Are long-standing moles suggestive of cancer?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is a suspicious-looking lesion. Please answer the questions to rule out possible risk factors.

1. Do you have a family history of melanoma?
2. Do you have a history of severe sunburn in the past?
3. Do you have a history of severe prolonged exposure to the sun?
4. Do you have a fair skin tone?
5. Do you use tanning beds?
6. Are you on certain medications or chemotherapy?
7. Have you ever received exposure to radiation or UV (ultra-violet) rays?

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Skin cancer occurs in areas exposed to sunlight. It could be benign or malignant. If detected early, it can be treated quickly with less scarring.

Its signs and symptoms include a non-healing sore that started as a patch or rash, a growth that bleeds easily and crusts over, a change in shape or size of existing marks or discolorations, formation of ulcer or rough and scaly areas, and a raised area with a central lump.

Its causes could be long-term sun exposure, severe sunburn at an early age, repeated exposure to radiation, unusual scars on the skin, weakened immune system, frequent exposure to certain chemicals, and tanning beds.

Risk factors are:

1. Fair skin.
2. Exposure to UV radiation.
3. Certain skin conditions.
4. A family history of skin cancer.
5. The elderly population.
6. Many moles in the body.
7. Dysplastic nevi.

My advice-

Avoid the mid-day sun. Use sunscreen lotion, even on cloudy days. Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, and avoid tanning booths. Examine the skin to look for changes and detect them early.

It appears to be benign dysplastic nevi on examination. Order a skin biopsy (a sample tissue is removed from the site and sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope) of the suspicious-looking lesion to rule out malignancy.

Thank you.