What is a Mole?

[x]   Tags: moles, mole removal, getting rid of moles, cancerous moles, removing moles, laser mole removal, cancerous mole, moles and skin cancer: genital skin conditions, skin conditions, dry skin, skin rash, red skin, itchy skin, skin diseases, skin rashes, skin bumps, skin growths: health, health video, medical videos, medical, video

[x]   Transcript: We all have moles. The average person is spotted with at least 10 to 40 of them-- and new ones can keep cropping up. And while most are harmless beauty marks, IRREGULAR shaped growths can be a potential sign of skin cancer. Heres how to tell whats normal and whats not. Normal moles form on our skin when pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, grow in a cluster. They can be flat or bumpy, round or oval, and can come in brown, pink, tan, or flesh-colored. They are usually small, getting no bigger than a pencil eraser. One out of every 10 Americans has an abnormally shaped mole called a dysplastic nevus (or nevi in plural). These are usually larger than a regular mole and have asymmetrical borders and uneven coloring. The more of these moles you have, the higher your cancer risk. So, make regular skin checks and sun screen a mandatory part of your routine.You and your doctor will be looking for signs of melanoma on your skin. While melanoma accounts for only 3 percent of all skin cancer cases, it is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer related deaths. Its easy to cure when treated early. Untreated, the cancer can spread to other, harder to treat parts of the body. Here are some signs to look for remember it as your ABCs. A: Asymmetry: An EASY way to tell-- if the mole was folded in half, it would not match up. B: Check the BORDERS. Look to see if they are uneven or scalloped. C: What COLOR is it? Multiple shades of browns in one mole, or even RED and bluish colors can be a sign of melanoma. S: Size. It DOES matter for moles! Cancerous moles are usually WIDER in diameter than normal ones. If you see any of these signs or the moles has changed in appearance, have your doctor check it out immediately. If youre fair skinned, have a history of skin cancer in the family, have been sunburned often, live in a sunny climate or at high altitude, and/or have a weakened immune system, your risk is also higher. If your doctor suspects a mole to be potentially cancerous, he may remove it. A local anesthetic is applied to the skin and the mole is simply cut away. If the cells removed are found to be cancerous, larger areas of the skin may need to be treated. For more smart ways to keep you and your skin healthy, check out the rest of the videos in this series.

[x]   Bio: Adam Friedman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who serves as Director of Dermatologic Research and Assistant Professor at the Unified Division of Dermatology of Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He also the Associate Residency Program Director. Dr. Friedman holds several patents resulting from his investigation of nanotechnologies that allow for the delivery of molecules that can treat infectious diseases, accelerate wound healing and more. He has published over 30 papers on both his research as well as a variety of clinical areas in dermatology. Dr. Friedman has received awards from multiple organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dermatology Foundation, and the La Roche Posay North American Foundation. Dr. Friedman is chair of the leadership workgroup of the American Academy of Dermatology Resident/Fellows Committee and is the Senior Editor of the Dermatology In-Review Online Workshop. In line with his research interests, Dr Friedman currently serves as Vice President of the Nanodermatology Society. Dr Friedman graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania and received his M.D. with Distinction in Dermatology Research from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He trained in medicine at New York Hospital Queens, affiliated with NY Presbyterian Hospital/ Weil-Cornell Medical Center and completed his dermatology residency as chief resident at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.