Melanocytic nevus overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
A '''mole''', technically known as a melanocytic | A '''mole''', technically known as a melanocytic nevus, is a small, dark spot on human [[skin]]. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the majority of moles appear during the first two decades of a person’s life while about one in every 100 babies are born with moles. Acquired moles are a form of [[benign]] [[neoplasm]], while [[congenital]]moles are considered a minor [[malformation]], or [[hamartoma]]. A mole can be either subdermal (composed of [[melanin]]), or a pigmented growth on the [[skin]], formed mostly of a type of [[cell (biology)|cell]] known as [[melanocytes]]. The high concentration of the body’s pigmenting agent, [[melanin]], is responsible for their dark color. Moles are a member of the family of [[skin]] [[lesions]] known as [[naevi]]. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 19:08, 31 August 2015
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Melanocytic nevus Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Melanocytic nevus overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Melanocytic nevus overview |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Melanocytic nevus overview |
Editors-In-Chief: Martin I. Newman, M.D., FACS, Cleveland Clinic Florida, [1]; Michel C. Samson, M.D., FRCSC, FACS [2]
Overview
A mole, technically known as a melanocytic nevus, is a small, dark spot on human skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the majority of moles appear during the first two decades of a person’s life while about one in every 100 babies are born with moles. Acquired moles are a form of benign neoplasm, while congenitalmoles are considered a minor malformation, or hamartoma. A mole can be either subdermal (composed of melanin), or a pigmented growth on the skin, formed mostly of a type of cell known as melanocytes. The high concentration of the body’s pigmenting agent, melanin, is responsible for their dark color. Moles are a member of the family of skin lesions known as naevi.