A macule is not, in and of itself, a sign of skin cancer. While a macule may have an appearance suggestive of cancer, further tests would be needed to confirm or exclude a diagnosis. All told, there are four types of skin cancer or precancer
Carcinoma in situ
Carcinoma in situ is a group of abnormal cells. While they are a form of neoplasm, there is disagreement over whether CIS should be classified as cancer. This controversy also depends on the exact CIS in question. Some authors do not classify them as cancer, however, recognizing that they can potentially become cancer. Others classify certain types as a non-invasive form of cancer. The term "pre-cancer…
Can a Melanotic macule be cancerous?
Conclusions: Oral melanotic macule may possess malignant potential. Biopsy is recommended to differentiate oral melanoma from melanotic macule for male patients >60 years old with suspected melanotic macule lesion located on the palate.
What disease causes macules?
A macule is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin less than 1 centimeter (cm) wide....Conditions that are likely to cause macules are:vitiligo.moles.freckles.sun spots, age spots, and liver spots.post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (such as that which occurs after acne lesions heal)tinea versicolor.
Are macules normal?
Macules are a common type of skin lesion. A skin lesion is an area of skin that is different in size, shape, color, or texture from the surrounding skin. Macules are very common in children and adults and occur in at least 1 in 20 people.
Are brown macules cancerous?
Oral melanotic macule is a non-cancerous (benign), dark spot found on the lips or inside the mouth.
Can macule be treated?
Some people with macular holes have mild symptoms and may not need treatment right away. But doctors may recommend surgery to protect your vision if a macular hole is getting bigger, getting worse, or causing serious vision problems.
What does macule look like?
A macule is a small, flat, red area of discoloration, and a papule is a small, red, raised lesion. As a result, a maculopapular rash appears as red bumps against a red background. People with darker skin may not notice the flat, red patch.
Do macules spread?
Macules spread from abdomen to extremities.
What is an example of macules?
Macules are flat, nonpalpable lesions usually < 10 mm in diameter. Macules represent a change in color and are not raised or depressed compared to the skin surface. A patch is a large macule. Examples include freckles, flat moles, tattoos, and port-wine stains.
Are Melanotic Macules harmful?
A labial melanotic macule is thought to be provoked by sun exposure, and it is more common in fair-skinned people. However it may also occur in dark-skinned individuals and, as described above, similar lesions can arise in sites that are never sun-exposed. Luckily, melanotic macules are harmless.
Can a beauty spot turn cancerous?
In most cases, beauty spots do not pose a threat, and most people will never have problems with pigment spots throughout their life. However, if beauty spots are exposed to excessive sunlight or ultraviolet light, the cells can mutate into cancer cells.
How can you tell if a beauty spot is cancerous?
A healthy mole can be larger than 6mm in diameter, and a cancerous mole can be smaller than this....The first sign of a melanoma is often a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing mole.getting bigger.changing shape.changing colour.bleeding or becoming crusty.itchy or sore.
What do cancerous beauty spots look like?
The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue. The spot is larger than ¼ inch across – about the size of a pencil eraser – although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
What diseases cause skin spots?
Skin DiseasesAcne. What is acne? ... Alopecia Areata. What is alopecia areata? ... Atopic Dermatitis. What is atopic dermatitis? ... Epidermolysis Bullosa. What is epidermolysis bullosa? ... Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) ... Ichthyosis. ... Pachyonychia Congenita. ... Pemphigus.More items...
What causes macules and papules?
The body's own systemic inflammation can cause maculopapular rashes. Inflammation is how your body responds to an injury or infection. A drug reaction, infection, an autoimmune response, or allergic reaction can cause your body's immune system to respond and develop maculopapular rashes.
What is the cause of Hypopigmented macules?
The pathogenesis in this condition is related to melanocyte injury resulting in decreased melanin, which in turn causes hypopigmented or depigmented patches. Post-inflammatory conditions can also be associated with hyperpigmentation.
What causes Hyperpigmented macules?
Common causes of focal hyperpigmentation include injury, inflammation, phytophotodermatitis, lentigines, melasma, freckles, café-au-lait macules, and acanthosis nigricans. Common causes of widespread hyperpigmentation include melasma, drugs, cancers, and other systemic disorders.
How to prevent macules from growing?
When macules are caused by vitiligo, immunosuppressant medications or light therapy can help to prevent further growth of the macule or to prevent additional macules from forming. In severe cases or when daily functioning is impaired because of embarrassment, your doctor might suggest skin grafts or depigmenting your skin to match the macule. However, this is often a last-resort treatment. Some people use specialized makeup to cover up hypopigmented patches.
What is it called when you have a discolored skin?
Vitiligo — a skin condition that causes the loss of pigment. When discolored skin is larger than 1 centimeter, it is called a patch. Vitiligo usually results in patches of skin that are lighter than surrounding skin. It usually occurs on both sides of the body and affects not only the skin but also the hair, eyes, or inside the mouth.
What is a macule?
Macules are small, flat, discolored areas of skin. They can be hypopigmented, lighter than the skin, or hyperpigmented, darker than the skin. Macules do not change the texture, thickness or feel of the skin; when you run your finger across them, they will not feel any different than other parts of your skin. Most macules are harmless; however, in some cases they indicate skin cancer.
How wide are birthmarks?
Macules are usually less than 1 centimeter wide. A small, flat birthmark is a macule. So is an age spot. They are most commonly seen on babies, young children, and older adults. As with birthmarks, they are often present at birth; however, they can grow, or the number of macules can increase over time. They can appear without any trauma to the skin. Some, such as age spots, appear as a result of UV exposure during late adulthood. Macules are most commonly found on the back, chest, arms, or face but can appear anywhere on the body.
Do macules indicate cancer?
Skin cancer — Although macules don’t indicate skin cancer and most are harmless, they are often found on people who have skin cancer. When you notice a new macule, you should have it checked by your dermatologist.
Do laser treatments work on macules?
These work best when the hyperpigment is in the top layer of the skin only. When it is deeper, these treatments usually don’t work.
What is a macule?
Overview. A macule is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin less than 1 centimeter (cm) wide. It doesn’t involve any change in the thickness or texture of the skin. Areas of discoloration that are larger than or equal to 1 cm are referred to as patches.
How to treat vitiligo?
Macules caused by vitiligo are often difficult to treat. Treatment options for macules caused by vitiligo include: 1 light therapy 2 topical steroids 3 surgery
How to identify a macule?
How are macules identified? Macules are flat lesions that are less than 1 cm in size. They are identified by simply looking at them and touching them. If the lesion (such as a dark spot on the skin) isn’t raised and it’s less than 1 cm in size, it’s by definition a macule. A macule can be a variety of colors based on the cause.
How to treat macules caused by vitiligo?
Macules caused by vitiligo are often difficult to treat. Treatment options for macules caused by vitiligo include: light therapy. topical steroids. surgery. Some might choose no medical treatment, opting for cover-ups such as makeup. In mild cases, using a special makeup to cover areas of vitiligo can be helpful.
What is a macule in dermatology?
Outlook. A macule is just a physical exam finding. If you’re concerned about your skin, talk to a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis. Last medically reviewed on November 26, 2019.
What is a rash on the face?
The term “ rash ” refers to a collection of new changes on the skin. Rashes can have macules, patches (flat spots at least 1 cm in size), papules (raised skin lesions less than 1 cm in size), plaques (raised skin lesions at least 1 cm in size), and more, depending on the type of rash.
Can you depigment your skin?
If enough skin is involved, some people consider depigmenting the surrounding skin to create a uniform depigmentation. Ultimately, the decision is up to the individual. Some people choose to embrace their vitiligo.
What is it called when you have a lesion on your lip?
Sometimes they appear on their own (solitary) or in groups. If this condition occurs in your mouth, it’s known as an oral melanotic macule , whereas on your lip, ...
What to do if you have a dark macule?
If your dark lesion does turn out to be a melanotic macule, treatment will likely be unnecessary as the condition is benign. Schedule regular medical or dental visits to ensure your lesion's appearance doesn’t display any concerning changes.
What is the best treatment for a dark spot on the lip?
Excision (surgical removal) Cryotherapy (removal using cold) Laser or pulsing light (removal using high energy particles) Rest assured that the dark spot on your lip is most likely a melanotic macule but could also be the sign of another, less common condition.
What percentage of oral lesions involve melanin?
According to the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, melanotic macules account for 86.1% of oral lesions that involve melanin.
Can you remove a melanotic macule?
If you’re bothered by the appearance of your melanotic macule, there are cosmetic options available to treat or remove it. According to DermNet, options for removal may include:
What is Macule?
A macule is a lesion of the skin that is altered in color, or differing perceptibly from the surrounding skin tissue. Macules are uncircumscribed, meaning they have distinct borders. By medical definition, if the discolored lesion is flat and less than 1 centimeter (cm) in size, it's a macule. Macules can be found all over the skin, however, most commonly on the chest, back, face, and arms. Many people are born with macules or they can develop over time from exposure to the sun, injuries, or other factors.
What are the small spots on my skin called?
There are many causes of macule spots on the skin. Ephelis, or freckles, and birthmarks, are types of macules that are small (less than 1 cm), circumscribed, flat, and nonpalpable, discolored spots on the skin. These spots are circumscribed, meaning they have distinct borders, and nonpalpable, meaning they can't be felt. If macules become larger than 1 cm wide, they are called patches, and may be cause for further investigation.
How does vitiligo affect the skin?
Vitiligo only affects a small number of people. Vitiligo causes cells that are responsible for skin color to be destroyed causing loss of color or white skin, due to an autoimmune disorder. It affects areas that are usually exposed to the sun, inside the mouth or other mucous membranes, nostrils, the back of the eye, and inside of the ear. Treatment options for macules caused by vitiligo include light therapy, topical steroids, and surgery, however these macules are often difficult to treat. If a large portion of the skin is affected, treatment may take the form of depigmenting the surrounding skin or injecting pigment into the skin.
How to get rid of macules?
Alternatively, home remedies may be used to treat or prevent macules from occurring or returning. These treatments include topical creams such as aloe vera or castor oil, green tea extracts and Vitamin E. Some may suggest lemon juice can help reduce the appearance of discolored skin spots. Makeup is also an alternative that can be used to camouflage the appearance of spots.
What are some examples of macules?
Examples of macules include moles, freckles, acne scars, sun spots, age spots, liver spots, vitiligo, and other spots on the skin that are a small and discolored.
What does it mean to enroll in a course?
Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams.
What grades does Danielle teach?
Danielle provides STEM education to youth in grades 3-12 through informal teaching and also trains other adults how to teach STEM to youth.
