One of the most common skin growths is the mole. Technically called “melanocytic nevus” moles are lesions on the skin comprised of cells that have a high concentration of pigment. There are at least a dozen varieties of nevi, classified by their location and in the layers of skin and other characteristics such as color and size.
Nearly everyone has at least one mole. About one in every 100 babies is born with a mole. The majority of moles develop by the time we are 20 years old, and the average adult has between 30 and 40 body-wide. Moles may be raised or flat, and almost any color – black, brown, red, pink, blue, purplish, white, or flesh tone.
Benign (non-cancerous) moles are easily removed with modern techniques that minimize risk of scarring. We encourage everyone to schedule an annual mole examination. All patients are asked to watch moles for the ABCDEs of melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer:
- Asymmetry – Does half of the mole look different from the other half?
- Border – Is it irregular?
- Color – Is it uneven shades of brown and black, or an unusual color like red, white, or blue?
- Diameter – Is the mole larger than the eraser of pencil?
- Evolving – Has the mole changed in size, color, or shape, or become sore?
If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule an appointment at the
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology right away.
Other common benign lumps and bumps include:
- Acrochordons, known as skin tags.
- Dermatofibroma, raised pink or tan bumps which are mistaken for moles but are a type of scar often caused by an injury to an extremity.
- Dermatosis papulosa nigra, pigmented growths on the face and neck, common to dark-skinned races.
- Epidermal inclusion cysts, flesh colored nodules.
- Lipoma, soft, mobile fatty tumors.
- Pyogenic granuloma, nodules on the fingers, face, or lips that bleed easily.
- Sebaceous hyperplasia, yellowish enlargement of sebaceous glands, usually seen on the face.
- Seborrheic Keratoses, scaly brown papules, and plaques.
Most skin growths are harmless, but they can be confused with, or a sign of risk for
skin cancer. Get yours checked by the doctors at the Lupo Center for peace of mind. You’ll also learn about treatment options to restore your complexion to a flawless finish.
Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
- 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
-
𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 - Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.