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Black Moles on Back, Face and Leg (with Pictures)

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This post explores black moles. It delves into black mole in back, face and leg. Also discussed are black small moles as well as black mole removal services. The post also seeks to answer the questions whether black moles are cancerous, normal or bad.

Are Black Moles Cancerous?

Moles that form on the skin and start off being black are not cancerous. However, there is a high chance that moles that were initially of different a different color but change to become black with time will develop into black mole cancer. The only way one can be sure is by visiting a dermatologist the moment changes occur in moles.

Black mole
Black mole

Are Black Moles Normal?

Some black moles on body are normal. These are mostly found in people of dark skin color. Normal black moles need to be checked at least once in a month to ensure that they do not become abnormal. Any notable changes should be discussed with a doctor.

Are Black Moles Bad?

Normal black moles are not bad. Their only misdoing is interfering with how people look. The only time they can be said to be bad is when they evolve and start showing changes. This could be a signal of developing melanoma.

Black Moles on Face

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, black moles on face, which are also known as flesh moles, are most common in African Americans. They are mostly found in women and appear as some tiny dots on the cheeks. Although most people prefer having it removed for cosmetic reasons, they are not risky.

Black moles on face
Black moles on face

There are a number of ways through which black moles on face can be removed. To minimize the risk of scarring, the procedure should be carried out by either a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. They can be frozen from the skin or simply cut out.

Though rarely, black moles on face may be removed when suspected to contain cancer.in such cases, the tissues removed are taken to a pathologist for examination. They then give results which will determine what the next step in treatment will.

Black moles on face are different from other types of pigmented moles that turn black with time. When this happens, this is normally a sign of melanoma. The services of a dermatologist should be sought immediately to ensure that in case melanoma is developing, they catch it on time.

Black Mole on Back

Black mole on back
Black mole on back

Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that could manifest itself in the form of a black mole on back. It normally is a flat mole with uneven edges and an asymmetrical shape. This type of black mole is likely to show itself up as a new growth on the skin when one is past the age of 20 years. An existing mole could also evolve and change color into being black. Black mole on back melanoma is treated most easily when found early. Where it is let to advance, it may attract other body organs and the bones.

There are a number of things that increase the risk of one getting black mole on back melanoma. These include exposure to UV radiations which leads to normal cells becoming abnormal. These then spread very fast if not controlled affecting any tissues surrounding them. People who are fair skinned are at a higher risk of melanoma than others. In case one comes from a family that has a history of melanoma or atypical moles, there is a high risk. Development of melanoma differs among patients. Some people may have no symptoms in the early stages while others may experience a changing mole such as itching, being sore or bleeding.

Black mole on leg
Black mole on leg

Black Mole on Leg

Women tend to be most susceptible to having a black mole on leg. When one has them, the doctor checks it so as to look for melanoma. Where he suspects melanoma signs, the mole is removed and sample tissue is collected. This is then handed over to a pathologist who then examines it to see if it is cancerous.

Where the black mole on leg biopsy is carried out and presence of melanoma is confirmed, more tests are done to see if it has spread beyond the skin into the lymph nodes. Treatment of melanoma is mostly surgery which is aimed at removing the melanoma. In case the melanoma has spread beyond the skin, more intense treatments such as chemotherapy may be needed.

Small Black Mole

Moles can have a dark pigmentation due to the concentration of melanocytes under the skin. When they are small in size, black moles cause no risk. The size of a normal small black mole is six millimeters. And that grows beyond that is said to be abnormal. Other characteristics for a normal small black mole include having a symmetrical shape, being uniform in color, even borders and not elevated.

In case these properties change or the small black mole starts to bleed or itch, a dermatologist should be seen immediately. Of importance is to conduct self-skin inspections so as to monitor these small moles. The reason for that is because the changes indicated above could be indicative of melanoma.

Black Mole Removal

 Before and after mole removal pictures
How to remove moles – laser removal  before and after

Even when one is aware that the moles are not malignant, there may be an urge to get rid of them. Black mole removal could be done for two main reasons; it could be conducted to improve ones looks especially when they are found on the face or they could have them removed on medical basis. Whichever the reason for removal is, there are a number of surgical black removal that can be used.

The first method involves excision which may be done with or without stitches. This depends on the size of the mole and purpose of removal. After excision, the doctor uses either stitching to stop bleeding in deep wounds while cauterization is used for burning away the mole. Laser excision can also be done for small moles. This is however not preferred due to its limitation in penetrating deep into the skin. it also does not provide tissue for examination.

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