Why do I have a blue mole on my arm?
If you have a blue nevus or other mole appear after age 30, see your doctor. It may be a sign of skin cancer like melanoma. Changes to blue nevi or other moles may also be cause for concern. Keeping an eye on any abrupt or subtle shifts on your skin and moles will ensure that you catch early signs of skin cancer.
Why have I got a blue mole?
The blue color, or ceruloderma, is caused by the Tyndall effect when light is preferentially scattering shorter wavelengths by melanin found in the dermis of the skin. It is unclear at this time as to whether there is a genetic component associated with a blue nevus.
Is a blue mole cancerous?
A common blue nevus is usually benign, remains unchanged throughout life, and does not lead to any complications. In rare situations, a cellular blue nevus may develop into a form of melanoma called a malignant cellular blue nevus.
How common is blue nevus mole?
Although nearly anyone may develop a blue nevus, they are more likely to appear in females than in males. Blue nevi are also more prevalent in Asian populations. Most blue nevi are benign, but there is a chance that a cellular blue nevus may develop into a form of melanoma. However, this is rare.
Is blue nevus melanoma?
Malignant blue nevus is a heterogeneous group of melanomas that are highly aggressive and often lethal, with a propensity for metastasis to the lymph nodes and lungs.
How common is a blue mole?
What is a blue nevus mole?
These moles appear blue because the patch of pigmented skin creating them is set lower in the skin than brown-colored moles and freckles. The shade of a blue nevus can range from light to dark blue. Other common characteristics are: It’s possible to have another type of blue nevus beyond the common variety.
What are the different colors of moles?
Moles can actually appear in all sorts of shades, not just the typical brown- or tan-colored variety you might expect. These moles appear blue because the patch of pigmented skin creating them is set lower in the skin than brown-colored moles and freckles. The shade of a blue nevus can range from light to dark blue.
What are moles on the skin?
Moles are a common type of skin growth. They often appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigmented cells. Moles generally appear during childhood and adolescence. Most people have 10 to 40 moles, some of which may change in appearance or fade away over time. Most moles are harmless.
What are moles and other pigmented patches?
Monitoring moles and other pigmented patches is an important step in detecting skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma. The medical term for moles is nevi. The typical mole is a brown spot. But moles come in different colors, shapes and sizes: Color and texture. Moles can be brown, tan, black, red, blue or pink.