What are some characteristics of benign moles and lesions in New Orleans?

By

Skin cancer is a common concern for patients, especially those who have moles and unusual skin lesions. Benign moles are no reason for concern. Dr. Mary Lupo, of Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology, can help patients in distinguishing benign moles and lesions and she can remove them if they are troublesome. Moles and lesions that are unusual and may cause Dr. Mary Lupo to suspect cancer are biopsied and tested during a thorough examination.

There are many types of benign moles and skin lesions. These bumps and lumps are examined by Dr. Mary Lupo and ruled out as troublesome concerns.

• Acrochordons
• Dermatofibroma
• Dermatosis papulosa nigra
• Epidermal inclusion cysts
• Lipoma
• Pyogenic granuloma
• Sebaceous hyperplasia
• Seborrheic keratoses

Benign moles and lesions can be all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Some are raised while others are flat, and they can vary in color from flesh tone to black, with reds and blues in between. It may be difficult for a patient to determine whether a skin lesion or mole is of concern, so Dr. May Lupo encourages her patients to watch these skin lesions for changes that may indicate skin cancer. If moles are uneven in shape or color, have an irregular border, are larger than a #2 pencil’s eraser, or change in size, shape, or color, they should be examined by a board certified dermatologist as soon as possible. These are often the clearest signs that a skin lesion or mole is of potentially cancerous nature.

When patients arrive at Dr. Mary Lupo’s practice for a skin cancer check, they start by discussing the skin concern that brought them into the dermatologist’s office. Dr. Mary Lupo examines the skin lesion or tag closely and may remove part of it for a biopsy. She will also do a thorough check of the patient’s entire body for any other moles or lesions that appear suspicious. Biopsies are sent to a laboratory for examination to determine if they are cancerous.