A nevus, or mole, is a non-cancerous (benign) skin lesion that is made up of the pigment-producing cells of the skin (melanocytes).Melanocytes help protect the skin from getting a sunburn by producing the pigment melanin, which causes the skin to tan instead. A nevus cell is an abnormal type of melanocyte. Most people will typically develop approximately 20 to 30 visible moles on their body and face by the time they reach adulthood. These types of moles are known as acquired moles. Moles are typically found on the upper or lower parts of the back or the abdomen. They can also appear on the arms, legs, hand palms, foot soles, and even in the mucous membranes of the mouth.
At birth, babies are usually born without any moles, since they typically appear over time. However, a mole that is present at birth is known as a congenital nevus. A congenital nevus usually continues to grow with the child. Nevi slowly become bigger and expand evenly over time. After moles stop growing, they may remain on the skin or they may decrease in size later in life. Sun exposure and family heredity are main reasons for the development of moles. A nevus will appear as dark-colored spot characterized as being a brown or blue-black color, have hair growth, the skin surface may be smooth to being wart-like textured, and the borders will be irregular or uneven. Skin around the nevus may be dry due to oil glands that do not function properly in a nevus.
Nevi slowly enlarge evenly in all directions over time. After moles stop growing, they may remain on the skin or they may decrease in size later in life. Sun exposure and family heredity play roles in the development of moles.
A nevus will appear as dark-colored patch with any of the following characteristics:
- Brown to blue-black color
- Contain hair
- Skin surface may be smooth to irregular or wart-like
- Borders of these lesions are regular or uneven
They are commonly found on the upper or lower parts of the back or the abdomen. They may also be found on the arms, legs and elsewhere on the body, including the palms, soles, and even the mucous membranes and the mouth. Treatment consists of frequent examination to check for skin cancers and even surgery to remove the nevus if becomes a health hazard. The decision for whether or not to treat a nevus depends on a person’s age and health, and the size, location, and growth history of their mole. Treatment will consist of examinations to check for potential skin cancers that might result from the nevus and even surgery to remove the nevus if becomes a health hazard. Dr. Umar uses the Lutronic VRM III Spectra laser to remove the nevus from the skin.
The Lutronic VRM III Spectra laser is a cutting-edge Q-switched Nd: YAG laser based system that has been designed to effectively treat a vast array of skin conditions such as dermal and epidermal pigmented lesions, multicolor tattoo removal, melasma, and even active acne. It also performs the act of laser toning in addition to non-ablative photo-acoustic skin rejuvenation.