Two skin conditions that may seem to be related, but are not are skin tags and moles. These are two skin conditions that could lead to pain, itching, and in some instances cancer. While they are different, you may find that some moles can have a raised platform, and therefore be closely related to skin tags. In order to understand these two elements, consider the following defining lines of each, and how they differ. While one can lead to cancer, it’s rare. The other is completely benign, and traditionally doesn’t require a doctor’s visit, with few exceptions. Once you understand how these are different, and yet sometimes similar in look, you’ll be able to get them removed if you’d like, or at least looked at by a doctor during your annual checkup.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags may appear in a variety of different areas of the body. They are most often seen on the neck, eyelids, on the waistline, or underneath the armpits. The reason why this forms is because there is friction between the skin. Wherever there’s a crease, fold, or striation of skin, the cells may rub against one another. These do not cause pain, may not be uncomfortable, and are the same color of the skin. They are small, no more than the size of a grape at the largest, are soft, and do not bleed or cause issue.
What Are Moles?
Moles are noncancerous pigment changes in the skin cells. Some may find these to be birth marks, and others are simply benign, flat skin changes. It’s rare for these to mutate, or change form, but in some instances, they can. They occur when the cells are close together, instead of separating and forming pigment in the skin. They can be very small, raised, or large. They can have hair, they can be flat, or they can spread across the body in a variety of different regions. Heredity is the main reason why many people have moles, and while they are usually benign, they can mutate, and form skin cancer.
Are Skin Tags and Moles Cancer?
Skin tags are usually never cancerous. It’s extremely rare for that to occur. However, moles can turn into a melanoma and could mutate into cancer cells. Dermatologists can look at moles and see if there are any changes, or if they are large enough to be normal or abnormal. In most instances, you’ll find that moles are just blemishes on the skin. However, if a dermatologist looks at the moles of your skin and sees discoloration, borders that are uneven, or any number of abstract visual characteristics, they can perform a biopsy by cutting it and testing the cells. Most people will not have cancer due to moles.
Cancer, especially skin cancer is a matter of sun exposure, heredity, and other risk factors. Having many moles alone may elevate the risk slightly, but family history and other factors play a role here. If in doubt, a dermatologist can lance moles and ensure that they do not mutate by simply cutting them out. However, they aren’t traditionally abnormal on their own.
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