skin lesions macules, lentigo, and moles

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2015

I think your book is using the term "mole" as a catch all for a variety of skin discolorations, including macules and lentigines. All three are very similar and all can be caused by sun damage or precancerous lesions. A lentigo or a macule each have the potential to develop into a cancerous lesion. Does your book specifically say that macules and lentigines are always benign? (If it does, I'd say your book is wrong.)

The quote you shared states that most moles are benign, but some may become precancerous or cancerous. It does not say that all moles are precancerous. Many moles are benign. Many lentigo are benign. Many macules are benign. Some may be precancerous. The quote also says that "sun related skin changes... sometimes develop on sun exposed areas". A lentigo or a mole both may develop as a result of sun exposure. I think you're book is just trying to encompass all these skin discolorations by calling them by the more commonly used term "moles" rather than by the individual names.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2015

I have a question to you all and maybe you guys can help me understand. I am learning about older adults and integ system.in my book it states "most moles are benign. however, sun related skin changes, including precancerous, actinic keratosis , basal cell , squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma , sometimes develop on sun exposed area"
I am aware that all three are sun exposure related and aging. I would like to know why are macules and lentigo benign and moles are precancerous?

You misunderstand what your book said. It said that "most moles are benign." That does not lead to the conclusion that, in general, moles are precancerous. Most are benign, some are precancerous. UVA and UVB rays damage the DNA in skin cells which can lead to cancer.