What causes a hairy nevus?
These marks are thought to be caused by a localized increase in melanocytes as a baby grows in the womb. Melanocytes are the skin cells that produce melanin, which gives skin its color. A nevus has an increased amount of melanocytes. The condition is thought to be caused by a gene defect.
Can congenital nevi become cancerous?
Most congenital nevi usually do not cause health problems, but a small percentage may develop into skin cancer (melanoma) later in life. The risk of melanoma increases with the size of the nevus.
What does it mean if your birthmark is hairy?
If you notice a hairy mole, there’s probably no reason to be alarmed. The presence of hair growing through the surface of a mole indicates that there’s a healthy hair follicle underneath — and likely, healthy skin cells above. Most of the time, hairy moles don’t develop into cancer.
Can you remove hairy nevus?
In minor cases, lasers or dermabrasion can be used to remove the nevus or improve its appearance. In most cases, hairy nevi can be treated with a very straightforward, routine surgical removal. In rare cases, a hairy nevus may need to be removed in several stages.
What is a nevus on scalp?
A nevus sebaceous (NEE vuhs sih BAY shus) is a type of birthmark that usually appears on the scalp. It may also appear on the face but this is less common. It is made of extra oil glands in the skin. It starts as a flat pink or orange plaque (slightly raised area).
Can hairy nevus be removed?
A biopsy will most likely be recommended to rule out any potentially cancerous cells. In minor cases, lasers or dermabrasion can be used to remove the nevus or improve its appearance. In most cases, hairy nevi can be treated with a very straightforward, routine surgical removal.
Do melanomas have hair?
Moles that have hairs are not cancerous is another half-truth. While the majority of moles with hairs are benign, a new study in the March 2007 issue of JAAD highlighted cases in which there was hair in a pigmented mole that turned out to be invasive melanoma.