Here's an essay about skin care and melanoma:
Myth: Moles that have hairs are not cancerous.
Fact: Although the vast majority of melanocytic (or pigmented) moles with hairs are benign, a new study published in the March 2007 issue of JAAD references three cases where the presence of one or more hairs in a pigmented lesion proved to be invasive melanoma. The authors of the study stress that a melanoma diagnosis should not be automatically ruled out in cases of pigmented lesions simply because they contain hair, and patients should closely monitor all moles for signs of skin cancer - regardless of whether or not hair is present. "As the study investigators mention, one possible explanation as to why this myth originated is that when melanoma was commonly diagnosed in more advanced stages many years ago - marked by larger and thicker lesions - it would subsequently destroy the surrounding hair follicles," noted Dr. Baker. "Today, dermatologists are diagnosing melanomas much earlier, when the lesions are thinner and before hair follicles are wiped out. This study clearly illustrates that melanoma can defy the odds in terms of diagnosis and all suspicious lesions should be evaluated without exception."
