Ridky and colleagues have found an answer. In a study published in the journal Cancer Discovery , they identified a major genetic factor that applies a brake to proliferating moles, and keeps them in their typical cancer- and growth-free state.
The researchers set out to determine how the human body normally stops melanocytes from growing. In order to do so, they took melanocytes from moles on human patients and compared them to melanocytes from regular human skin. Ridky and colleagues looked at most of the major known protein factors inside cells that impact the cell cycle, or the machinery that allows cells to divide.
They noticed a massive induction of the p15 protein in the mole cells. In other settings, p15 has been known to inhibit cell division. The researchers conducted several tests that confirmed that p15 is necessary and sufficient to stop the proliferation of melanocytes. In its absence, mole melanocytes develop the capability of dividing again and progressing to cancer. Ridky says their findings can be of great use in dermatology, and potentially affect how patients are treated.
Dermatologists occasionally come across cases in which they are not entirely sure if an atypical looking mole is melanoma or not. If medical professionals could reintroduce p15 into cancerous melanocyte cells with low p15 levels, Ridky says tumor growth would likely be slowed or arrested. Treatment may include surgical removal and electrodessication of the base.
Characteristics: Flesh-colored, brown, or black wart-like spots. More common in middle-aged and older people, seborrheic keratoses may be round or oval and look like they are stuck on the skin.
Treatment: Usually, no treatment is needed. If the spots are irritated, or the person wants them removed for cosmetic reasons, treatment may include freezing the area with liquid nitrogen or surgery. Characteristics: Soft, small, flesh-colored skin flaps on the neck, armpits, or groin. They are very common. They may be linked to metabolic syndrome and increased risk of heart disease.
Certain moles are at higher risk for changing into cancerous growths such as malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Moles that are present at birth and atypical moles have a greater chance of becoming cancerous. The warning signs include:. Skin exams are important for everyone. Talk with your healthcare provider about how often you need a skin exam. You may need one more often if you have an increased risk of skin cancer. You have an increased risk if you have had skin cancer before, have a family history of skin cancer, or have a weak immune system.
Your healthcare provider can check you for signs of skin cancer as part of your regular health exams. Or you can see a dermatologist.
This is a doctor who specializes in skin diseases. Get to know the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin. Any new moles or changes in existing moles should be checked by your healthcare provider right away.
The best time to do a skin self-exam is after a shower or bath. Do the exam the same way each time. If needed, ask someone for help when checking your skin.
This can help with hard-to-see areas like your back and scalp. Check your skin in a room with a lot of light.
Use both a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror, so that you can see your whole body. Examine the back and front of your legs. Also look between your buttocks and at your genital area. Check the fronts and backs of your hands and forearms carefully. This includes between the fingers and under the fingernails. Sit down and closely examine your feet.
This includes the soles and the spaces between your toes. Also examine the nail bed of each toe. Look at your face, neck, and scalp.
You may want to use a comb or blow-dryer to move your hair as you look, so you can see your scalp more clearly. See your healthcare provider if your moles hurt, itch, ooze, bleed, thicken, become crusty, or show other changes. Also call your healthcare provider if your moles show any of these signs of melanoma:.
At UC Health, we lead the region in scientific discoveries and embrace a spirit of purpose — offering our patients and their families something beyond everyday healthcare. At UC Health, we offer hope. For more information, call:. Moles and Other Benign Skin Growths Moles and skin growths are a type of pigmented mark that can appear anywhere on the body.
Compassionate Healing Starts Here Click below to learn more about where you can find compassionate care. Learn More. More about these conditions. What are moles? Your risk for melanoma is higher if you: Have a lot of moles. Have had more lifetime exposure to the sun. Have had severe blistering sunburns.
Learn the causes behind an itchy mole and what you should do about it. Do you have a mole on your nose? You don't need to worry about moles that bleed when they're injured. But moles that bleed or ooze fluid without being injured are cause for concern. You can be born with moles and get new ones. Because they're so common, you might not give much thought to those on your skin until you have a painful….
It is not uncommon to find a mole on your baby. Most moles are harmless. However, very large moles or moles that change in size, color, or shape need…. Moles can appear anywhere on your body, including your scalp.
Learn about monitoring them as an early warning sign for skin cancer. Moles are skin growths that generally look like small, round brown spots.
Can you use apple cider vinegar ACV to remove a mole? The answer is…. Surgically removing a mole, either for cosmetic reasons or because the mole is cancerous, will result in a scar. In time, you may find it almost…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Causes Moles to Suddenly Appear. Types Causes Warning signs See a doctor Overview Moles are very common, and most people have one or more.
Types of moles. Causes of new moles. Warning signs related to moles. When to see a doctor. Read this next. What Are Skin Moles? Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Itchy Mole. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Mole on Your Nose.
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