Reasons why a mole brightens and what it means

Nevi, known to everyone as moles, are benign formations. They can appear in any person and do not create much discomfort. But in some situations it is necessary to pay increased attention to the growth. This applies to cases when a person notices that a mole has turned black.

A change in color may indicate negative processes in the tumor. But in some cases, darkening does not mean anything. To put your concerns aside, you should consult your doctor.

Why can formations change color?

Changes in the color of a mole can occur for several reasons. There are three most common among them.

• A new color of the nevus can be observed with hormonal changes in the body. This is usually associated with a sharp increase in the level of individual active substances during adolescence, pregnancy and menopause. All these imbalances lead to the formation beginning to change shade.
• Darkening may be caused by excess radiation. Insolation is observed from both natural (sun) and artificial (solarium) rays.
• Some people note that the mole darkens when it is damaged. This reason is one of the most common. Injury to the nevus can occur when it is squeezed, torn off, or rubbed.

Reddened nevi should also alert you

It is worth remembering that a blackened mole should be a signal to see a doctor. Such formation can pose a threat to the body. Therefore, changes cannot be left unattended.

It's not just black nevi that are dangerous. You should be concerned if you notice a reddened mole on the surface of the skin. This process may indicate infection and the development of inflammation. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to visit a specialist.

If the mole has lightened, then there should be less concern. But still, the changes should not go unnoticed. Any new signs should be examined by a doctor. It is especially important to visit a medical facility if there were no visible reasons for changing the shade.

Damaged nevi quickly transform into malignant tumors

Causes of painful nevi

Trauma to the surface of the nevus can cause pain

Many people are sure that if a mole hurts, then this is the first sign of its oncological degeneration. In fact, painful sensations in the area where the nevus is localized do not always indicate the development of any complication and can be associated with the following objective reasons:

• Injury to the surface of the nevus. Impacts, injections, and incisions in the epidermis at the location of the nevus are not uncommon, but one of the most pressing issues is the situation in which the patient tore off a mole. We will consider what to do in this case below, however, mechanical damage to the pigmented tissue of the nevus is one of the leading etiotropic factors causing pain.
• Burn of any nature. Thermal shock can cause intense pain in the epidermis, which is especially pronounced in areas where moles and age spots are located.
• Hyper- or hypothermia. Increased or decreased body temperature may be accompanied by a feeling of soreness in the skin, especially in places where moles are located.
• Malignant transformation. Evidence of the onset of the oncological process may be pain, which is associated with the fact that the mole is inflamed. What to do in this situation can only be suggested by a specialist in the field of oncodermatology, who will not only perform a visual examination of the inflamed area of ​​the epidermis, but will also prescribe a series of diagnostic measures to identify the prerequisites for the development of melanoma. After receiving the research results, the doctor will determine the most rational concept of therapy or recommend removing the inflamed nevus.

The last factor is by far the most dangerous, as it is associated with uncontrolled division of skin cells, which leads to cancer.

As mentioned above, a sign of oncological degeneration can be an inflammatory reaction, which, in addition to pain, is also manifested by swelling, redness and itching of the location of the mole.

This is due to mechanical trauma to surrounding cells during tissue proliferation. Often this process is accompanied by an increase in the size of the pigmented formation. It is also important to note that sometimes during malignant transformation, a small white spot (halo) may form around the body of the mole, which is caused by a reflex vasospasm.

What can cause darkening?

Doctors note that certain factors can trigger the transition of a mole from a benign to a malignant state. You should not think that any of them indicate a stable change in the quality of the nevus. But in such conditions the risk of degeneration is much higher.

Moles most often darken:

You can also read: Why red moles appear

• with excessive exposure to the skin surface of sunlight;
• if a person has light skin, hair and eyes, which increases the chances of getting a sunburn more quickly;
• those with a large number of nevi (more than 50);
• in people with large formations on the skin;
• in persons who are at risk due to hereditary characteristics;
• in the case of the formation of dysplastic nevi, which have an irregular shape, blurred boundaries and slightly rise above the surface of the skin;
• from inflammatory processes on the skin that are localized in the area of ​​formations;
• when nevi are localized in those places that are most susceptible to friction, pressure and injury.

The nevus does not always darken due to malignant processes inside it

General information about moles

A mole (birthmark) is a defect in the development of the skin, which can be either congenital or acquired during life.

A mole (birthmark) is a defect in the development of the skin, which can be either congenital or acquired during life. Scientifically, these formations are called “nevi.” They are benign tumors that, under the influence of various factors, can turn into malignant ones. This occurs after the skin cells are overfilled with the pigment melanin. As a result of this, they degenerate and turn into melanocytes.

Many experts talk about the danger posed by a large number of such formations on the body. You need to be especially attentive to those that in everyday life are often subject to mechanical stress (friction and pressure from clothing). This is very dangerous for human health and most often such a mole is simply removed.

What to do if a mole grows? Any changes in the size, shape or color of such formations require immediate consultation with a doctor. They also turn to a specialist if the nevus hurts or itches for no apparent reason.

Danger signs

Single moles usually do not make a person think. But multiple formations should alert you. In this case, you should definitely visit a doctor.

Many people think that flat nevi are less dangerous. However, doctors note that no less attention must be paid to this type. The risk of their degeneration is at the same level as that of convex ones. Malignant changes with hanging moles occur more often due to the greater likelihood of injury.

Flat formations can also be dangerous when the shade changes

The transformation of a tumor into a malignant one is accompanied by some dangerous symptoms.

• The person notes that the mole has changed color and has become black.
• A darkened hanging nevus, which subsequently fell off, should alert you.
• An alarming symptom is the drying out of the mole.
• It is necessary to pay attention to the formation that is rapidly increasing in size.
• Unpleasant sensations in the form of itching and pain can indicate malignancy.
• Excessive convexity or lumpiness of a mole, which was not previously noted, indicates dangerous changes.
• Asymmetric formations with uneven edges and unclear boundaries may be the first stage of cancer development.
• You should consult a doctor if bleeding or fluid discharge occurs from a mole.
• Danger is noted if the mole changes color to red.
• What should alert you is that the skin around the mole has turned white or the formation itself has become lighter.

Any of these signs is a reason to see a doctor. If several of them are noted at the same time, then examination by a specialist should be urgent.

Presence of accompanying symptoms

Changes in the color and structure of a mole are signals that processes are running inside the body that you should be aware of. Does not always indicate the presence of a tumor. You should keep the condition of the pigment spot under control by regularly undergoing examinations by an oncologist and dermatologist. Experts will identify the true cause of this condition.

The following symptoms may indirectly indicate malignancy:

• the shade of the spot became a rich dark black color;
• the hanging nevus fell off;
• change in size and shape: drying out or rapid growth;
• the appearance of itching, pain. The spot itches periodically or constantly, becomes dry, and microcracks may appear;
• the appearance of bumps and irregularities on the surface of a previously flat mole;
• redness along with changes in boundaries. They become asymmetrical and gradually blur;
• the appearance of a bloody, white discharge even without affecting the area.

It is recommended to pay attention to the skin - in case of malignancy of the cells, it begins to lighten around the formation.

If one of the alarming signs appears, you should visit a doctor, he will give you a referral for the necessary tests. The combination of symptoms indicates the need for urgent examination.

Do I need to remove blackened nevi?

When you discover a changed mole, there is no need to panic. After all, such a formation is not always considered pathological. There are various options for events that can develop in this case.

It is important to visit a dermatologist-oncologist as soon as possible. But if there is no such specialist in the medical institution, then you need to contact a dermatologist or surgeon. He will determine further actions.

Doctors do not recommend removing moles just like that. But if the mole has an altered state or is injured, then it is better to think about radical measures.

The doctor must assess the condition of the formation and decide whether to remove it

It is worth remembering that you cannot touch the nevus yourself. Only a professional can be trusted to remove it.

If a mole falls off, you should also visit a doctor. He will determine the type of formation and tell you about possible treatment options.

Is this dangerous and should you see a doctor?

If a mole changes color and shape, urgent consultation with a specialist is required. Ignoring the situation often leads to the degeneration of the formation into melanoma. It is worth considering that with age there is a natural change in the shade of birthmarks. It happens unnoticed by a person, gradually, and does not pose a danger.

Separately, we should consider the situation when a brown nevus suddenly turns red, acquires a blue, wine tint, and pain, itching or burning appears. A doctor can determine the exact cause of the condition. Self-medication is strictly prohibited. After the examination, the doctor prescribes a histological examination. If the answer is positive, the person should additionally undergo an MRI, CT, or ultrasound.

Based on the results of the examination, the type of tumor, stage, and the presence or absence of metastases affecting other organs are determined. A malignant formation requires surgical removal. Chemotherapy and radiation are indicated for those who have metastases.

Conservative treatment is prescribed if the formation is benign. To eliminate the problem, the use of ointments and gels is recommended. It is prohibited to select medications on your own.

In individual cases, mole removal is recommended. One of the methods is used:

1. Surgical.
2. Laser.
3. Radio wave.
4. Cryodestruction.
5. Electrocoagulation.

Dermatologists and oncologists recommend removing nevi located in places of constant injury or rubbing. If the cause of redness is sun rays, a visit to a solarium, or other external factors, removal of a mole is not a mandatory procedure.

How to eliminate the risk of degeneration?

It will not be possible to completely eliminate the likelihood of degeneration into a malignant formation. After all, this process is not considered controlled. But some measures will help minimize the risks.

• It is necessary to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. You should avoid ultraviolet radiation from 11 to 17 hours of the day. The same rule applies to solariums, the rays of which are more destructive.
• The skin should be protected from contact with harmful and aggressive substances.
• It is necessary to eat properly, avoiding foods containing carcinogens and stabilizers. They can speed up the process of cancer cell formation.
• It is important to periodically check the condition of moles with a doctor.
• It is prohibited to remove or touch nevi yourself. For any changes, you must contact a medical facility.

If moles bother you, change color or become different, then you need to check them as soon as possible for good quality. If time is lost, serious consequences can occur.

What is melanoma

elanoma originates from skin cells that synthesize pigment that colors tanned skin, birthmarks or freckles

Melanoma is a particularly aggressive type of skin cancer. Typically, melanoma originates from skin cells that produce the pigment that colors tanned skin, birthmarks, or freckles. These cells are called melanocytes, hence the name melanoma. The incidence of melanoma is about 8 cases per 100 thousand population among men and about 12 cases per 100 thousand population among women. Unlike other forms of cancer (malignant diseases), melanoma most often affects young people (15-40 years old). In the structure of mortality from cancer among women, melanoma ranks second (in first place is cervical cancer), and among men - sixth (after lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer).

Methods for removing nevi

Even if a mole that has changed color does not turn out to be melanoma, the doctor will most likely still suggest removing it. To achieve this, the patient usually undergoes the following procedures.

Laser treatment

Before the procedure, the specialist administers anesthesia (injection) near the mole, after which the neoplasm is burned out using a laser beam. The main advantage of this technique is that the laser coagulates and “seals” the vessels. This significantly reduces the risk of infection and prevents bleeding, which is essential for nevi that feed on blood.

The disadvantages of the laser method include the impossibility of sending removed tissues for histological examination.

Cryodestruction

In this case, the essence of the procedure is to remove the nevus using carbonic acid in combination with liquid nitrogen - a mixture that, when applied to the nevus, cools it to a temperature of -196 degrees.

Unfortunately, during cryodestruction, a specialist cannot control the depth of impact. It is also impossible to send a nevus removed in this way for histology. To prevent discomfort, a local anesthetic is applied to the skin before the procedure. When large nevi are removed, a scar may subsequently remain on the skin.

Electrocoagulation

This is a procedure during which a pathologically altered birthmark is removed using a high-frequency radio knife. The advantages of this treatment method include the fact that after it, the removed mole can be sent to the laboratory for histological examination. However, electrocoagulation is used less and less every day, since after it scars can form on the body.

Radio wave method of therapy

This is a modern hardware method of treatment. This technique is suitable for removing large nevi. The procedure is performed using the Surgitron device, which emits radio waves with a power of 4 Hz during operation. At the end of the procedure, a small wound remains on the skin, which heals in a short time. After irradiation, a wound remains that heals quickly. In this case, healthy skin is not damaged, so scars after radio wave treatment are extremely rare.

Surgery

At the moment, it is carried out only if malignant degeneration of the nevus is confirmed and only for large neoplasms. Quite often in this case, healthy skin is excised along with the mole. The procedure is performed under local, somewhat less commonly, general anesthesia. The anesthetic is administered by injection. At the end of the procedure, sutures are placed on the resulting wound, which are removed after 7-10 days.

Why moles grow: what is the reason and how to avoid this growth

Why does a person need moles on his body?

Many people are interested in why nevi are needed on the body. Probably, it is possible to explain the benefit of any formation on the body, the necessity of any human organ, etc., but nevi have no significance, in essence. However, birthmarks, dots and bumps appear in those places where the most pigment is accumulated in the skin cells. In these places, growing moles appear on the body, which are benign neoplasms. Some of them can degenerate into malignant melanomas and cancer.

It turns out that a mole on a person’s body is a harbinger of possible danger, signs that are important to pay attention to. If you monitor the health and growth of nevi on the body with due attention, you can avoid the most unfavorable consequences. In fact, this is the only useful property of pigmented spots. By removing a nevus, you also lose the possibility of cancer arising from the accumulated pigments, but it is not at all necessary to remove all nevi on the body, especially if they do not bother you.

In addition to the medical justification for the need for nevi, there are various unproven theories:

1. Tibetan. She says that nevi appear where your chakras were incorrectly opened or affected by negative energy. But there is also a coincidence with modern medicine - you need to pay attention to these points in order to maintain health;
2. Folk. According to this theory, every nevus on the body symbolizes something, be it luck, power, love of travel, danger or something else. There is also an opinion that when a mole begins to grow, the influence of its significance on your life increases, and if the nevus begins to decrease, then its significance decreases.

It is not known whether to believe these theories, because... there is no scientific evidence of their veracity, but monitoring moles is important to preserve your life.

Why nevi appear on the body

Questions of interest to everyone: why do moles grow and why do they appear in the first place? The first pigmented spots can be noticed on the child’s body already in the first year of life, less often - they appear immediately after birth and are congenital.

INTERESTING. Birthmarks that appear at birth are a malformation of the skin, and nevi that appear throughout life are benign neoplasms.

However, just as nevi appear on the human body, they can just as easily disappear; you should not be suspicious of this. A nevus can also appear on any part of the body, including the genitals, even on the mucous membranes.

What are the reasons for the appearance and growth of nevi identified in modern medicine:

• Genetics. This reason is the most serious, it cannot be changed or corrected, or limited. Hence the name moles - they are passed on to us through our parents at the genetic level. If your close relatives have a large birthmark, then most likely both you and your children will have one;
• Hormones. The body is rebuilt for various reasons, but this is always accompanied by disruptions in the hormonal background, when there are either declines or surges in hormone levels. It is incredibly simple to explain: under the pressure of hormones, melanin is formed, which affects the appearance of new age spots. Most often, hormonal instability occurs in pregnant women and adolescents;
• Ultraviolet. UV rays irradiate the skin through the sun and solarium, they lead to nevi appearing on the skin, and they also affect why moles grow on the body. In this situation, you again cannot do without melanin, which is produced under ultraviolet radiation;
• Injuries and illnesses. All kinds of human viruses and injuries to the nevus can affect the enlargement of the mole and the formation of new ones nearby. Skin abrasions and injuries, insect bites, radiation and x-rays can also cause the appearance of new age spots.

As you can see, there are many reasons for the appearance of new nevi, and each of them can be encountered in everyday life, especially if, due to a number of circumstances, you combine several risky possibilities for the degeneration of moles.

What explains the growth of moles

There may be many reasons why a mole grows quickly, but what explains this in the first place and what you should pay attention to in order not to start the process of nevus degeneration is not known for sure. While children are small and cannot independently take care of themselves and their health, parents should do this. As soon as your baby has new nevi, remember, write down or photograph them so that you can accurately tell whether the birthmark is growing or not changing over time. If changes in growth occur, you should immediately contact a specialist.

The spot may increase for the following reasons:

1. This is a congenital birthmark. In this case, the growth of the nevus is a normal and necessary phenomenon. It will grow as long as the person grows, but when growth stops, the mole should also stop growing. If you are still worried, you can show the baby to a dermatologist or immediately to the surgeon Elena Vladimirovna Salyamkina;
2. An inflammatory process of the neoplasm occurs, which may be degeneration of the tumor. In this case, it is necessary to remove the pigment spot so that it does not lead to infection of healthy cells and does not consume the entire body.

An adult needs to monitor their moles on their own; it is worth asking the help of loved ones to check those nevi that are located in places that are difficult for the eye to see, for example, on the back, on the neck, lower back, etc., in order to understand whether the moles are growing. It is also worth regularly being examined by a dermatologist or oncologist (the best option is an oncodermatologist).

The main explanation for the fact that the pigment spot grows is the effect of ultraviolet radiation. Everyone knows that sunbathing and being in the sun often and for a long time is harmful; this also negatively affects every mole that is exposed to direct sunlight.

How to protect nevi from danger

Most of all, dermatologist and surgeon patients are concerned about what to do if a mole grows. Your friends or acquaintances will not be able to answer this question, because experience has nothing to do with it. Each age spot on the body has its own risk of degeneration and danger, so in one person the nevus on the face is worth removing, while in another it can never harm.

In order for nevi to be protected from problems and degeneration, they must be protected:

• monitor the condition and growth of birthmarks;
• do not try to get rid of nevi on your own, using folk remedies or from a cosmetologist;
• avoid excessive tanning, use sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your body (even light or transparent);
• Regularly make an appointment with a dermatologist and oncologist to check nevi (1-2 times will be enough).

A radical method of treating nevi from their degeneration into malignant tumors is the removal of growing moles. However, to do this, you must be examined by an oncologist, who will explain the reason for the growth of nevi and tell you whether removing the growing spot alone is enough. In some cases, in addition to excision of the mole, therapy (radiation, chemotherapy, etc.) is also required to prevent the development of cancer.

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What is the Breslow index

The Breslow index (Breslow thickness) determines the thickness to which melanoma cells have penetrated deep into the skin.

The Breslow index is determined during histological examination of a tissue sample taken from the suspected tumor. If the Breslow index value is less than 0.5 mm, then the tumor is not malignant and it is not necessary to remove the pigment spot.

If the Breslow index is more than 0.5 mm, the patient must be referred to a dermatologist for removal of the formation.

What to do if a mole turns white and what are the reasons for lightening

A mole becomes lighter - this is an alarming symptom that forces you to pay attention to the nevus. The condition may be accompanied by changes in the size and shape of the growth. A consultation with a doctor and laboratory tests will determine the cause of the pathological process. The specialist will prescribe the necessary treatment to prevent negative consequences.

Possible reasons for a mole changing color to light

The number of nevi depends on the production of melanin in the cells of the body. The gradual lightening of a pigmented area does not always pose a threat to human health, foreshadowing a possible disease. The process often begins in adulthood. The spot turns pale and disappears completely, leaving no traces.

If a white border begins to appear around the growth, this is evidence of a malfunction of the pigment cells. A clear symptom of the onset of the disease is vitiligo, which is not a direct threat to the human condition.

In some cases, lightening indicates degeneration into a malignant tumor.

A change in the color of the nevus, its malignancy can develop as a result of hormonal imbalance, causing long-term weakening of the body. Constant aggressive exposure to the sun cannot be ruled out.

You cannot make a diagnosis on your own or look for the cause of the situation. A timely visit to a doctor will help determine the nature of the formation.

A dermatologist or oncologist will prescribe an examination and the necessary tests.

Is it dangerous and what needs to be done

The human body is covered with pigmentation. Nevi vary in size and shape. They can be flat or convex. Under unfavorable conditions, they degenerate into a malignant formation.

Hanging warts are considered dangerous. Only a thin stalk attaches them to the skin. The risk of injury, ripping off by clothing or careless movement increases. It can be the main cause of the development of cancer.

If the formation is benign, but is located in an area susceptible to injury, surgical removal is prescribed. Will reduce the risk of developing negative consequences in the future.

The face, temples, back, and abdomen can become covered with pigment spots, causing aesthetic discomfort. Many people decide to get rid of growths surgically. Experts do not recommend such interventions; such interventions can provoke negative consequences in the future.

If the mole continues to grow, begins to dry out, releases liquid when pressed, or becomes hard, red or dark in color, experts recommend removing the suspicious element. There are several ways:

1. Conservative method - removal is carried out using a scalpel. It is used when the doctor suspects that the nevus is transforming into melanoma. The disadvantage of the procedure is high trauma to the skin, a long rehabilitation period, and scars.
2. Laser removal is best used when the size of the growth is small. The disadvantage is that it is impossible to exclude relapse; damaged tissue may remain. The advantage is a quick recovery period, no traces.
3. Removal by radio waves does not injure healthy tissue; the growth is completely removed. Effective for small spots.
4. Removal by electric current – ​​electrocoagulation. The risk of blood loss is reduced. An effective method with a minimal recovery period.
5. Cryodestruction - removal with liquid nitrogen. Used if the birthmark is small.

What symptoms should you see a doctor for?

If the mole has decreased or increased in size and lightened, you should pay attention to the presence of symptoms:

• the color of the nevus has changed dramatically: it has become black or white;
• the hanging wart darkened and fell off - the cause could be a break in a thin stalk;
• the skin began to dry out, becoming covered with microcracks;
• the size changed, the spot began to actively grow;
• the mole began to itch, a burning sensation and constant itching appeared;
• the center of the spot has changed, the surface has become lumpy, uneven, and a crust has appeared;
• the edge of the formation has become asymmetrical, losing its clear outline;
• with light pressure, fluid and blood are released from the formation;
• when touching the area, a person experiences pain;
• the appearance of a characteristic halo around the nevus of a dark or light color.

The doctor does not always identify the negative consequences of the transformation. To prevent complications, it is recommended to undergo a full examination.

Possible complications

If the mole has lightened and the causes of what is happening are identified, you should undergo the prescribed treatment.

1. Lightening a mole in people over 60 years of age is a reason to consult a doctor. The risk of developing malignancy increases. It is dangerous to ignore the problem when the formation has changed color and fallen off.
2. The pigment grows to 30 cm or more.
3. The appearance of a large number of age spots during pregnancy should be a reason to consult a specialist. Hormonal changes in the body cannot be ignored in order to prevent health problems.

Prevention of malignancy

Knowing about the tendency to the appearance of numerous age spots, a person should be attentive to his health, following general preventive recommendations:

• It is prohibited to sunbathe in the open sun later from 11:00 to 17:00. You can be near the water in the shade;
• you cannot visit the solarium;
• using sunscreen will not prevent the appearance of new moles or their inflammation;
• If new growths appear, undergo examination and consult with your doctor;
• burning out or tearing off a mole on your own will lead to disastrous consequences;
• if the nevus falls off or is injured, you should consult a doctor;

The rules will protect you from serious consequences and health problems. A visit to a specialist should be timely as soon as the spot has increased, decreased in size, many new ones have appeared, or they have begun to fade or change shape.

Having noticed that the mole has turned white, many needlessly leave the problem without proper attention. Unpleasant symptoms, discomfort, burning sensation are reasons to immediately consult a doctor. Nevi can be harmless, but they must be kept under control to remain healthy.

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Forecast

The prognosis of nevi that have changed their color depends entirely on the exact reason for which they began to change color, as well as on how quickly treatment was started.

Under no circumstances should you engage in self-diagnosis, much less self-medication, as this can lead to the most dire consequences. Only a dermatologist or oncologist knows how to properly treat pathology in each specific case. Removal of moles that have changed color is strictly prohibited by cosmetologists. It is worth understanding that even melanomas at any stage can be successfully treated today. Timely consultation with a doctor is the key to health and long life.

What will histology tell you?

Nevus histology is a postoperative examination of tissues and cells of the formation under a microscope by a specialist pathologist. Today, histological examination is the most reliable method for diagnosing cancer tumors. Based on the results obtained, a final clinical diagnosis is made.

Melanoma detected at an early stage of formation is highly treatable. The patient only needs to notice the change in the shape of the mole in time and come to a specialist for a clinical examination.

Distinctive signs of melanoma moles

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of malignant tumor.

And although, according to statistics, this disease makes up no more than 10% of other cancers, it tends to affect younger and younger people.

Melanoma most often develops on the lower leg (in women) or the back (in men), but can even form on the palm of the hand. It can occur for no apparent reason or be the result of degeneration of nevus cells.

How to determine that a mole is no longer benign?

Let's look at the signs of melanoma moles.

Types of nevi

In medicine, several classifications are accepted.

So, based on the structure of the neoplasm, the following are distinguished:

• vascular . Consist of overgrown vessels;
• non-vascular . Formed by a cluster of melanocytes.

According to the location they are distinguished:

• epidermal nevi - formed in the epidermis;
• intradermal - in the deep layers of the dermis;
• borderline - can affect both of these layers of skin.

Depending on the existing risk of degeneration into melanoma, there are:

• melanoma-free . In the absence of adverse effects, degeneration into a malignant tumor does not occur;
• melanoma-hazardous . High risk of developing melanoma from a nevus.

Photo: what are they?

Signs of melanoma moles

Every person should know everything about their moles, which ones are dangerous and cause concern.

You just need to regularly check their condition and know the signs of degeneration:

• Color change. The mole may lighten, darken, or even turn black.
• The appearance of spots of a different shade, peeling.
• The borders of the mole begin to spread, their clarity disappears, and the skin around it becomes red. A flat mole becomes convex and rises noticeably above the surface of the skin. This indicates the beginning of the inflammatory process.
• Nodules and crusts appear on the mole.
• The mole hurts or causes itching or tingling.
• If the nevus initially had a hair that suddenly fell out, this is an alarming sign. The degenerating cells first destroy the hair follicle, and the hair stops growing.
• The appearance of cracks on the mole, from which some kind of liquid or ichor begins to ooze over time.

Does a change in a mole in this way always indicate the formation of a malignant tumor in its place?

Of course not.

But these symptoms should, at a minimum, alert you and force you to consult a specialist.

Oncologists know very well how quickly a nevus degenerates into melanoma. But if you catch the first signs of the disease, you can save not only health, but also human life.

Photo: signs of melanoma

Why does rebirth occur?

Cancer cells are atypical. This means that their gene structure is disrupted. They are beyond the control of the body. Developing and multiplying in the body, they can cause irreparable harm to it.

Changes in the gene structure of cells occur under the influence of unfavorable factors. Under their influence, the cell is reborn.

Here are the factors that can cause degeneration of nevus cells:

• excess ultraviolet radiation;
• electromagnetic radiation;
• increased background radiation;
• consumption of carcinogens;
• exposure to aggressive chemicals on the skin (including household chemicals).

White-skinned people with blond hair and blue eyes are also at risk.

Predisposition to melanoma increases if there have been cases of this disease in your family.

The potential risk of melanoma formation at the site of a nevus always exists. But a small flat mole is less susceptible to it than a convex and large one.

Video: “Melanoma, skin cancer, five main signs”

How to determine

Since every person has moles , everyone should monitor their condition.

In areas that are exposed to the eye (arm, leg, stomach, face) you can do this yourself. Ask your relatives to do a back examination.

How to distinguish a mole that has begun to degenerate from an ordinary one?

In medicine, there is a special algorithm according to which a nevus should be checked.

It is enclosed in the abbreviation “ACORD”, where each letter is the name of a sign that you should pay attention to when examining a mole:

• A – asymmetry. How to distinguish an asymmetrical mole? Draw an imaginary line through the center of the nevus - both halves should be symmetrical.
• K – edge . Both flat and raised moles should have clear boundaries. Their blurriness and spreading to the surrounding skin should be the subject of examination by a doctor.
• O – coloring. A benign mole is uniformly colored.
• R – size. This sign should be constant, although there may be a slight increase in diameter with age (by 1-2 mm throughout life). You can notice how quickly a nevus grows in a simple way. Take a piece of transparent polyethylene, place it on the mole and trace its contours with a pen. You will get a template by which you can check whether the nevus has grown.
• D – dynamics. What it is? These are any changes in the nevus: those that you see or feel. How to check this sign? You can take a photograph of a mole and use this photograph to check its condition.

This algorithm will help you understand whether a mole has developed into a tumor. Such self-examination should be carried out regularly, at least once every 2-3 months. And if you find similar signs, do not delay visiting your doctor.

Are there nevi with such signs, but benign?

What to do if a hanging mole turns black and falls off?

Is it good or bad if moles appear? Read here.

Of course, because a change in a mole is not yet a diagnosis of melanoma. A doctor's consultation is necessary to identify the possibility of degeneration as early as possible.

Diagnostics

If you have any doubts about the condition of a mole, you should consult a doctor who will help you distinguish a benign formation from another.

It is better if it is a dermato-oncologist, but if such a specialist is not available, contact an oncologist.

You can also visit a dermatologist, but if you suspect that the tumor is malignant, you will still have to visit an oncologist who has more extensive information about how melanoma differs from other nevus conditions.

Diagnosis of the nevus condition includes the following measures:

• Visual examination by a doctor and conversation with the patient.
• A smear from the surface of a mole. This is done if the mole gets wet or bleeds.
• Biopsy. Recently, medicine has changed its attitude towards this type of diagnosis of dangerous moles. Since a biopsy is a damaging factor that can provoke the degeneration of a mole, it has now been excluded from the list of diagnostic measures.
• Dermatoscopy. Examination of a mole using a special device - a dermatoscope. With its help you can obtain the most complete information about the condition of the nevus.
• Laboratory research. Each type of malignant tumor has its own markers - specific substances in the human blood. Analysis for tumor markers allows us to determine the development of melanoma.
• Removal of a nevus is also one of the diagnostic methods. After removal, the excised material is sent for histological examination. In its process, it is determined whether the mole was malignant and whether it was completely removed. This can be seen by the presence of healthy tissue around the nevus.

Photo: dermatoscopy

Can removal trigger the development of melanoma?

Only if it is performed unprofessionally and the nevus is not completely removed. The development of melanoma after removal of a mole occurs from the remaining, unremoved nevus cells.

Types of melanomas

Treatment measures are selected, among other things, depending on the type of melanoma:

• superficial advanced melanoma. It is characterized by the fact that the tumor first spreads across the surface of the skin and then grows deeper;
• nodular melanoma. Characterized by rapid growth in depth of the skin.
• melanoma-lentigo. Or Dubreuil's precancerous melanosis;
• subungual melanoma. Forms under fingernails and toenails.

Photo: forms of malignant tumors

Treatment

The main treatment measure is the removal of a malignant tumor – melanoma.

Under no circumstances should you do this yourself using folk remedies.

Cauterization with iodine, even on bleeding moles, will not correct the situation. But time will be lost, and with it part of your health. Therefore, they should only be removed in medical institutions.

• Removal is performed surgically. This is the safest way to prevent relapses.
• Laser removal would be possible, but in its process the structure of the tumor is completely disrupted, and histological examination becomes impossible.

How can you tell if melanoma has been completely removed?

Histology results will tell you this. This test analyzes the amount of healthy tissue surrounding the tumor.

Unfortunately, complete removal does not guarantee that metastases have not formed in other tissues.

Price

The price for this procedure may vary depending on the specific institution.

The table shows prices in rubles for some Moscow clinics:

Sometimes, in addition to surgical removal of melanoma, additional treatment is required:

• chemotherapy – destruction of cancer cells with chemicals;
• radiation therapy - exposure to radiation;
• immunotherapy – activation of the body’s own defenses;
• biotherapy – the use of antitumor vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy.

Prevention of transition to a malignant form

There is no specific prevention for melanoma.

How is computer diagnostics of moles carried out?

What does a mole on a woman’s butt mean? Find out here.

Where can you check moles in Moscow? Read more.

But people at risk should adhere to some rules that reduce the likelihood of a nevus degenerating into a malignant formation:

• Avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation during the period of greatest sun activity (from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.);
• areas of the body with large or dangerous nevi should not be tanned;
• people with many moles or large nevi should not take treatments in a solarium;
• regularly examining your skin and moles yourself;
• If there are any changes to existing moles, you should immediately consult a specialist.

Melanoma is not very common among other cancers, but is a very aggressive form of them.

Sometimes it is within the power of a person to prevent its development. To do this you need to follow simple rules.

And remember, the sooner you consult a doctor about any changes in a mole, the more likely you are to maintain your health.

Video: “How to recognize the degeneration of a nevus in time?”

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