Melanoma Images

Logo

Skin Lesions, Benign and Malignant

Seborrheic Keratoses, Dysplastic Nevi, Normal Mole, Melanoma

seborrheic keratoses

dysplastic nevi

The correct diagnosis is seborrheic keratoses. These benign lesions, which become more common with age, result from a proliferation of keratinocytes that will include a variable amount of pigmentation. They may grow fairly rapidly. Coupled with their sometimes very dark pigmentation, this rapid growth can be alarming to patient and provider alike. However, the sharp margination and "greasy, stuck-on" papular appearance shift the index of suspicion away from melanoma. While treatment with several modalities is simple and effective (cryosurgery is the most effective), excision for histopathologic examination is warranted if the diagnosis is uncertain.

These lesions are dysplastic nevi, which may occur in familial or nonfamilial patterns, and are seen in approximately 5% of the white population. They present a diagnostic challenge, as they usually display some but not all of the clinical features of a melanoma. Typically an individual has large numbers of the nevi, making biopsy of all lesions impractical. Individuals with dysplastic nevi have an increased risk of melanoma when compared with the general population, and this risk is compounded in the familial form. The risk of developing melanoma for a patient with dysplastic nevi and primary relatives with melanoma approaches 100%. It is critical that patients with dysplastic nevi be regularly examined by a provider with considerable experience in the management of these lesions to ensure that judicious histopathologic examinations are carried out.

normal mole

melanoma

.A normal mole is an evenly colored brown, tan, or black spot on the skin that may be flat or raised. It is round or oval in shape with sharply defined borders and generally is less than 6 mm in diameter.

Warning signs of melanoma include a change in the surface of a mole--scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a bump or nodule; pigment spreading from the border into surrounding skin; redness or a new swelling beyond the border; change in sensation (itchiness, tenderness, or pain).

Table of Contents

ABCDs of Melanoma

Ocular Melanoma

Mike's Page - The Melanoma Resource Center

Images are courtesy of Medscape

Disclaimer: These images are examples of certain skin lesions only. Only your health care professional, i.e. dermatologist, or dermatopathologist for example is qualified to diagnose your condition.

	Skin Lesions, Benign and Malignant
	Seborrheic Keratoses, Dysplastic Nevi, Normal Mole, Melanoma


The correct diagnosis is seborrheic keratoses. These benign lesions, which become more common with age, result from a proliferation of keratinocytes that will include a variable amount of pigmentation. They may grow fairly rapidly. Coupled with their sometimes very dark pigmentation, this rapid growth can be alarming to patient and provider alike. However, the sharp margination and "greasy, stuck-on" papular appearance shift the index of suspicion away from melanoma. While treatment with several modalities is simple and effective (cryosurgery is the most effective), excision for histopathologic examination is warranted if the diagnosis is uncertain.	These lesions are dysplastic nevi, which may occur in familial or nonfamilial patterns, and are seen in approximately 5% of the white population. They present a diagnostic challenge, as they usually display some but not all of the clinical features of a melanoma. Typically an individual has large numbers of the nevi, making biopsy of all lesions impractical. Individuals with dysplastic nevi have an increased risk of melanoma when compared with the general population, and this risk is compounded in the familial form. The risk of developing melanoma for a patient with dysplastic nevi and primary relatives with melanoma approaches 100%. It is critical that patients with dysplastic nevi be regularly examined by a provider with considerable experience in the management of these lesions to ensure that judicious histopathologic examinations are carried out.

.A normal mole is an evenly colored brown, tan, or black spot on the skin that may be flat or raised. It is round or oval in shape with sharply defined borders and generally is less than 6 mm in diameter.	Warning signs of melanoma include a change in the surface of a mole--scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a bump or nodule; pigment spreading from the border into surrounding skin; redness or a new swelling beyond the border; change in sensation (itchiness, tenderness, or pain).