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Medical Author:

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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There are many kinds of benign pigmented lesions normally found on the skin. Some are present from the time of birth (congenital) while others develop after birth. Commonly, these are referred to as "moles." In younger patients, most pigmented lesions are melanocytic nevi composed of benign melanocytes growing in nests or clumps within the skin. The average number of these lesions is 30-35 per person in light-skinned races. It is not uncommon for such lesions to continue to arise until 35 years of age. Older individuals predominantly have non-melanocytic pigmented lesions called seborrheic keratoses, which arise in the most superficial layer of the skin and tend to continue to appear during adult life. Distinguishing these benign lesions from more ominous ones may be difficult. Any asymmetrical (color or border), changing lesion, especially if it is bleeding or irritated or symptomatic, should be examined by a physician. Regular self-examination or examination by a significant other can be a valuable asset in early detection.

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