I have a mole, ahem, "beauty mark" on my eye brow and someone told me I need to get it removed because it will be melonoma later!!!

Does anyone know anything about this? AND....is Prince's mole real? Should he get his removed?

versiongirl said:

I have a mole, ahem, "beauty mark" on my eye brow and someone told me I need to get it removed because it will be melonoma later!!!

Does anyone know anything about this? AND....is Prince's mole real? Should he get his removed?

was that "someone" a doctor?

If not, get a second opinion. If you are concerned, go see a GP, and if they have any concerns they will let you know.

In the meantime:

Not all moles look alike. Normal moles can be different colors -- flesh, brown, black, red, and even blue. They can be flat or raised, round, oval, or irregularly shaped. They can have an even distribution of color or be mottled. Typical moles have the following characteristics:

• Round
• Brown
• Raised
• Symmetrical
• Small
• Well-demarcated borders

Several factors may increase the size and pigmentation of moles:

• Puberty
• Pregnancy
• Sun exposure

Abnormal Moles

The cells of some moles can change into skin cancer, especially melanoma. These abnormal moles are called dysplastic nevi. Dysplastic nevi have a higher chance of developing into melanoma. It is important to learn how to do a skin self-examination to look for concerning changes in moles.

How to do a Skin Self-Examination

You should check your skin frequently to learn to recognize the usual appearance of your moles. Learn more about how to do a thorough skin self-examination here.

_Sources:

Barnhill, Raymond and Keith Llewellyn. "Benign Melanocytic Neoplasms". Dermatology. Ed. Jean L Bolognia, MD, et al. London: Mosby, 2003. 1768-70.

Habif, Thomas. "Nevi and Malignant Melanoma". Clinical Dermatology, 3rd ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1996. 688-692.

"How to Perform a Self-Examination." American Academy of Dermatology. 2006. American Academy of Dermatology. 4 May 2007.

Common Skin Cancers

• Skin Cancer - Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Skin Cancer - Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Skin Cancer - Melanoma

Related Skin Cancer Info

• Effects of Sun on the Skin
• Proper Use of Sunscreen
• What does SPF mean?

Related Articles

• Melanoma - What is Melanoma
• Melanoma - Signs and Symp...f Melanoma
• Skin Cancer Screening for...in Canc...
• What Is Melanoma? - A Loo...o Melanoma
• Skin Cancer - Skin Cancer Symptoms

http://dermatology.about..../moles.htm

versiongirl said:

I have a mole, ahem, "beauty mark" on my eye brow and someone told me I need to get it removed because it will be melonoma later!!!

Does anyone know anything about this? AND....is Prince's mole real? Should he get his removed?

Not all moles become cancerous.

How long have you had the mole? If it's been there all your life, is a uniform color, is symmetrical with even edges, and there's been no change in it, you don't need to worry. Just check it out from time to time and, if you see any change, get to a doctor.

Thanks ladies..no, it was a crochety old lady who had to get real close up to my face to get a "good look" at it ..LOL!! SCARY!! She was like 'it's black, you need to get it removed!"

I've had it all my life, all my sisters have one too. I love it, this is the first time I ever questioned it!

So, for now, a beauty mark it is.

IRIS CHACON...google that bitch that's all Imma say.

johnart said:

IRIS CHACON...google that bitch that's all Imma say.

Was this supposed to be in the Mya thread?

You'll want to see a dermatologist if it worries you. I had a couple removed last year. They are able to send them to a lab to have them tested.

versiongirl said:

I have a mole, ahem, "beauty mark" on my eye brow and someone told me I need to get it removed because it will be melonoma later!!!

What are moles?

A mole is a collection of 'pigment' cells under the skin. Pigment cells are what give our skin its colour, which is why a collection of them will appear darker.

Most moles develop after birth and throughout our childhood and 20s. They can appear for no reason or after being out in the sun.

Why can moles be dangerous?

There is a risk that a mole may become melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer. Survival rates for people with melanoma are relatively high with 78% of men and 91% of women being alive five years after diagnoses.

But it's really important melanoma is caught early and the lump removed - this will usually be done under a local anaesthetic by your doctor.

How do I keep my moles safe?

Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm and make sure you never burn. If you have to go out when it's very sunny, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and cover up with loose clothes and a hat.

Most importantly, go to your doctor if you have any moles or lumps on the skin you are concerned about.

When should I go to my doctor?

If you have any moles which itch, bleed or hurt or any new lumps or sores on your skin which won't heal, go and see your doctor.

You should regularly check your moles and keep an eye on any of them that appear to be changing shape or size. Specifically, you should be looking for any of your moles that fall into the following four categories.

Click on the description in our A-D guide to melanomas to see a picture of the mole. They may not make for pretty viewing, but it's really important you know what you're looking for...

A - Asymmetry
B - Border
C - Colour
D - Diameter

This pretty much sums it all up, hope it helps!

Rhyging said:

Click on the description in our A-D guide to melanomas to see a picture of the mole. They may not make for pretty viewing, but it's really important you know what you're looking for...

A - Asymmetry

[img:$uid]http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/imageBank/cache/a/A_asymmetry334.jpg_e_be4a040f41dfb65a155b3b24351d007c.jpg[/img:$uid]


B - Border

[img:$uid]http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/imageBank/cache/b/B_border334.jpg_e_be4a040f41dfb65a155b3b24351d007c.jpg[/img:$uid]


C - Colour

[img:$uid]http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/imageBank/cache/c/C_colour334.jpg_e_aa453757534d523f0c67b51eed8ebb35.jpg[/img:$uid]


D - Diameter

[img:$uid]http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/imageBank/cache/d/D_diameter334.jpg_e_be4a040f41dfb65a155b3b24351d007c.jpg[/img:$uid]

Here's the pics, sorry for the double post!