A melanocytic nevus is a benign proliferation of pigment-producing cells. Most are exactly what they appear to be — but appearance alone does not separate the ones that are from the ones that are not.
Melanocytes cluster at the dermo-epidermal junction (junctional), deeper in the dermis (intradermal), or both. Depth is why some are flat and some are raised, and why a surface-limited removal leaves cells behind.
A mole is not a skin tag and not a seborrhoeic keratosis, though all three present as raised lesions. The distinction matters because destroying a lesion eliminates the tissue that could have answered the question.
Fitzpatrick type, the pattern and border of the lesion, whether it is junctional or intradermal, any recent change in size, colour, symmetry or sensation, and personal or family history.
Surgical excision clears most reliably and leaves the most visible mark. Ablative laser leaves the better cosmetic result and recurs more often. The lesion decides which trade-off is appropriate — not the patient's preference alone.
Any lesion that has recently changed in size, colour, border or symmetry, or that bleeds, itches or is newly raised, is evaluated before anything cosmetic is considered.
A melanocytic nevus is a benign proliferation of pigment-producing cells. Most are exactly what they appear to be — but appearance alone does not separate the ones that are from the ones that are not.
A mole is not a skin tag and not a seborrhoeic keratosis, though all three present as raised lesions. The distinction matters because destroying a lesion eliminates the tissue that could have answered the question.
Fitzpatrick type, the pattern and border of the lesion, whether it is junctional or intradermal, any recent change in size, colour, symmetry or sensation, and personal or family history.
Any lesion that has recently changed in size, colour, border or symmetry, or that bleeds, itches or is newly raised, is evaluated before anything cosmetic is considered.
Every assessment is carried out personally by Dr Sin Yong, Medical Director. 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza.
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