Ask a doctor on the topic of Dermatology

Assessment of moles and other skin lesions.

May 27, 2013 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch

So I have some moles, if you want to call them that. I have never had any problems so far and no doctor has seen any dangers in them either. However, I would like to have a few of these moles checked again for precautionary reasons. Unfortunately, I could only get an appointment for September. I would like to know in advance how these moles behave based on pictures.

Here are my top 5, maybe you can tell me what these moles are exactly and if they are dangerous?

The links lead to the pictures I have taken of my moles.

Picture 1, I have on my head. I think it is a sebaceous nevus or a sebaceous cyst. I have had it for a few years. However, it no longer changes...
http://s14.directupload.net/images/130524/o8ijhwqp.jpg

Picture 2, I also have on my head. I think it is a normal mole???
http://s1.directupload.net/images/130524/ods3psa6.jpg

Picture 3, I also have on my head. I could imagine that it is also some kind of mole???
http://s14.directupload.net/images/130524/vejh7ama.jpg

Picture 4, I have on the left side of my stomach. I think it is a junctional nevus. I have had this for about 20 years (I am 24). Dermatologists have also seen this before, but have never said anything about it. It has not changed since I stopped growing. It is about 2.5 cm in size. However, a dermatologist once said that the size is not necessarily bad or dangerous.
http://s7.directupload.net/images/130524/xlnnhphx.jpg

Picture 5, I have on my chest. I think it is a freckle or mole with a hair growing out of it???
http://s14.directupload.net/images/130524/qshwvp38.jpg

I hope you can give me a little opinion on this. As I said, I only have an appointment with the dermatologist in September. Seems to be in high demand :-)

Greetings...

Christian Welsch

Dear inquirer,

First of all, I must say that online advice cannot replace a visit to a dermatologist. However, I do not consider any of the skin changes to be dangerous.

1. Most likely a fibroma (benign connective tissue tumor), looks harmless.

2. Looks like a slightly lighter mole, but has a few darker areas that should be examined with a dermatoscope.

3. The third spot is the one I consider most in need of clarification, as it is very blurry and irregularly pigmented in the photo.

4. A benign mole in my opinion.

5. I agree with your analysis.

To check skin changes for their malignancy, the so-called ABCDE rule applies.

A- Asymmetry the spot is not round
B- Border the spot is not smoothly defined
C - Colour multiple colors in the spot
D - Diameter any spot larger than 5 mm should be observed
E - Elevation anything growing out of the skin needs to be clarified.

To me, a check-up in September would be too late if you are unsure about evaluating the change yourself. I would recommend calling a few dermatologists to see if you can get an earlier appointment. Unfortunately, it is becoming more common for publically insured patients to only get appointments very late. I understand the dermatologists, as they now only receive around 10 euros for an examination, which is not sustainable.

Perhaps there is an option in your area to be seen in a clinic outpatient department, or you could inquire about the cost of a private medical examination.

Do you have any questions? Regards, C. Welsch