similar to a melanoma. But most moles never progress to become cancerous and can be safely left alone. Moles may be removed to exclude cancer, where the mole is a nuisance: perhaps irritated by clothing, comb or razor or for cosmetic reasons when the mole is unsightly. Patients who are worried about a mole or with moles which look potentially cancerous should be referred to their GP.
See more images of Moles at CETpoints. com
Lentigo Maligna & Melanoma
Lentigo maligna is a specific type of melanoma in situ that occurs around hair follicles on the sun-damaged skin of the head and neck. Lentigo maligna is commonly found on sunexposed areas, especially the face. 25 It is diagnosed when the melanoma cells have invaded into the dermis. It is the second most common form of melanoma. 26
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer, in which there is uncontrolled growth of melanocytes( pigment cells). 27 Melanoma is sometimes called Malignant Melanoma.
Most cases are associated with prolonged exposure to UV light. It can occur in adults of any age but is very rare in children. 90 % of cases occur in adults over the age of 45. 28 Most melanoma( 75 %) arise from otherwise normal-appearing skin but they can also arise from a pre-existing moles or sun-damaged skin. The most common site in men is the back( around 40 %), and the most common site in women is the leg( around 35 %). 29
The first sign of a melanoma is usually an unusual looking freckle or mole. A melanoma may be detected at an early stage when it is only a few millimetres in diameter, but it may grow to several centimetres in diameter before it is diagnosed.
The ABCD rule can be used by health professionals and patients to check for the main warning signs of melanoma:
A = Asymmetry The two halves of the mole look different in shape and / or colour
B = Border Look around the edge of the mole. Melanoma will often have an irregular, jagged, notched or blurred border
C = Colour Several different colours or shades of colour, or a single colour that is different to other moles
D = Dimensions Melanoma change in size and shape. Some melanoma spread outwards as a flat lesion, others grow upwards to form a hard lump. Some melanomas do both.
Figure 10 Lentigo maligna on the cheek
See more images of Melanoma at CETpoints. com
Molluscum Contagiousum( MC)
Molluscum Contagiosum( MC) is a contagious viral infection that affects the skin. It most commonly affects children, although it can occur at any age. Whilst they can look unsightly MC are generally a harmless condition that tends to resolve in a few months without any specific treatment. 30 Usually these skin lesions are asymptomatic and the only symptom of MC is a small, firm, raised papule( spot) on the skin. MC is not painful, but can be itchy or sore if inflamed or infected. MC can bleed slightly if scratched.
MC is a self-limiting condition and lesions resolve between 6 and 18 months though sometimes it can last for much longer than this, and may last for years. The spots often become red and inflamed just as they are about to go away, and can leave small, permanent scars. 31
Figure 11 Molluscum Contagiosum on a lower eyelid
16 etCETera | April 2017