Dear Dr. Jen,
How can I tell if a mole is bad or needs to be taken out? I have so many of them and new ones keep on appearing.
Jonna
Dear Jonna,
Moles pop up because of melanocyte cells growing in groups. Some people tend to grow more moles than others, especially if you have lighter-colored skin. Though not common, moles can appear even during adulthood. These do not necessarily mean they are cancerous. There is an ABCD guide (see photo) to knowing if your moles are suspicious or not. Generally, unevenly colored, irregularly shaped, big and fast growing moles need to be checked by your nearest PDS derma.
Dear Dr. Jen,
There are growths on my eyelid and around my eye area. I have been told they are syringomas, cholesterol growths and warts. I am confused. What is the best way to tell them apart?
Ria
Dear Ria,
All these things, syringomas, xanthelasma (cholesterol deposits), skin tags and warts can appear around the eyes. When checked by an untrained eye, one of these things can be confused for another.
Syringomas are sweat gland duct overgrowths. They are often skin-colored and multiple in numbers. Xanthelasma are yellowish and fatty. They sometimes accompany elevated cholesterol levels in the blood. Warts appear as excess skin that can be a little darker than regular skin color. Your PDS dermatologist will be able to easily determine which is which.
There are a lot of ways to remove these lesions. Cryotherapy (freezing them off), electrodessication, laser and excision are all acceptable treatment methods. Depending on the depth of the lesion, your PDS derma will recommend the proper treatment. Most likely, since syringomas are deeper, they can be better eliminated with the use of lasers.
Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with the Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). Information on PDS is at www.pds.org.ph. Questions or concerns regarding the skin may be sent by text to 0932 857 7070 or emailed to askskinrepublic@gmail.com; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.