What does a discolored mole mean?

What does a discolored mole mean?

Multiple colors are a warning sign. While benign moles are usually a single shade of brown, a melanoma may have different shades of brown, tan or black. As it grows, the colors red, white or blue may also appear. D is for Diameter and Dark.

When should I worry about a mole on my neck?

When an old mole changes, or when a new mole appears in adulthood, you should see a doctor to check it out. If your mole is itching, bleeding, oozing, or painful, see a doctor right away. Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, but new moles or spots may also be basal cell or squamous cell cancers.

What does melanoma look like on the neck?

If you have a preexisting mole, any change in the characteristics of this spot — such as a raised or irregular border, irregular shape, change in color, increase in size, itching or bleeding — is a warning sign of melanoma. Sometimes the first sign of head and neck melanoma is an enlarged lymph node in the neck.

Can moles be discolored?

If you see any of the following signs, contact your healthcare provider: A new, possibly large, irregularly shaped, dark brownish spot with darker or black areas. A simple mole that changes in color (particularly turning darker), size (growing), or texture (becoming firmer), and/or flakes or bleeds.

Why do I have a black mole?

What Causes a Mole? Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. These cells are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Moles may darken after exposure to the sun, during the teen years, and during pregnancy.

Is lentigo maligna melanoma fatal?

Lentigo maligna is not dangerous; it only becomes potentially life threatening if an invasive melanoma develops within it. Long term follow-up involves reviewing the treated area and full skin examination to identify new lesions of concern. If the lesion was invasive, regional lymph nodes should also be examined.

Is lentigo maligna melanoma cancerous?

Lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) are types of skin cancer. They begin when the melanocytes in the skin grow out of control and form tumors. Melanocytes are the cells responsible for making melanin, the pigment that determines the color of the skin.

What causes skin discoloration on neck and chest?

This will happen when there is excess melanin in the body and it reacts with sunlight. Overdose of Iron: This is another common cause of skin discoloration and will usually first appear as spots on the neck. Obesity: If there is excess fat on the neck, the skin can fold, which is where the discoloration will begin.

What to do about skin discoloration on neck?

There are wide arrays of causes of skin discoloration on your neck. If you have fair skin, this condition can seem much worse. If you notice this type of discoloration, you can consult a dermatologist to treat the problem, especially if it becomes bothersome. There are also a number of home remedies that can be used to help eliminate the issue.

What causes red spots on the face and neck?

Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder that causes areas of light-colored skin. The spots often start as slightly red, scaly patches on the face, upper arms, neck, and upper middle section of the body.

Why do I have brown spots on my neck?

There are a huge number of different causes of neck skin discoloration. Some of the most common are listed here: Excess Sun Exposure: This can lead to pigmentation and brown spot of the skin on the neck. This will happen when there is excess melanin in the body and it reacts with sunlight.