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Mar
Skin tags are benign. However, more severe skin conditions can be mistaken for these harmless growths. Plus, even non-cancerous skin tags can be of cosmetic concern or interfere with comfort and function if they, for instance, brush up against clothing and are otherwise irritating.
Likewise, moles are typically not a cause for (health) concern. Rarely are changing moles cause for alarm. With age, it is essential to screen for notable changes to features of growths like freckles and moles. A mole that is asymmetrical, unevenly coloured, irregularly bordered, bigger than six millimetres, and may suddenly bleed or itch can be indicative of cancerous lesions.
drs skincare in Hamilton, Ontario, encourages you to maintain screenings as advised by our Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rahul Shukla. We can also provide guidance on ways to routinely check for anomalous spots from the comfort of home.
When moles and other growths are suspicious, unsightly, interfere with mobility, and are otherwise uncomfortable, we can recommend ways to remove them. Services available at our practice range from precision excision to cryotherapy (controlled freezing) and laser-assisted therapy.
These protrusions are made up of skin, blood vessels, fat, and fibrous tissues. When darker than the surrounding skin, skin tags can be mistaken for other growths – such as moles. Additionally, some basal cell skin cancers can resemble skin tags. So, it is essential to have a professional like Dr. Shukla evaluate suspicious or changing lesions in case prompt treatment is necessary.
Skin tags are associated with advancing age. They are also associated with certain systemic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome. A medical evaluation may be warranted to rule out these conditions and to ensure appropriate treatment of underlying problems.
Removal of even benign skin tags can help to avoid potential complications, for instance, bleeding or irritation to the projecting tissue, that can increase the risk of developing a skin infection.
The “standard” mole is not large in size and is brown or tan in colour. They’re not always smooth in texture and, yes, may have hairs growing out of them. It is not unusual for the number and characteristics of moles to change over time. You may notice more moles due to the role that sun exposure plays in the development of these growths.
Moles are clusters of melanocytes or the cells that give your skin, hair, and eyes its colour (pigment cells). Likewise, moles can fade with time or might grow bigger and darker.
Here again, moles are typically not a health threat. However, there are certain types of moles (and individuals) associated with an increased risk of developing cancers like melanoma.
Risk factors include:
In addition to screening by a physician, computers and artificial intelligence are playing an increasing role in helping dermatologists detect abnormal moles. At drs skincare, we are happy to offer fotofinder, one of the leading technologies in detecting abnormal moles, in those interested in having the most comprehensive mole assessment.
The services available at drs skincare in Hamilton, ON, can add many healthy years to our patients’ lives and provide more “life” to their years by supporting overall well-being. Phone (905) 524-1712 today to schedule your appointment.