells in Mole Biopsy
During laboratory analysis, abnormal cells in mole biopsy may be witnessed. These will tend to have a different arrangement from normal cells in relation to each other. The look of each individual cell will also be different.
The degree of the above differences is described as mild, moderate or severe. Having a single mildly abnormal mole is generally no cause for alarm. A lot of these unusual moles are however an indication of increased melanoma risks. It is worth noting that having any abnormal mole increases the risk of melanoma. As such, monthly body inspection is necessary to help detect any new changes in the moles.
Those with moderate and severe abnormality are likely to develop into melanoma. They should therefore be removed through complete excision. The extent of surgery and length of excision that will be necessary is determined by the dermatologist depending on severity.
Pictures of Abnormal Moles
Pictures of a normal mole alongside abnormal one to help you recognize them early enough.
Abnormal Moles Melanoma
Patients who have abnormal moles on skin should take tests to determine which have abnormal moles melanoma. Any abnormal moles should be subjected to thorough baseline examination. This should be conducted by a certified dermatologist and will help in determining which are abnormal enough to warrant excision.
The results received should determine the frequency at which follow up exams should be done. To keep abnormal moles melanoma in check, the doctor will determine which abnormal moles on skin should undergo monitoring and which should be biopsied.
In addition to removal of abnormal moles melanoma, those that remain should be closely monitored by a dermatologist. At home examination of the moles should also continue. Patients also need to protect themselves from excessive UV light as it increases the risks of melanoma. Home mole inspection, regular checks by the dermatologist, biopsy for suspicious moles and sun protection all serve as very effective ways of managing and preventing abnormal moles melanoma.
Abnormal Moles Not Melanoma
When one has an abnormal mole, they should not panic. At times, there are cases of abnormal moles not melanoma. This is when abnormal moles are found not consisting of any malignant cells.
It is not always that abnormal moles and abnormal cells mean melanoma. It could be only that the moles are showing cellular changes but which is not and will never turn into cancer. Whenever one has abnormal moles not melanoma, it is important to look out for any changes on the mole and discuss them with their doctor. This can be noticed when conducting the recommended monthly mole inspection.
The only safe way to tell abnormal moles not melanoma is through a biopsy. This is something that should be done on any mole that is asymmetrical, has an irregular border, is changing in color, has a diameter of more than 6milimeters and has recently become elevated or undergone any form of evolution.
Abnormal Mole on Breast
An abnormal mole on breast is one that is asymmetrical. It has uneven edges and different color shades that could keep changing. It is generally larger than normal moles which tend to be the size of a pencil eraser. With time, it could get elevated, start itching or bleed.
When these features are noticed on any abnormal mole on breast, they should be taken off by a dermatologist and tissue obtained taken to a pathologist for examination. Every part of the mole is biopsied to show if the abnormal mole on breast has melanoma or not. I case the mole is found to be severely abnormal, a wide excision of the mole is done. If not, close monitoring of the mole is carried out.
People should take precaution to avoid melanoma. When venturing out, wear sunscreen. Also do skin inspections at least once in a month to lower the risk.
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- What Causes Moles to form on Skin & Face
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- What Are Moles – Pictures, Signs & How Moles Look Like