DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Every summer, we rent a cottage for two weeks. This summer is the first time I have seen three black spots on my 17-year-old son’s back — moles, I think. My imagination took off. Could these be melanomas? You hear so much about them these days. Should I take him to a dermatologist right away? I can’t find any understandable information that tells how to distinguish moles from melanoma. — W.B.

ANSWER: The official name for moles is “nevi.” If you brought a computer to your cottage, you’ll find more information than you want by searching “nevi.”

The common mole, also called an acquired mole (one not present at birth), is a nest of cells containing the black pigment melanin. Such moles arise during childhood and the young-adult years. Around age 30, new mole formation tapers off, and older moles begin to regress. Common moles, which are what I think your son has, do not become melanomas. They measure less than 6 millimeters in diameter, about the size of a pencil’s eraser. They have a well-demarcated border. They’re symmetrical, meaning by folding them over in your mind, you can fit each half of the mole over the other half. Moles have a uniform brown or black color. Melanomas, on the other hand, have a variety of colors — reds, tans, blues and grays — interspersed on their dark surface. A melanoma evolves — it changes appearances somewhat, and almost always enlarges.

A born-with mole is one that’s been present from birth. It has a small potential for becoming a melanoma. Regardless of how small the chance is, this kind of mole needs to be observed frequently by both a child’s parents and the child’s doctor.

A third mole variety is an atypical mole, also called a dysplastic mole. It varies in size from 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) to 12 millimeters (0.5 inches) in diameter. Its colors are a mix of browns, pinks and tans. It erupts mostly on the back and has an irregular shape and an ill-defined border, something that raises suspicion for a melanoma. If the doctor is not sure of its nature, a biopsy is done.

If all these colors, shapes and measurements are too much, let your family doctor or a dermatologist make the call.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My PSA (prostate specific antigen) result was high, so my family doctor made an appointment for me at a urologist’s office. I’m nervous about the biopsy. How is it done? Does it hurt? How long does it take to recover? — B.K.

ANSWER: A prostate biopsy isn’t a picnic, but it’s not the worst thing that has happened to you. An ultrasound device locates the prostate’s suspicious areas. Then the doctor inserts, through the rectum, an instrument with the inauspicious name “gun.” The doctor triggers the device and a series of very fine needles obtain specimens for microscopic exam. The whole procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Most men are active the next day.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My doctor suggested I snack on carrots for weight loss. He tells all his patients that carrot munching curbs hunger. I took him up on this, but I might have gone a trifle overboard. My skin has turned yellow. My husband finds this funny. I don’t. Does it do any damage? Will it go away? — M.O.

ANSWER: That skin color is called “carotenemia.” It’s not going to hurt you. It will go away if you cut back on carrot snacks. You’ll get rid of it faster if you stop them altogether for a time.

You and your husband might notice it, but many do not. I’ll bet few other people have remarked about it to you.

Beta carotene is the substance in carrots that causes the color change. The body transforms it into vitamin A. You don’t develop any consequences from the color change. You are not getting too much vitamin A. The body stops the conversion if you’re getting an overload of the vitamin.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www .rbmamall.com.

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