What does a malignant mole look like? How to distinguish dangerous and non-dangerous moles on the human body

In people’s conversations you can hear the saying: “Whoever has a lot of moles is a happy person.” Do moles really bring good luck to those on whose skin they appear in abundance, or is there more bad luck in this phenomenon?

Moles are formations on the skin that can appear and disappear suddenly, without any warning.

This is not the medical name for neoplasms. The fact is that people call any spot on the skin moles, but these marks have different origins, medical names and life prognosis. Today you will learn about whether moles are dangerous to human life, what connection do skin cancer have with the presence of moles?

What types of moles are there?

Dermatology is the science that studies the skin, designed to find, differentiate and treat pathological formations skin. Unfortunately, doctors, especially when seeing patients on an outpatient basis, do not pay attention to the skin unless it is a complaint.

Lack of time, heavy workload, ignorance or other reasons force doctors to ignore a thorough examination of the outer integument and mucous membranes. This oversight can harm a person’s health and even cost him his life. Not only diseases of the skin itself, but also diseases of many internal organs, manifest themselves on the external integument.

But, as is known from the popular saying: “The fate of drowning people is the work of the drowning people themselves,” every person should have minimal knowledge in order to suspect any skin disease in time and turn to to a specialized specialist for qualified help.

Pay attention!

Human skin is quite often affected by malignant neoplasms. Skin cancer is extremely dangerous pathology which can result in the death of a person.

Many years of experience accumulated by histologists and skin doctors, allowed to do detailed classification types and morphological forms of skin formations.

Benign neoplasms

Nevus– a large group of formations, with different locations and sizes.
Hemangioma — benign formations from blood vessels.
Papillomas– raised soft formations on a thin stalk.
Fibromas are raised tumors on a thick stalk.
Lentigo– benign formations do not rise above the skin.
Epidermal cysts– benign cavitary formations of the skin.
Senile keratoma – benign neoplasm brown in color, appears in older people.
Keratoacanthoma– a benign skin neoplasm characterized by rapid growth.

Based on the classification, many skin formations can be called moles. According to some criteria, all neoplasms can be divided into several groups. This division can help in diagnosis and further prognosis for life and health.

By time of occurrence:

Congenital neoplasms (becomes visible after birth or shortly after birth).
Acquired neoplasms (appear during life for various reasons).

By size:

Small – in diameter from 0.5cm to 1.5cm;
Medium – from 1.5cm to 10cm;
Large - over 10 cm in diameter.

By color:

colorless (skin color);
brown (from light coffee to dark brown);
red (from light pink to dark burgundy).

Of course, professionals can find quite a large number of criteria for differentiating skin formations, which will be incomprehensible and vague for ordinary person. We will give a simplified classification.

Skin nevus - what is it?

Nevi are the most common type of moles, pigmented benign neoplasms. They arise from cells with skin pigment – melanin. The most common neoplasms are those acquired during life. On average, every white-skinned adult has about 25 moles. In people with colored skin pigmented nevi are much less common.

It has been noticed that the location of moles in close relatives is the same, which is why they are also called birthmarks. Most nevi appear in childhood, reach a maximum in adolescence and gradually begin to disappear.

At the age of 60 years, almost all dermal pigmented nevi undergo involution. Deeply located and dysplastic moles do not disappear with age. As a rule, there are no complaints. The presence of itching or pain may indicate a malignant process.

Depending on the location relative to the superficial layer of the skin, they are distinguished:

Borderline nevus- (pre-malignant) - nevus cells are located at the border of the dermis and epidermis. It is most often localized on the extremities, on the palms and soles, in the genital area and perineum. Outwardly they resemble flat or slightly raised plaques from light brown to brown-black. It is necessary to monitor such a mole at the first sign of a change in color or size and consult a doctor to rule out melanoma.
Intradermal nevus– an inactive benign mole with a small-papillary surface. Specific cells are located deep in the skin. The most common form has many varieties. Sizes range from 0.3cm to 5cm or more. Hair may grow in the center. Protrudes above the surface of the skin and is often injured. Color varies from skin color to dark brown.
Mixed nevus– includes properties of both intradermal and border cell locations. Localization is varied. It may be level with the skin or rise above it. The color range is varied.

For all of these types of moles, which are the most common among people, there are complaints of cosmetic defects. But they can be removed only after consultation with a dermatologist and a thorough examination. With trauma and medical manipulations, moles do not become malignant.

Hemangioma is another type of mole that can appear immediately after birth. Small vessels called capillaries grow in the thickness of the skin. Sometimes the lumens of the capillaries expand and turn into pools of blood.

It is because of the blood that these moles have all shades of red. Sometimes a hemangioma can occupy a large area of skin or be located in open areas of the body. Such a birthmark can be on the skin of the face, occupying more than half of the anatomical area. Favorite location: face, torso, legs, oral mucosa.

It appears as a soft, bright red or purplish nodule that rises above the surface of the skin. It is noteworthy that some types of hemangiomas in children can disappear on their own.

Papillomas are benign skin formations that have the appearance of skin and protrude above the surface in the form of a button or in the form of a nipple. Can grow on a stalk. A virus can cause papillomas.

Depending on the form, there are several types:

pointed;
simple;
flat papillomas;
plantar papillomas.

Viruses enter the body through sexual contact. Since the formation protrudes above the surface of the skin, there is a high risk of injury to papillomas and infection. In this case, the formation turns black and blood flows from it. Such formations are popularly called warts.

Fibroma is also a benign neoplasm that grows from fibrous tissue. connective tissue, and has the color of unchanged skin. Favorite localization skin folds. They may occur more often in overweight women. Already formed fibromas do not turn into malignant neoplasms, but such formations can develop independently.

Lentigo is a formation very similar to a nevus, the difference is only in the histological structure. Translated from Latin language Lentigo is a “lentil-shaped spot,” in other words, ordinary freckles.

There are several types of lentigo:

senile lentigo - appears in older people 60-70 years old;
juvenile - occurs in the first decades of a child’s life, there is no connection with sunlight.

Color varies from light brown to black. Melanocytes, which form the histological basis of lentigo, proliferate in the skin. However, the likelihood of developing melanoma from ordinary lentigo is excluded.

Localized on lower lip, on the genitals, open parts of the body. There are single and multiple. Scientists have proven the connection between lentigo and certain intestinal diseases.

Epidermal are absolutely benign neoplasms on various parts of the body and scalp. Growth is associated with blockage of the sebaceous glands and the formation of closed cavities. They have the appearance of towering spherical nodes of varying degrees of density. This type of skin disease, of course, is difficult to confuse with a mole or birthmark, but the variety and appearance can be misleading.

Types of epidermal cysts:

milium- a miniature cyst filled with skin keratin. Dimensions up to 2 mm, somewhat shiny - gray. Rashes can be single or multiple. May arise as in childhood and more mature.
synovial cyst- Forms near the joints, most often on the hands and feet. The cyst contains a clear gel-like liquid.
implantation cyst - occurs as a result of injury when the outer layer of the skin penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin. Favorite location: palms and soles. It looks like a dense nodule.
pilar cyst- cystic formation on the scalp ranging in size from 0.5 cm to 5 cm. Multiple or single formations, more often occurs in women.
epidermal cyst or atheroma- the most common skin cyst formed in surface layer skin. The diameter varies up to 5 cm. Favorite localization is the face, neck, chest, upper back. In the center, a small hole contains a thick whitish-yellow mass.

Actinic keratoma is perhaps the most common benign skin growth in the superficial layer of the skin. It looks like a round pigmented spot with a layer of horny scales. Slightly rise above the surface.

Its appearance is genetically predisposed, but appears after 35 years. The number increases with age. It can all start from a single formation to several thousand in very old people. May be known under another name - keratopapilloma, senile wart or seborrheic keratosis. More common in men.

Keratoacanthoma is a hemispherical formation on the skin that rises above the surface of the skin. In the center there is a crater-shaped depression filled with dead layers of skin. Doctors often confuse keratoacanthoma with squamous cell skin cancer. However, there are differences, primarily in the histological structure.

The standard age of appearance is 40 years. Fast growing, can grow up to 3cm in a few weeks. Keratoacanthoma does not cause any inconvenience to patients other than a cosmetic defect. Color from normal color skin to brown. The density is moderate. Dimensions can reach up to 10 cm, round shape.

Skin cancer, which moles are dangerous?

Malignant skin tumors and how to recognize them in time? A pressing question that can save many people's lives.

Malignant neoplasms:

Squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma.
Melanoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm of stratified squamous epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes. The occurrence of this type of cancer is preceded by the action of certain factors that act as a catalyst.

solar radiation;
arsenic compound;
X-rays and others.

Fair-haired people with white skin and high sensitivity to light are more often affected, but among representatives of the Asian and Negroid races, the incidence rate is no lower as a result of other harmful factors.

People at risk:

working, outdoors;
farmers;
sailors;
builders;
workers with chemical reagents;
in contact with x-rays.

The main manifestation is skin formations. The localization of the tumor is varied; the most dangerous localization is on the inner and outer corners of the eyes. The tumor grows and quickly increases in size and height. The base is motionless. The surface is uneven, lumpy with or without scales.

Sometimes with some varieties of this cancer with ulceration in the center. Appearance: whitish sclerotic nodule with blurred boundaries.

Basal cell carcinoma is a common form of cancer exclusively of the skin, from the epidermis to the hair follicles. It grows into the deep layers of soft tissue, destroying muscles and bones. As the tumor grows, it destroys blood vessels, which leads to bleeding. In other cases, the color of the tumor is brown to blue-black. The surface is smooth, shiny, consistency is dense. The shape is round with a depression in the center.

The age of the lesion varies, but most often after 45 years. Men get sick more often. Basal cell carcinoma appears as a light pink mole with thread-like vessels. Rising above the surface of the skin. For accurate diagnosis do a skin biopsy. Risk factors are the same as for squamous cell carcinoma. Solar irradiation, the effect of chemical carcinogens.

Melanoma is perhaps one of the most dangerous of malignant neoplasms. It develops from melanocyte pigment cells. The possibility of developing melanoma is the most important reason, which is why people should know as much as possible about moles. Skin cancer and the presence of moles in this case are very closely interrelated.

Favorite localization:

leather;
retina;
mucous membranes of the vagina, oral cavity, rectum.

The tumor rapidly progresses and metastasizes through the lymphatic and blood vessels. It often happens that the patient dies from metastatic lesions and intoxication without discovering the primary location of the tumor. The body's response is very weak or absent altogether.

Diagnosis of a dangerous mole

Precancerous skin changes often develop from the following types of moles:

Congenital noncellular nevus(giant or small) - this type of mole is detected immediately after birth. This is a benign neoplasm. The sizes vary from very small to gigantic. Regardless of size, anyone can become a precursor to melanoma. Externally, the formation is raised above the skin level, in the form of a plaque, sometimes covered with hair. Whether the shape is regular or not, the boundaries can be blurry or clear. The surface is lumpy and wrinkled. Color - all shades of brown.
Dysplastic nevus– This is an acquired mole or pigment spot. It can occur both on clean skin and as a component complex nevus. It is considered a precursor to superficial spreading melanoma. Dysplastic nevi appear shortly before puberty and continue to form until old age. As in other cases, the provoking factor is excess sunlight. In appearance, a dysplastic nevus is a brown formation slightly raised above the surface of the skin without clear boundaries.
Lentigo maligna and lentigo— melanoma is a neoplasm that is a precursor to melanoma. A flat, intraepidermal formation that does not rise above the surface of the skin throughout. If a bulging papule appears on the surface, this means it has turned into melanoma. Risk factor: working outdoors. In appearance, the spot ranges in size from 3 to 20 cm. It has a bizarre color ranging from light brown and black with inclusions and blots of black on a brown background. The shape is irregular with irregular boundaries. Favorite localization on open areas of the skin of the neck, shoulders, back surface brushes

If your usual mole begins to change, namely to increase in size, bleed, change color, and shape, and this may be either a darkening of the color or a weakening of the color, in this case you need to consult a doctor.

Trauma to moles

Regardless of whether you have a lot of moles or not, the likelihood of damaging it is always high. You can simply scratch the formation or tear it off completely during execution hygiene procedures or for other reasons. However, there is no need to panic. First of all, it is necessary to take all measures to prevent infection from entering the wound.

To do this, treat the injury site with an antiseptic and stop the bleeding. Secondly, the torn mole should be taken to a histology laboratory for examination. As you know, there are types of moles built from capillaries, so the bleeding can be quite severe.

Which doctor should I contact?

If you have discovered a suspicious mole on yourself or your family. It is necessary to contact a dermatologist or oncodermatologist. It becomes necessary to remove a mole if:

the mole began to grow rapidly;
bleeding from the formation;
irregular shape, inflammation;
the mole is located in such a place that it is constantly rubbed or injured by clothing;
you injure a mole when shaving or combing your hair;
gross cosmetic defect;

The doctor will conduct an examination and a thorough examination of the formation. This is necessary for the correct choice of removal and treatment methods.

Treatment and removal of moles

There are several methods for removing moles, as well as treatment of moles after removal.

Laser removal— removal occurs layer by layer. A depression will remain at the site of formation. The operation lasts no more than 6 minutes. A disadvantage can be considered superficial excision of the mole, without underlying tissue.
Electrocoagulation- removal using alternating electric current. Allows you to control the depth. A small burn will remain at the site of the mole, which will gradually disappear.
Cryodestruction- removal using liquid nitrogen at very high low temperatures(below 170 degrees Celsius). The mole, under the influence of a physical factor, is destroyed and rejected. The method is popular, but complications may arise.
Surgical excision- this method is suitable for all types of moles, even for the treatment of malignant skin tumors. The procedure is done under anesthesia. It leaves a linear scar.
Radio wave method— the method is painless and leaves no marks on the body. Removal is carried out using a special Surgiton installation.

It should be remembered that in case of diagnosis malignant neoplasm skin surgical treatment should be carried out in a specialized oncology hospital.

Folk remedies for removing age spots and moles

You cannot remove moles yourself, otherwise irreversible health consequences may occur. If you still decide to do this at home, consult a dermatologist and first examine your moles for the presence of cancer.

Dandelion is a very effective remedy for getting rid of moles and freckles. In the spring, take a dandelion and wipe the problem area with its juice.

For the same purposes, you can use onion juice.

Make a compress on the mole from the mixture linseed oil and honey. Apply this mixture three times a day for a month.

Wipe the mole with fresh pineapple juice.

Enough dangerous method To get rid of moles, use alternately lemon and garlic juice. Repeat the procedure three times a day for a week.

Conclusion

Cute freckles on the bridge of the nose, giant spots on the skin or small convex buttons. Every person on earth has these tumors.

Moles are an integral part of our body, so do not rush to thoughtlessly remove them in the name of beauty standards. Be individual.

However, you should not be negligent about your health. Carefully examine your moles and consult a doctor at the slightest suspicion. Remember that treatment and removal of moles must be carried out in a medical facility by qualified specialists.

The first tiny spots may appear in children in infancy. A mole is a small formation on the skin - a nevus - that is considered benign and harmless. The basis for their appearance is melanocyte cells that accumulate the natural pigment melanin. Depending on its quantity, a difference in color is observed. Available colors:

red;
black;
pink;
brown;
blue.

The shape of the tumors depends on the location and concentration of melanin. They may have a stalk or be located under the skin, be flat and convex.

The most common type is round, but there are exceptions. The development of neoplasms provokes ultraviolet radiation– natural from the sun, in a solarium.

Hereditary factors cannot be excluded. A common cause of formation is hormonal imbalance, characteristic of periods:.

puberty;
pregnancy;
menopause.

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 skin chemicals(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.

A malignant mole is a cancer called melanoma. It can form anywhere on the body, but most often appears in exposed areas, as they are exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form cancer. It is very important to monitor all moles on the body, especially if there are a lot of them. If a malignant mole is detected early, the development of melanoma can be prevented.

Not every skin cancer is melanoma. This cancer is formed from melanocytes - pigment cells of the skin.

The disease at an early stage can be “caught” if a mole that degenerates into a malignant formation is removed at an early stage.

The outcome in this case is favorable, the possibility of relapse is quite low.

For more late stages the likelihood of survival decreases as melanoma metastasizes to different organs, provoking a tumor in them.

Recently, the incidence of the disease has increased. Most often, melanoma affects fair-skinned people over 40 years of age.

What forms of melanoma look like:

spreading superficially. This is the most common species, which develops not only from a nevus, but also on clean skin. It is an uneven plaque with a heterogeneous color;
nodal The rapidly developing form is a small nodule of pigmented skin that is susceptible to ulceration and bleeding;
lentigo. A cluster of small dark brown spots on exposed skin.

There are 4 stages of melanoma development:

I: initial stage – small formation without metastases;

II: increase in thickness;

III: damage to nearby lymph nodes;

IV: appearance of metastases.

All dangerous moles can lead to such a deadly disease.

This is why you need to urgently consult a doctor if the first signs of melanoma appear.

Nevi are clusters of pigment cells on the outer layer of the skin; they are malignant and benign.

Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops in the pigment cells present in the skin, namely melanocytes.

Types with description:

Turning common birthmarks into symptoms serious illness happens for several reasons. Often people, out of ignorance or carelessness, break simple rules.

Preventing complications and cancer is much easier than fighting them. Remember the factors that provoke the development of skin cancer:

prolonged exposure to the sun, frequent trips to the solarium;
visiting the beach during the highest sun activity from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
injury from constant friction against hard parts of clothing, for example, collar, cuffs;
accidental damage to nevi (moles large size or formations located in an inconvenient place, easy to snag or tear off).

All birthmarks can be classified according to various criteria. You can divide the types of moles into subgroups based on morphological and structural differences. Grouping moles will help determine whether they pose a danger to the wearer and characterize the risks to his health and vital functions.

Causes of rebirth

A mole sometimes undergoes a number of malignant changes.

But what are the causes that a person can prevent?

How you can cause transformation:

trauma to the nevus - squeezing, tearing, scratching or rubbing - both with violation of integrity and with its preservation;
excess sunlight, or artificial ultraviolet light. This can be either careless neglect of protection against UV radiation while relaxing on the beach, or abuse of a solarium.

Benign tumors can develop into malignant tumors.

Reasons for rebirth:

frequent exposure to the open sun or tanning in a solarium;
hereditary predisposition to cancer;
mechanical damage to benign birthmarks;
hormonal therapy.

Malignant cells begin to actively multiply in tissues under the influence of unfavorable factors. Often degeneration occurs at moments of hormonal changes in the body - puberty, pregnancy, menopause.

The main reasons for the transformation of benign moles into melanoma:

constant injury to pigment spots from clothing items;
disorders of the thyroid gland;
negative effects of ultraviolet radiation - it is especially dangerous for fair-skinned, fair-haired and red-haired people with a large number freckles;
hereditary factor;
injuries, self-removal;
failure to comply with hygiene rules after swimming in open water.

Degeneration of moles often occurs with large congenital nevi. With an excessive increase in the number and number of age spots, neoplasms that completely cover any part of the body are especially dangerous.

When should you see a doctor?

It is not always possible to determine on your own which moles are considered dangerous. It is necessary to visit an oncologist for a thorough examination and diagnosis. After studying the symptoms, the doctor will give a referral for laboratory tests and select the optimal treatment regimen.

Signs of malignant moles:

change in color and structure - the color becomes uneven, deep brown, black, small additional nodes appear at the edges - such moles are the most dangerous;
color changes on one side of the spot;
the skin around the nevus becomes inflamed, begins to peel, the contours become blurred, the whole mole breaks up into several neoplasms;
moles become dense and cracks form on them;
If a malignant nevus is located on the scalp, the hair on it begins to fall out.

Types of melanomas

The types of moles are determined based on their color, shape and size. In shape, the neoplasm can appear flat, oblong, round, smooth or with a rough structure.

The skin of a mole can be light brown, have all shades of the red spectrum, black and even purple, which directly depends on the color type of a particular person.

Its minimum size is usually 1 mm, and its maximum is difficult to predict; sometimes it covers a significant area.

Depending on the danger, moles are of the following types:

1. Nevus is a benign neoplasm. It does not cause discomfort, its shape has clear outlines, and does not change its original color. Most moles belong to this type.

2. Basalioma is a type of precancerous condition of a birthmark.

3. Melanoma. All malignant moles have this name in medicine. To identify it, a thorough examination by an oncodermatologist and diagnostics are necessary.

In the medical literature, structural types of moles and photos with descriptions are often found. Let's look at them in more detail. The pigmented neoplasm is smooth to the touch, sometimes it can have a rough appearance due to a small amount of hair. The color is usually dark.

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 development from melanoma nevus.

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

Cancerous degeneration of nevi is often confused with skin cancer. The latter is characterized as a pathological uncontrolled proliferation of epidermal cells

Skin cancer can be of three types:

basal cell carcinoma;
squamous cell skin cancer;
melanoma.

Cancerous moles are classified according to their visual appearance: thickness, depth, structure and shape. Highlight the following types melanoma:

Moles that, under certain circumstances, can degenerate into malignant ones (melanomas) are called melanoma-hazardous. Melanoma-dangerous moles, depending on their color, shape, outline, size and location, are classified into the following types:

Blue nevus.
Dubreuil's melanosis.
Nevus Ota.
Giant pigmented mole.
Pigmented borderline mole.

In order to characterize the type of mole of a particular person, it is necessary to know the distinctive features inherent in this mole - shape, color, size. With this data, you can form a general picture of the tumor and determine whether the problem requires medical intervention.

Initially, moles can be of a wide variety of forms, which do not carry information about the risk of their degeneration into malignant tumors. The shape of a mole can be either standard (circle, oval, dot) or unusual (month, star, animal).

Flat moles

Flat moles (med. - lentigo) are the most common type of moles.

There are:

Simple lentigo. Simple (adolescent) lentigo forms mainly in children and adolescents during puberty and, as a consequence, a surge in hormones. The localization of simple lentigo can be very diverse. Such moles are found throughout the body, on mucous membranes, and can be single or multiple.
Solar lentigo. Solar lentigo occurs in frequent visitors to solariums and in people who spend a lot of time in the sun. It is not dangerous and is localized in those areas that are more exposed to the sun than others.
Senile lentigo. Senile lentigo is an age-related neoplasm of beige-brown color. Over time, the formations may darken and are located on the neck, shoulders and hands.

Convex moles

How prominent a mole is depends on the level of melanocyte concentration. If pigment cells are concentrated between the epidermis and dermis, the mole is only slightly convex; if melanocytes accumulate in the dermis, the mole is completely convex.

All moles/birthmarks can be divided into groups according to the method of their formation and the reasons that caused them.

According to the structure they are distinguished:

pigmented moles;
vascular moles;
warty moles.

Pigmented moles

Pigmented birthmarks and moles are formed from large cluster melanocytes in the epidermis, intradermal layer or between them. Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, which is why the color pigmented moles characteristic - from beige-brown to dark brown.

Can be of various shapes: oblong, oval, irregular shape. The localization of pigmented moles varies widely; the palmoplantar location is rare.

Vertical growth depends on the layer of formation - the deeper the layer, the more raised mole or stain. It has hair and a soft, smooth surface, does not shine. Many people attach a mystical meaning to the shape of the mole, as well as its location on the body.

Vascular moles

By their nature, vascular moles/birthmarks differ from pigmented ones in that they consist not of melanocytes, but of blood vessels. They have a characteristic color from pink to burgundy.

In most cases, vascular formations are congenital and are explained by intrauterine disorders in the formation of the circulatory system. They may consist of blood vessels of different sizes - capillaries, veins, arteries. The most common form is capillary.

Upon closer examination, you can notice microscopic vessels in the structure of the body of the mole. In children, they are often localized on the face and neck, and are found on internal organs. Red vascular formations are called angiomas.

Photos of vascular moles:

Warty moles

Unlike other types, warty moles or papillomas are formed due to infection with the human papillomavirus. Infection occurs through sexual contact, through common personal hygiene items, through micro-abrasions and lesions on the skin, and is also transmitted to the child from the mother during childbirth naturally.

After entering the human body, the virus enters the incubation phase and is activated only under the influence of the following external factors:

hormonal changes;
decreased immunity;
long exposure to the cold;
disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

First of all, the activity of HPV (human papillomavirus) is stopped by taking drugs that increase immunity, antiviral drugs, as well as a drug that excludes further maintenance of a favorable environment for the activity of the virus (treatment of the gastrointestinal tract if activation occurs for this reason).

Targeted treatment involves excision of papillomas surgically, using a laser or conservative methods.

Photo of papillomas:

There are more than 50 varieties of different skin formations. The main feature of the classification is appearance, by which a person can independently diagnose one or another type of nevus.

For medical purposes, the classification is deeper, including a number of features, such as structure, risk of degeneration into melanoma, nature of formation, vertical/horizontal growth and others.

For example, according to the layer of occurrence, nevi are divided into:

Epidermal-dermal. The cells that form the body of the mole (melanocytes or blood vessels) in this case are concentrated in the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) or in the space between the dermis and epidermis. Such moles are non-convex or slightly convex.
Intradermal. The cells that form the body of a mole are concentrated mainly in the deep layer of skin - the dermis. Such moles are significantly convex.

Clinical signs

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.

Malignant moles ( cancer cells) have some obvious signs, which will help distinguish them from a typical mole. The initial stage of the disease - melanocytic dysplasia - is still treatable. Therefore, if a cancerous mole is identified and removed in time, the development of skin cancer can be avoided.

In 1985, dermatologists developed the abbreviation ABCDE, each letter of which represents one sign of a cancerous mole. Over time, this abbreviation was adapted into Russian, and it began to sound like AKORD (asymmetry, edges, color, size, dynamics).

It is by these signs that a malignant growth can be identified. Let's take a closer look at each sign.

Asymmetry. As mentioned above, ordinary moles are symmetrical. If you notice even the slightest asymmetry, you should urgently consult a doctor.
Edges. Cancerous moles have jagged, blurry, and even jagged edges.
Coloring. Common moles are usually one color (black or brown). Cancerous moles on the body can be of different shades, including red.
Size. Ordinary moles do not exceed 6 mm in volume. If the mole is larger than 6 mm, then most likely it is malignant. In addition, cancerous moles quickly increase in size.
Dynamics. If the mole is benign, then it does not change its color or size over the years. If you begin to notice changes, you need to consult a doctor for examination.

So we've looked at the characteristics and symptoms of a cancerous mole. If you notice at least one of these points, immediately run to the doctor to prevent the possible development of melanoma.

Common signs of this type of cancer may be unusual skin growths, long-healing wounds, subcutaneous bumps, and age spots.

Dangerous signs of melanoma, if you find them you need to contact an oncologist:

asymmetry;
unclear boundaries;
uneven color;
large spot diameter.

Signs of melanoma in late stages:

the appearance of dark areas (under the nails or on the epithelium lining the vagina or anus);
raised plaques that bleed when you press on them;
local redness and swelling of hyperpigmented areas;
swollen lymph nodes.

The nevi themselves are mostly harmless and not dangerous - a person can easily live with them all his life and not have any problems.

But genetic problems or a reckless attitude towards the skin lead to disastrous consequences.

Timely recognition of cancerous moles on the body before the onset of the disease is very important, and therefore, immediate consultation with a doctor can save lives.

At an early stage, the disease is called melanocytic dysplasia, and if you manage to remove pathological cells at this time, you can avoid terrible consequences.

There are certain symptoms, and if you identify any of them, you should immediately consult a doctor.

For easy memorization, dermatologists added the abbreviation “ABCDE” from 1985 to the name of the signs of a cancerous mole, or, adapted into Russian, “AKORD”, each letter of which is a separate symptom.

What do the signs of AKORD look like:

asymmetry;
edges;
coloring;
size;
dynamics.

Benign, newly appeared moles are symmetrical (birthmarks do not count).

Symptoms of degeneration

Each of the following signs of nevus is a signal of disease:

deformation, violation of symmetry;
a sharp increase or decrease in the tumor;
change in surface texture - both the appearance of a glossy shine and flaking, dryness;
hair loss from a mole;
compaction;
discoloration, formation of black or red dots;
ulcers, cracks;
inflammation;
pain;
burning;
bleeding or discharge of colorless fluid.

Any such symptom may indicate the degeneration of a nevus into melanoma, so consult a doctor immediately!

Diagnostics

Most doctors diagnose malignancies using a biopsy.

During the procedure, tissue from a dangerous tumor is collected under local anesthesia.
The pathological tissue sample is then sent to a laboratory technician for analysis.

If the results of a histological examination show the presence of cancer cells, then several more diagnostic tests are prescribed.

To determine the stage of the disease and method of treatment, the diagnostician can carry out:

ultrasound examination (to determine the depth of the tumor);
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps diagnose metastases.

Diagnosis for melanoma must be carried out every six months in the presence of potentially dangerous formations; melanoma is often caused by congenital large nevi.

If moles begin to suddenly change color and size, become inflamed, or hurt, then you should consult a doctor immediately. Any suspicious pigment spots must be treated.

The main task is to prevent the appearance of cancer tumors. Self-medication is unacceptable; any intervention can injure the mole, which will cause the development of skin cancer.

Medical diagnosis is carried out using a dermatoscope - a kind of magnifying glass that greatly magnifies the mole, which allows you to carefully examine the changes and structure.

The accuracy of dermatoscopy is more than 95%. A biopsy of suspicious nevi is required - a scraping is taken from the surface of the spot for analysis.

How to determine whether a mole is malignant or not, yourself:

Draw a line mentally through the center of the mole - both parts should be symmetrical. A strong difference in the size of the halves is a dangerous symptom.
Non-dangerous nevi have smooth, rounded edges.
Normal moles are evenly colored, allowing a smooth transition between light and dark tones. A sharp contrast in colors may be a sign of the development of severe pathology.
Pigment spots may increase slightly in size. But if growth occurs quickly, you should urgently visit a doctor.
Any dynamic development of a mole, the appearance of itching, burning, peeling and bleeding is dangerous.

If certain processes within the tumor are suspected, the doctor will prescribe an examination. Required:

drawing up a photo map of birthmarks to control the dynamics (decrease or increase in the number of pigmented formations);
visual inspection;
dermatoscopy;
X-ray;
performing ultrasound;
computed tomography.

Important! Pay attention to the photos of dangerous moles. It is easy to notice that something is wrong with these formations. If you find such signs on your body, immediately go for an examination to a dermatologist. If necessary, do not refuse to consult an oncologist. Early stages of melanoma can be successfully treated.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that develops from pigment cells that produce melanin. It is characterized by rapid growth, frequent recurrence, rapid metastasis to almost all organs, and high mortality.

Melanoma accounts for about 1-2% of all cancer diseases and 10% of all skin cancers. The mortality rate from it (14%) exceeds that from breast and thyroid cancer, and of all deaths from tumors, melanoma accounts for 80%.

It is not easy to determine a malignant mole on your own, so if you have any doubts about the nature of the mole, you should consult a doctor.

Only a professional dermatologist can clearly determine the threat and classify a mole after conducting a special study - dermatoscopy.

The dermatoscopy procedure is absolutely painless and does not take much time: one mole will take 2-3 minutes. Dermatoscopy is performed using special equipment: a magnifying device (dermatoscope) and a backlight, which provides the doctor with the necessary illumination.

The dermatologist applies a special gel to the skin that eliminates possible visual interference (for example, light refraction), and then conducts a visual examination of the moles through a dermatoscope, after which, if necessary, he takes macro photography and additionally studies the resulting images of the moles.

The accuracy of the diagnosis made by a doctor using dermatoscopy is about 95-97%. If the malignancy of a mole or other skin formation is confirmed, the patient is immediately referred for surgical removal moles.

Subject to availability danger signs An additional dermatoscopy procedure may be required: after some time, the nevi are photographed again so that the dynamics of changes in the mole can be compared.

Treatment

Main therapeutic 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 carried out 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 destroyed, 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.

To date, the only possible option The treatment for melanoma is the removal of cancerous moles. The complexity of the operation depends on the severity of the situation and the size of the formation. For small growths, half an hour will be enough.

When removing a cancerous mole, the surgeon cuts out a small area of skin (1 cm) around the mole to prevent new ones from appearing in the same place. The larger the malignant mole in volume and size, the more skin around it needs to be removed.

After the mole is excised, a sample is sent to the laboratory. There they study its prevalence level, that is, the likelihood that new such growths will appear on the body.

Knowing which nevi are dangerous to health, the doctor decides on the method of treatment. In any case, it involves removing tumors.

There are several ways to get rid of it:

surgical excision - cutting out pathological tissue (indicated for suspected melanoma and if it is present);
cryodestruction - freezing with liquid nitrogen (the wound takes longer to heal);
radio and electrocoagulation– low-traumatic methods, damage is minimal, and the wound heals quickly;
The most modern and popular method is laser removal. The procedure is painless, bloodless and leaves virtually no traces.

Melanoma detected in a timely manner, which has not yet spread to the deeper layers of the skin and has not metastasized, can be successfully treated by removing the tumor.

To prevent cancer, it is not advisable to remove all nevi on the skin, since there are many of them, and skin cancer is quite common. rare disease. However, it is extremely insidious and may not appear for a long time until it spreads metastases. Therefore, you need to monitor moles in order to carry out the operation on time.

In no case should you trust any influence on a suspicious element to people without medical education - in beauty salons, etc.

Melanoma is removed by an experienced surgeon only by surgical excision, followed by constant monitoring by an oncologist.
Before removal, the focus of the disease is irradiated and, as a rule, the nearest lymph nodes.

You can protect yourself if the mole is too large or dangerous by default, by removing it in advance.

Melanoma does not form at the operated site if histological examination of the removed tissue confirms the benign nature of the nevus.

Potentially dangerous tumors for degeneration are removed in several ways, in addition to surgery.

Photo: surgical excision of a nevus

Methods for removing a benign mole (not cancer):

Only the oncologist should decide which method of removal is suitable in each specific case.

Before prescribing an operation, the doctor must make sure that degeneration has not yet begun in order to avoid metastasis.

After the second stage of mole skin cancer, it is no longer curable.

Treatment tactics depend on the level of distribution of malignant melanoma cells. If it is diagnosed at the earliest stage of development, surgical removal of the malignant mole is performed with simultaneous excision of the immediate surrounding and underlying tissues and their subsequent histological examination.

If the spread of malignant cells into healthy tissue, to a depth of 1 mm, is detected, repeated removal of healthy tissue is carried out at a distance of up to 2 cm in depth and to the sides of the scar.

Detection of the spread of cells of a malignant spot to a depth exceeding 1 mm is the reason for conducting studies with various imaging methods in order to identify nearby metastasis - computed or magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography (molecular imaging technique), a combination of the latter with computed tomography.

In addition, at this stage, a puncture biopsy of “sentinel” lymph nodes is also performed, that is, the priority lymph nodes in terms of metastasis through the lymphatic system.

This allows you to decide whether to remove them.

After excision of a malignant mole in the early stages, interferon immunotherapy is performed to prevent relapse. Surgical treatment in later stages no longer makes sense. In these cases, only courses of chemotherapy and immunotherapeutic agents are used.

Treatment of skin cancer is quite specific; the main method, without exception, is surgical removal of the tumor. In addition to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can be used, but these methods are ineffective for melanoma; for this type, only radical excision is necessary.

Relatively new and effective techniques at the early stage of the disease are considered laser coagulation and cryodestruction.

Regarding the main type of treatment - surgical intervention, the volume of tissue excision depends on the stage of the pathology. If the first stage is diagnosed, the neoplasm is excised, including 0.5 centimeters of healthy tissue.

If the second stage is detected, the volumes of healthy tissue are cut off within one centimeter. If the thickness of the tumor in the inner layers of the dermis is more than two millimeters, regardless of the stage, at least two centimeters of healthy skin must be removed.

The exception is the desmoplastic version of melanoma; it is characterized by the development of local relapses, therefore, during excision, at least three centimeters of healthy tissue are captured.

Cancer after removal of a mole tends to recur, and more often to metastasize, for this reason the entire body must be examined to identify micrometastases and secondary tumors in distant organs.

Regional lymph nodes are the first to metastasize, therefore, as a rule, lymphadenectomy is used.

For individual metastases, surgery is used in the following cases:

the presence of resectable, individual metastases, the removal of which improves the prognosis;
resectable metastases, without removal, threatening the patient’s life;
resection to reduce the tumor mass for a better subsequent outcome drug treatment chemotherapy drugs.

Consequences of the operation

Typically, after removal rehabilitation period does not last long - the skin at the operation site is scarred, and the size of the scar depends on the size and depth of the nevus, as well as the method of removal.

The least traumatic method, which leaves almost no scars, is laser removal, but it is not suitable for melanoma.

There isn't any specific prevention melanoma.

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 procedures in the 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.

It is very important to remove injured or suspicious moles in a timely manner. If there is a tumor that is difficult for the patient to examine independently - on the head in the hair, in the genital area or on the feet, then doctors advise removing it.
In addition, the amount of exposure to UV radiation on an organism potentially susceptible to cancer must be minimized. Use sunscreen, cover your skin and head, and avoid sunburn.

Rules of conduct:

keep an eye on the moles on your body; if there are any changes in their condition, go for a consultation with a dermatologist;
Avoid damaging nevi. If this happens, consult a doctor. The damaged pigmented formation must be removed;
Spend less time under the scorching rays of the sun. Protect your face and shoulders with a wide-brimmed hat;
It is important for everyone who is at risk to undergo medical examinations and monitor for nevi;
do not visit the solarium, sunbathe before 11 or after 16 hours;
If benign formations are located in inconvenient places, consult a doctor about their removal.

Today, there are no uniform measures agreed upon by experts against the degeneration of moles into malignant formations, but the following basic recommendations can be identified:

Regularly pay attention to the condition of your skin and, if you have the slightest doubt, contact a dermatologist or oncologist.
Avoid skin contact with chemically active substances.
Avoid excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin and use special sunscreens.

Moles can be removed only after consultation with a specialist.

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Nevi- These are benign formations. Most people know them as “moles.” Essentially it is pigmented skin. Nevi form in every person. It is considered normal to have 15-40 of them on the body. But there is also such a thing as a malignant mole, also known as melanoma. What is it? Is it true that this is skin cancer? And how can you promptly notice a degenerating nevus on your body?

What do dangerous moles look like?

So, the first thing you need to figure out is which mole is normal. According to dermatologists, these include nevi:

up to 6 millimeters in diameter;
smooth round or oval shape;
with a monotonous shade;
without hard inclusions and rough surface;
symmetrical;
without seal.

If a mole does not meet at least one of these parameters, then it is already considered potentially dangerous. It will not necessarily transform into melanoma in the future, but there is such a risk. And doctors recommend removing all such nevi as soon as possible.

Moles can be not only malignant, but also benign. It is very important to know the reasons for their appearance.

What types of malignant moles are there? They are conventionally classified into 4 types:

superficial;
lentigo (malignant);
lentiginous acral;
nodal.

They differ from each other only visually and in the localization of the skin lesion.

Superficial

According to statistics, in 70% of cases doctors diagnose superficial malignant moles. They are flat, mostly without seals, but have an asymmetrical shape. They grow to about 1-1.5 centimeters. Their pigmentation is rarely disturbed. That is, sometimes they can be mistaken for an ordinary mole, just without the correct shape. But this is a transforming nevus.

It is not accompanied by any symptoms at the initial stage. The spot just begins to gradually expand. And this happens until the mole begins to “grow” inward, connecting with the deeper layers of the epidermis.

Malignant lentigines are partly similar to ordinary superficial moles. But in them the spot grows to a larger size, and at the same time, upon visual inspection, a small, darker area of skin is noticeable.

This is where the primary nevus was located. The “affected area” can vary from 5 millimeters to 4-5 centimeters. And another key difference between this form of melanoma is the slight swelling.

It appears exactly in the place where the mole was previously. But this is already an advanced stage of the disease. Until this point, the pigment spot can grow over the course of several years and only after that it will begin to “inflame” a little. By the way, this indicates that the malignant mole is beginning to grow inward.

Lentigenic acral malignant moles are considered the most dangerous due to the fact that their pigment spot grows very quickly. It occurs only on the fingers, less often on the palms and soles.

Mainly affects the area nail plate. According to doctors, lentiginous acral melanomas are diagnosed in approximately 6-7% of all cases. And recently, there are more and more patients coming forward with this problem. Unfortunately, it is impossible to establish the exact reason for this.

Nodal

Nodular melanoma is the most painful, since the mole does not grow on the surface layer of the epithelium, but immediately goes deep into the subcutaneous layers.

A remarkable fact is that in 70-75% of cases this form of malignant moles is diagnosed as a new formation on the skin. This means that first a mole appears and immediately after that it transforms into a malignant one. In this case, even pigmentation may be absent.

Visually, such melanoma is quite reminiscent of the most common wart, only it grows inward rather than outward. Over time, it begins to increase in size, reaching a diameter of several centimeters.

But the shape of the “bump” is most often normal and can even be symmetrical. But the color is excessively dark, sometimes with greenish inclusions and a rough “head”.

Signs and symptoms of mole transformation

Experts assure that best way To recognize the transformation of a nevus in a timely manner is to focus on the ABCDE rule (from English Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color, Diameter, Evolving). According to him, one should “speak into panic” if the following happens to a mole:

the occurrence of asymmetry;
the edges become uneven and hard;
the diameter began to increase for no apparent reason;
changing any of its parameters, even if it goes away over time.

The latter should be understood as the occurrence of inflammation or roughness. Even if it goes away after some time, the mole should not be left unattended. As a rule, they all reach a certain size during transformation, after which they decrease somewhat.

In fact, at this moment melanoma grows into the vessels and begins to synthesize circulatory system cancer cells. Those, in turn, penetrate into organs and lymph nodes, where metastases subsequently form.

Transformation of a mole is accompanied by the following symptoms. This may be itching, pain with slight pressure, hair loss (if there was any in that place), redness around the mole (protrudes about 1-2 millimeters beyond). If the nevus has been mechanically damaged, it may bleed. Moreover, it will be quite difficult to stop the bleeding, even if you use hydrogen peroxide or brilliant green (and this is generally not recommended).

Risk factors

Why do moles begin to transform? Most often this happens after:

prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
their mechanical damage (for example, a chain around the neck or a bra wire);
failure to comply with basic hygiene rules (this mainly applies to those moles that are located on the scalp and in the perineal area).

By the way, most moles on the body (about 90% of all) appear before the age of 25. Until this moment, it is recommended to be especially careful and, at least occasionally, carefully examine all your moles. When the first signs of transformation appear, measures should be taken immediately.

Reasons for appearance

Malignant moles are a pathology in the functioning of pigment cells (melanocytes). They begin to grow uncontrollably. The main reason for this is getting into inner part cells of monatomic oxygen. In its usual state it is diatomic (O 2).

But due to the influence of certain factors, the molecule breaks into 2 atoms. And most often this happens precisely because of ultraviolet radiation and radiation, exposure to infection (which is stimulated by mechanical damage).

Treatment of malignant moles

Today, there is only one way to treat melanomas – their surgical removal. In folk medicine, there is an opinion that it is possible to provoke rejection of a malignant nevus, for example, with celandine juice. In practice, the opposite happens - long-term exposure poison provokes only an exacerbation of the growth of a transforming mole.

How is deletion done? More often - laser or electric knife, less often - traditionally, scalpel. Often also used cryogenic freezing, laser removal.

Moreover, you need to get rid of not only transformed moles, but also those that are highly likely to degenerate in the future. For this reason, if any of the nevi is suspicious, it is better to immediately consult a doctor.

Diagnostics

In most cases, for experienced doctors, it is enough to conduct a visual examination of the mole to determine the degree of its possible or ongoing transformation. And already at this stage a recommendation may be made to remove the tumor. After the operation, part of the mole is sent for histological examination. This is a laboratory test that accurately determines whether a sample contains cancer cells. If any are detected, then after removal a additional diagnostics to detect metastases in the body.

In more in rare cases A biopsy is performed followed by histological examination. That is, the nevus is not removed, but only a small part is pinched off from it, after which it is also sent to the laboratory for examination. This diagnosis is prescribed if the doctor doubts the malignancy of the mole.

Consequences of refusing treatment

Is it necessary to remove melanoma? No one can force this to be done, but it is worth considering that if it is detected already in an advanced stage, the probability of death (death) is about 75-80%.

As mentioned above, with an increase in size, melanoma begins to grow into the surrounding tissues, thereby affecting the vascular system, muscle tissue, and even bones. And after this, the malignant neoplasm begins to synthesize a huge number of cancer cells.

Those, getting into other organs, simply destroy them from the inside. And the patient dies from poisons that are released during tissue necrosis.

Prevention

Prevention of the appearance of malignant moles is to follow these tips:

avoid excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (especially from 12 to 18 hours of the day, when radiation from the sun is most powerful);
refusal to visit low-quality solariums (they do not use special filters that filter out the most “dangerous” range of rays from ultraviolet);
compliance with personal hygiene rules;
promptly remove those moles that are likely to be mechanically damaged (for example, on the wrist, on the scalp, on the back just below the shoulder blades, where the bra is fastened, and so on).

And it is worth taking into account the hereditary factor. If someone close to you has already had melanoma, you should be examined by a doctor at least once every 6-12 months.

Question and answer

How to determine whether a mole is malignant or not?

A malignant mole is different from an ordinary one. This may refer to its size, color, shape, density. With a high degree of probability, malignant nevi lose their symmetry. But the final examination should always be left to the doctor. Any doubts? It is better to consult a specialist dermatologist.

How to distinguish the first signs of a mole degenerating into a malignant one?

Each case is individual. A mole retains its shape, color, and size throughout life. It changes only slightly, almost imperceptibly to the naked eye. If something went wrong with her, with a high degree of probability she began to transform. And this process can take from several months to 3-5 years. For each person it is purely individual.

What moles are the most dangerous for health?

Those that are located in places where the skin is in close contact with clothing, as well as those that are open - on the neck, ears, scalp, palms. Hanging convex nevi are also “dangerous”. They are the ones who are most often injured.

What is the name of a mole doctor?

There is no specialized specialty related only to moles. Their initial examination is carried out by a dermatologist. If there is a suspicion of their degeneration, the patient is referred to an oncologist. But the removal is carried out by a surgeon. In rare cases, treatment is carried out by an oncologist-mammologist (if the mole is located close to the mammary gland).

Which moles cause melanoma/cancer?

Theoretically - any. But in 97% of cases, those that exceed a size of 6 millimeters (in diameter) turn into melanoma.

Which moles are safe?

Flat, with a normal symmetrical shape, which are located on the back, stomach, chest, hips. But over time, they can also degenerate into a malignant form. And this will be facilitated by either ultraviolet light, solar radiation, or constant exposure to some chemical reagent. No one is protected from this.

Malignant moles are an extremely dangerous pathology. In Europe alone, about 1,200 people die every year because of them, and more every year. Timely detection of a mole that begins to transform eliminates the likelihood of death to a minimum. Therefore, you need to take moles on your body seriously. If there is any suspicion, it is better to consult a dermatologist. If he recommends deletion, it is better to agree. This is an extremely simple and harmless procedure that takes 5-10 minutes. It is performed under local anesthesia and does not require hospitalization. That is, a person will immediately be able to return to their usual way of life.

Almost every person has one or more moles on their body. As a rule, they do not cause discomfort and do not affect health in any way. But lately, more and more often, cancerous moles have begun to appear in many people, which are harbingers of a terrible disease - skin cancer. Unfortunately, few people can distinguish an ordinary mole from a malignant one, which leads to the development of the disease. In this article we will look in detail at what cancerous moles look like, what their features are and how to get rid of them.

What is a malignant mole?

A malignant mole is a cancer called melanoma. It can form anywhere on the body, but most often appears in exposed areas, as they are exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of cancer. It is very important to monitor all moles on the body, especially if there are a lot of them. If a malignant mole is detected early, the development of melanoma can be prevented.

Characteristic

To prevent development, it is very important to know how to identify a cancerous mole. For comparison, consider the characteristics of ordinary moles and cancerous ones.

Common, harmless moles have a uniform color (brown or black) with a clear border that separates them from the rest of the body. Moles are round or oval in shape, their size is approximately 6 mm.

There can usually be from 10 to 45 moles on the human body. New ones can appear up to 40 years, and some, on the contrary, disappear with age.

Now let's talk about malignant moles. As a rule, there are a lot of them, and in appearance they are very different from ordinary ones in color, size, outline (more on this below). It happens that an ordinary mole can develop into a malignant one. In order not to miss this moment and start treatment on time, you need to undergo examination every six months or year.

Signs of malignant moles

The diagnosis is confirmed after a biopsy (histological analysis). Using local anesthesia, part of the mole is removed so that laboratory conditions carefully study its structure. This method is one of the most accurate.

It is possible to diagnose cancer at an early stage using a computer microdermoscopy system, but this method is not yet very widespread.

Most importantly, if you yourself notice even the slightest change in the appearance or size of your moles, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will choose necessary method diagnosis, and with timely examination the risk of developing skin cancer is reduced.

Some facts you need to know about cancerous moles

If a person has more than 50 moles on his body, then he needs to monitor their condition very carefully and contact an oncologist at the slightest change.

In addition to the above signs, there are several factors that you should pay attention to:

Darkening. A common mole may be black in color. But if it was originally brown and suddenly began to darken, then this is a cause for concern. Many people do not pay attention to the darkening of moles, since black is considered the norm.
Inflammation. If the skin around it is normal or redness has formed, then you need to urgently go to the doctor for an examination. And under no circumstances should you process inflamed areas skin with alcohol, this can only worsen the situation.
Surface. The boundaries of the mole have already been discussed. But you should also pay attention to its surface. It should be smooth on top, without obvious roughness. If there are any, then this is a sign of the development of melanoma.
If darkened areas of skin appear around an ordinary mole, then this is a big cause for concern. It is urgent to check with an oncologist.

As you can see, there are a lot of signs of melanoma development. It's very difficult to remember them all. Remember that any change in a standard mole may indicate that it is becoming malignant.

Treatment

Currently, the only option available is to remove cancerous moles. The complexity of the operation depends on the severity of the situation and the size of the formation. For small growths, half an hour will be enough.

After the mole is excised, a sample is sent to the laboratory. There they study its prevalence level, that is, the likelihood that new such growths will appear on the body.

What forecasts do doctors give?

Tumor thickness is the main criterion by which oncologists make predictions. If the mole was small, then the risk of its reoccurrence is small, and the chance of life without melanoma increases.

The rehabilitation period after removal of the growth is short. A scar forms at the site of the removed mole, which heals quite quickly. The size of the scar depends on the method of removal.

Laser removal is the safest method, which leaves almost no marks or scars. But this method cannot be used in advanced cases.

It should be noted that if the operation is performed in a timely manner, then the risk of melanoma developing in the future is very small. In the future, you just need to be regularly monitored by an oncologist to avoid relapse.

Conclusion

In the article, we examined in detail what cancerous moles are, what are the methods of treating them, as well as signs that will help identify their development at an early stage. Take care of your body and be healthy!

A malignant mole is a cancer called melanoma. It can form anywhere on the body, but most often appears in exposed areas, as they are exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of cancer. It is very important to monitor all moles on the body, especially if there are a lot of them. If a malignant mole is detected early, the development of melanoma can be prevented.

red;
black;
pink;
brown;
blue.

The shape of the tumors depends on the location and concentration of melanin. They may have a stalk or be located under the skin, be flat and convex.

The most common type is round, but there are exceptions. The development of tumors is provoked by ultraviolet radiation - natural from the sun, in a solarium.

Hereditary factors cannot be excluded. A common cause of formation is hormonal imbalance, characteristic of periods:

puberty;
pregnancy;
menopause.

Unfortunately, clear reasons that provoke the development of melanoma have not yet been identified. The study of this disease is a priority issue for many scientists.

A number of factors have been identified that can trigger the onset of the disease and cause the formation of a mole that turns into cancer. Who is at risk?

Excessive exposure to the sun or solarium
Excessively fair skin or red hair
Genetic predisposition. If you have a family history of melanoma, you are at risk because you may be predisposed to the disease. For this reason, you should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and do not visit solariums.
Many moles on the body. If you have 50 or more moles on your body, you can safely put yourself in the category of people prone to melanoma. You should also be wary of the sun, protecting yourself from the negative effects with covered clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
Advanced age. Analyzing medical statistics, we can confidently say that melanoma is more common in people over 50. At this age, the body is weakened, there is at least one chronic disease, are created ideal conditions for the development of oncological pathology.
The stronger sex. Medicine cannot explain this fact, but melanoma affects more men than women.
Women in position. Due to the fact that a pregnant girl experiences a hormonal surge, which can provoke the degeneration of existing moles on the body.
Freckles on the body, especially on the face. As mentioned earlier, cancerous moles often appear in red-haired people. A large number of freckles increases the chances of the appearance of such neoplasms, which indicate that when interacting with the sun, the skin reproduces melanin too quickly.

A birthmark, or nevus, is a pathological accumulation of melanin at one point. Most often, such neoplasms are brown in color. If blood vessels accumulate in the area of the nevus, it becomes pink or burgundy in color.

A person cannot be born with a mole. The first neoplasms appear on the body after 6 months of a baby’s life.

Usually the formation of new nevi ends by the age of 25. A large number of moles are observed in fair-skinned people.

They are at risk of malignant degeneration of tumors.

There are a wide variety of birthmarks - red, hanging, brown, convex, flat, etc. However, experts identify five types of nevi that are dangerous. They are most susceptible to malignant degeneration.

Borderline nevi. This is a flat spot that is almost black in color. Such a neoplasm should not change under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. If its parameters have changed, this is a dangerous mole.
Giant mole. This neoplasm is considered the most dangerous from the point of view of malignant degeneration. This nevus changes its structure in 50% of cases. The tumor may be soft and its size is constantly increasing.
Nevus Ota. This is a dark blue spot of irregular shape. If measures are not taken in a timely manner, the size of the tumor will increase.
Blue mole. Many cancerous moles are degenerated from precisely such neoplasms. This is a fairly dense tumor, slightly rising above the surface of the skin. The diameter of such a nevus can reach 2 centimeters. Often the mole is located on the face.
Dubreuil's melanosis. This is a precancerous formation with uneven contour. In 80% of cases, such a mole degenerates into a malignant tumor.

People with fair skin and a large number of moles on the body are at risk

Unfortunately, most patients seek help quite late, when the malignant process is no longer reversible. Regular examinations with a dermatologist will help prevent the development of melanoma.

The lighter the skin, the higher the risk of malignant degeneration of the tumor. If there are a large number of nevi on the body, it is not recommended to stay under open ultraviolet rays in the summer.

It is worth considering that the sun is most dangerous between 11 and 16 hours of the day. At this time, it is not recommended to go outside at all.

Sunburn, even with a history of sunburn, significantly increases the risk of developing melanoma. Tanning in a solarium is also dangerous.

Heredity is also of great importance. If you have a family history of malignant skin tumors, you need to know what dangerous moles look like.

Regulatory mechanical damage to the nevus also significantly increases the risk of its malignant degeneration. Therefore, if a mole is in an “inconvenient” place, it is recommended to remove it.

The risk of developing skin cancer increases in people suffering from the papilloma virus. A large number of neoplasms on a thin stalk is a sign of the disease. Pathology also cannot be ignored.

Irradiation is a method of exposing the area of the tumor or the entire body to radioactive rays, depending on the location of the tumor.

Active radio rays lead to the death of malignant cells, which helps stop their division and reduce the tumor itself. But in the case of a cancerous mole, the options for radiation are limited.

The technique is used for palliative purposes in late stages diseases. And in case of damage by metastasis of bones or other anatomical structures will be used to reduce pain and improving the quality of life of a cancer patient.

Radiation is also advisable for metastases in brain structures; for this localization of secondary tumors, radiation therapy is a priority method in the treatment of melanomas.

Causes of mole cancer formation

A mole is a benign neoplasm that can transform under the influence of external phenomena and lead to rapidly progressing oncology. Among the reasons why these processes are activated are usually:

A cancerous mole or melanoma can form from melanocytes - these are cells with a special pigment. The real reasons The transformation of a healthy cell into a malignant one remains unknown to date. But there are a number of factors that have a share of influence on the malignant process:

The reasons for the transformation of a mole into melanoma are as follows:

mechanical damage - friction with clothing, straps, skin trauma;
hormonal changes in the body - most often occur during adolescence and pregnancy. Another cause may be thyroid disease.
damage by ultraviolet rays - sunlight activates the division of melanin cells and causes pathological changes in skin cells.

Light-skinned, fair-haired people with light eye colors, those with red hair and freckles are most susceptible to the effects of ultraviolet radiation.

At risk are pregnant women and those who have a family history of melanoma.

Risk factors include:

large congenital nevi;
the appearance of new moles, the growth of old ones;
nevi that cover the entirety of a specific part of the body.

Classification of melanomas

Cancerous moles are classified according to their visual appearance: thickness, depth, structure and shape. The following types of melanoma are distinguished:

Based on what a cancerous mole looks like, a competent specialist is still initial examination can reveal the degree of threat to the patient’s health and life. The varieties that pose the greatest danger include the following groups of nevi:

Blue moles are always smooth to the touch, most often have a hairless coating, and are distinguished by a significant convexity. The diameter of each of them does not exceed 2 cm, they are placed mainly on the buttocks, face and limbs.
Intraepidermal (borderline) type, in which the birthmark has not completely formed, stopping in development between the dermis and epidermis. Under the influence of UV rays, it does not change its color, shape and size, and may differ from benign nevi in an atypical dark shade.
Giant moles are recognized as the most dangerous neoplasms, which increase in number and size every year. According to statistics, every second patient shows signs of degeneration of nevus cells of this type.
Dubreuil's melanosis develops mainly in older people and is characterized by blurred boundaries and heterogeneous coloring. It is considered a precancerous formation that requires immediate removal.
Nevus of Ota is a collection of confluent dark blue spots that can involve the mucous membrane of the nose, pharynx and sclera of the eyes. They can be successfully removed surgically and therefore rarely develop into melanoma.

Any harmless mole can become dangerous in an instant cancerous tumor, identifying which at an early stage means giving a chance for a full life and recovery.

A pigmented spot on the skin that has a brown tint is called a mole. It is based on:

melanin pigment;
melanocytes.

Moles have significant differences from birthmarks, which are characterized by:

the appearance of moles throughout a person’s life;
The number of moles depends on the amount of ultraviolet radiation to which a person is exposed.

The neoplasm is characterized by the presence life cycle, at first the mole has a flat shape, over time it protrudes above the surface skin. The shape of the spot is influenced by the location of pigment cells - melanocytes at a certain level of the skin, in the epidermis (upper layer) or in the dermis (deep layer). When melanocytes are located in the upper layer of the skin:

the neoplasm will be flat;
invisible, flush with the skin.

If melanocytes are located in the deep layer of the skin:

the neoplasm is raised above the skin;
noticeable to the naked eye.

A certain type of spot determines its positive or negative oncological characteristics; a mole does not pose a threat if the following indicators are present:

homogeneous structure;
preservation of shade throughout the life cycle;
small size;
oval shape.

As a person grows up, new moles appear on his body.

Neoplasms form at birth or throughout life; the acquisition of spots is often associated with the teenage maturation of the body and the period of pregnancy. The spots can transform, changes are reflected in:

form of neoplasm;
shade (darkening).

The characteristics of formations are complicated by the fact that they exist various shapes. A specialist can easily understand the symptoms and manifestations of the disease, but an untrained person should know what the difference is:

basal cell carcinoma;
squamous cell skin cancer;
melanoma itself.

Melanomas can be classified according to their visual appearance: depth, thickness, shape and structure. The following types of melanomas are distinguished:

Oncologists noted those types of nevi that are most prone to mutation:

Borderline. This is a spot that has a uniform color, in some cases it is even black. Among the features is the lack of reaction to ultraviolet radiation. The neoplasm does not change in quantity, parameters, or color.
Blue. The structure of the neoplasm is dense, the surface is smooth and without hair. The mole rises above the skin and is no more than two centimeters in diameter. It is most often localized in the face, limbs and buttocks.
Giant. It is this neoplasm that is most likely to transform into mole cancer. Distinctive feature constant growth and a loose surface of a heterogeneous structure are considered.
Nevus Ota. Its color can be either dark brown or blue-gray. It also differs in its large size. Requires immediate treatment.
Dubreuil's melanosis. It is considered to be a precancerous neoplasm with an uneven outline. It needs to be removed immediately after detection, since it is quickly followed by oncology.

To identify malignant moles, an experienced specialist only needs to conduct a visual examination.

There are moles different sizes: from a barely noticeable point, to big spot located on the skin and in its inner layers.

Nevi are classified into vascular (hemangiomas) and pigmented.

The first type develops due to the enlargement and fusion of capillaries.
Pigmented - formed by groups of pathological melanin cells.

By size, moles are divided into:

small (up to 2 mm);
medium (up to 6-10 mm);
large (from 10 mm).

Based on the type of localization, nevi are:

epidermal (located on the top layer of skin);
borderline (occupying both the surface and deep layers of the skin);
intradermal (located in the thickness of the middle skin layer);

According to another criterion, moles are divided into malignant and benign.

Signs of skin cancer

The first sign of a mole degenerating into melanoma is the appearance of asymmetry

The development of melanoma can be prevented. The “pre-melanoma” period is a long period of time, important from the point of view timely diagnosis and treatment.

There is such a thing as “five minutes before” melanoma or melanocytic dysplasia. In such a formation, the structure of the cells and nucleus has already been changed, but this is not skin cancer yet.

It is important not to miss the signs of dysplasia.

Signs of a mole at the “pre-melanoma” stage:

photo of malignant moles

One half of the nevus does not correspond to the other - asymmetry.
The boundaries of education became uneven and spread apart.
The color began to change and inclusions of various colors appeared (light, red, black, purple).
The mole began to grow rapidly. Typically, safe elements are up to 6 mm in size.
There was a feeling of burning, swelling, and the skin around the mole turned red.

Often, signs of a dangerous change in a nevus are encrypted with the abbreviation ACORD (asymmetry, edges, color, size, diameter).

Usually, if a mole is located in a place least exposed to any influence (friction, tanning), then it is observed independently. If she is constantly injured, she should see an oncodermatologist.

Diagnosis of melanoma is carried out using a dermatoscope, biopsy and scraping. Next, the suspicious element is removed and a histological examination is performed.

The average person is unable to identify melanoma. Only after histological examination can a final verdict be obtained.

If the patient finds that the lymph nodes closest to the nevus are enlarged, this indicates stage 2 of the disease and the presence of metastases. Survival rate with treatment in such cases is 1-1.5 years.

Each of us can easily distinguish simple moles from other types of neoplasms, but what nevi with oncological properties look like, only small part. In the vast majority of clinical cases of melanoma, the disease could be recognized by external symptoms.

To determine the atypicality of pigmented spots, a fairly simple method was developed called “A.B.C.D.E.”, which is an abbreviation for the 5 main physical signs of skin cancer:

Asymmetry (asymmetry) - a change in the shape of the nevus, in which the growth occurs unevenly, and the mole acquires obvious asymmetrical outlines;
Border irregularity (uneven edge) – the contour of the neoplasm may become blurred and uneven, which is one of the first signs indicating a pathological change in the mole;
Color (color) – heterogeneity of shade, the presence of small inclusions of gray, black and red tones should be alarming and also motivate to go to the doctor;
Diameter – the size of moles should not exceed the usual 8-10 mm or change extremely quickly;
Evolving (rebuilding) - refers to any changes associated with the description of nevi (color, size, and shape).

The absence of any transformations associated with neoplasms is considered normal, therefore, if they are present on the body, they should be periodically visually examined in order to promptly diagnose oncology and begin therapy.

In addition to the previously listed signs, dermatologists also note features characteristic of a malignant nevus:

compaction of the structure of the mole against the background of rapid growth;
peeling and itching in the area of the affected skin, burning sensation or slight tingling;
red spots may appear near the nevus, associated with a simple allergic reaction of the body (rash).

In medical practice, skin cancer or melanoma is common, this pathology is a common type of cancer. In terms of mortality, melanoma occupies a leading place among other types of cancer. This pathology most often affects young people (23-43 years old).

There are four forms of melanoma:

melanoma spreading superficially;
skin cancer of the lentigo type;
lentiginous form of cancer;
nodular skin cancer.

Skin cancer can look different in appearance

Malignant moles (cancer cells) have some telltale signs that can help differentiate them from a typical mole. The initial stage of the disease - melanocytic dysplasia - is still treatable. Therefore, if a cancerous mole is identified and removed in time, the development of skin cancer can be avoided.

In 1985, dermatologists developed the abbreviation ABCDE, each letter of which represents one sign of a cancerous mole. Over time, this abbreviation was adapted into Russian, and it began to sound like AKORD (asymmetry, edges, color, size, dynamics).

It is by these signs that a malignant growth can be identified. Let's take a closer look at each sign.

Asymmetry. As mentioned above, ordinary moles are symmetrical. If you notice even the slightest asymmetry, you should urgently consult a doctor.
Edges. Cancerous moles have jagged, blurry, and even jagged edges.
Coloring. Common moles are usually one color (black or brown). Cancerous moles on the body can be of different shades, including red.
Size. Ordinary moles do not exceed 6 mm in volume. If the mole is larger than 6 mm, then most likely it is malignant. In addition, cancerous moles quickly increase in size.
Dynamics. If the mole is benign, then it does not change its color or size over the years. If you begin to notice changes, you need to consult a doctor for examination.

So we've looked at the characteristics and symptoms of a cancerous mole. If you notice at least one of these points, immediately run to the doctor to prevent the possible development of melanoma.

Most cosmetic defects may not cause any inconvenience to a person throughout his life. But when education behaves unusually, you will feel discomfort.

You can understand your feelings using the following reminder:

A visit to an oncologist is required if:

the color and structure of the nevus changes - the color becomes uneven, pigmentation intensifies to a dark brown or coal-black color, additional pigment nodules appear at the edges of the spot;
one part of the nevus has noticeably darkened;
peeling of the epidermis, inflammation of the skin around the mole;
blurring of contours;
compaction, growth, cracking;
hair loss in the area of the spot, if it is located in the scalp;
“fragmentation” of an entire nevus into several new ones.

Diagnosis of melanoma

Melanoma is an insidious and definitely bad type of oncology, since it is characterized by high growth rates, rapid metastasis, spreading to almost all vital internal organs of a person.

Of all cancer patients, there are about 2% of patients diagnosed with skin cancer, of which only 20% manage to overcome the horrific disease.

Such depressing statistics arise due to late diagnosis or due to the fact that many people underestimate the need to visit an oncologist in case of changes in the structure or other parameters of moles, perceiving this phenomenon as the norm.

There is also a separate category of people who try to eliminate the interfering neoplasm from the surface of the skin on their own or with the help of folk recipes, thereby unwittingly releasing an infection into the blood or stimulating malignancy and further development of cancer.

The reason for this is the lack of information among the population - many people have moles and therefore are not taken seriously.

If signs typical of nevi degenerating into a malignant type are detected, you should contact a qualified specialist in the field of oncology and submit a tissue sample through biopsy for histology.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, takes only a few minutes and does not cause discomfort at all. In some cases, the patient may be recommended to undergo dermatoscopy for a more accurate assessment of the current state of the nevus, which ensures the accuracy of the results by 96-97%.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that develops from pigment cells that produce melanin. It is characterized by rapid growth, frequent recurrence, rapid metastasis to almost all organs, and high mortality.

Melanoma accounts for about 1-2% of all cancers and 10% of all skin cancers. The mortality rate from it (14%) exceeds that from breast and thyroid cancer, and of all deaths from tumors, melanoma accounts for 80%.

If, during a self-examination, you suspect the presence of a malignant mole, you should immediately seek help from a specialist who will check the nature of the nevus. After a face-to-face consultation, a dermatologist may suggest doing some additional research, such as:

A biopsy of the body of the mole allows you to determine the composition of the nevus
Histology to characterize the tumor

It is worth saying that a biopsy can only be performed if the nevus is completely or partially resected. If you are the owner of a degenerated mole, in 90% of cases it is recommended to remove the nevus completely, including nearby surrounding tissue.

This is necessary in order to localize the process and protect healthy tissues from cancer.

There are recommendations for conducting an additional study - dermatoscopy, which is carried out before removing the body of the tumor. The results can tell about the amount of pigment and the structure of the nevus, namely, reveal its nature, determining whether the mole is vascular or non-vascular.

The lack of a clear clinical picture makes it difficult to make a correct diagnosis at an early stage. Therefore, it is important to know how to identify a malignant mole in order to promptly consult an oncologist.

When examining the formation, the specialist evaluates its density, edges, and color. However, it is not enough to know what malignant moles look like.

Instrumental diagnostic methods help to verify the presence of oncological pathology.

Dermatoscopy of the neoplasm and surrounding epidermis. The assessment of pathological changes in the skin is made through multiple magnification of the area under study. Using a dermatoscope, it is possible to carefully examine the structure and shape of the mole.
Radiometry. The patient takes the radiotherapy drug on an empty stomach. Using a special apparatus, the accumulation of the isotope in healthy skin and in the area of the nevus is determined.
Cytological examination of a smear-imprint. From the surface of the neoplasm, the specialist takes a small piece of biological material, which he examines under a microscope.
Blood test for tumor markers. This test should always be done if cancer is suspected.

Put accurate diagnosis only a doctor can

Malignant neoplasms should only be diagnosed by a specialist, but it is also possible to make a preliminary assessment at home; the main thing is to know what to do:

examination of the skin, especially carefully examining the armpits, back, elbows, neck and knees;
Each of the detected neoplasms is carefully examined for the presence of certain signs of malignancy.

Further examination should be entrusted to a specialist. First of all, he will examine the nevus itself and study the reasons for its changes.

If there is any doubt, a biopsy is prescribed. This is a procedure that involves taking a small area of affected tissue for further study.

Under certain conditions, ultrasound and dermatoscopy may also be prescribed.

Only after receiving the research results, the doctor is given the opportunity to make an accurate diagnosis, and he can prescribe further treatment.

Treatment

Treatment of skin cancer is quite specific; the main method, without exception, is surgical removal of the tumor. In addition to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can be used, but these methods are ineffective for melanoma; for this type, only radical excision is necessary.

Laser coagulation and cryodestruction are considered relatively new and effective methods at the early stage of the disease.

Regarding the main type of treatment - surgery, the volume of tissue excision depends on the stage of the pathology. If the first stage is diagnosed, the neoplasm is excised, including 0.5 centimeters of healthy tissue.

If the second stage is detected, the volumes of healthy tissue are cut off within one centimeter. If the thickness of the tumor in the inner layers of the dermis is more than two millimeters, regardless of the stage, at least two centimeters of healthy skin must be removed.

The exception is the desmoplastic version of melanoma; it is characterized by the development of local relapses, therefore, during excision, at least three centimeters of healthy tissue are captured.

Cancer after removal of a mole tends to recur, and more often to metastasize, for this reason the entire body must be examined to identify micrometastases and secondary tumors in distant organs.

Regional lymph nodes are the first to metastasize, therefore, as a rule, lymphadenectomy is used.

For individual metastases, surgery is used in the following cases:

the presence of resectable, individual metastases, the removal of which improves the prognosis;
resectable metastases, without removal, threatening the patient’s life;
resection to reduce the tumor mass for a better result of subsequent medical treatment with chemotherapy.

Currently, the only possible treatment option for melanoma is the removal of cancerous moles. The complexity of the operation depends on the severity of the situation and the size of the formation. For small growths, half an hour will be enough.

When removing a cancerous mole, the surgeon cuts out a small area of skin (1 cm) around the mole to prevent new ones from appearing in the same place. The larger the malignant mole in volume and size, the more skin around it needs to be removed.

After the mole is excised, a sample is sent to the laboratory. There they study its prevalence level, that is, the likelihood that new such growths will appear on the body.

Treatment tactics depend on the level of distribution of malignant melanoma cells. If it is diagnosed at the earliest stage of development, surgical removal of the malignant mole is performed with simultaneous excision of the immediate surrounding and underlying tissues and their subsequent histological examination.

If the spread of malignant cells into healthy tissue, to a depth of 1 mm, is detected, repeated removal of healthy tissue is carried out at a distance of up to 2 cm in depth and to the sides of the scar.

In addition, at this stage, a puncture biopsy of “sentinel” lymph nodes is also performed, that is, the priority lymph nodes in terms of metastasis through the lymphatic system.

This allows you to decide whether to remove them.

The most rational method of treating moles of an oncological nature is conservative treatment, that is, resection using a scalpel or laser. The mole removal procedure begins with local anesthesia, in which the doctor injects an analgesic drug into the area next to the mole.

Then, when the area ceases to be sensitive, an incision is made strictly along the sketch lines drawn in advance. If a small or medium mole is to be removed, the procedure will last no more than 20 minutes.

The procedure is one of the simplest surgical interventions and does not pose any risks to the patient's health. Immediately after resection, the sample or removed mole is immediately sent to the laboratory for thorough examination and identification of the nature of the appearance.

If we delve deeper into the process of nevus removal, we can conditionally divide it into the following criteria:

The doctor excises up to 1 cm of intact skin in diameter, goes deep until the end of the adipose tissue
If a small melanoma is being operated on (up to 2 mm in diameter), the doctor must also expand the resection area to a cell of 1 cm, and include several layers of the epidermis, including the tissue covering the muscle
If the mole that has raised suspicion is classified as medium, that is, up to 1 cm in diameter, the surgeon must remove the area with a margin of up to 2.5 cm
By analogy, when the body of the nevus enlarges, it is necessary to further expand the removal zone. So, if the mole size is from 3 cm, an area of up to 5 cm is taken for resection.

It is worth mentioning that the presence of metastases radically changes the approach to surgery. If any are found, the surgeon must make an urgent decision to remove the lymph nodes located in close proximity to the malignant nevus, through which the nevus fed.

When it comes to diseases of this nature, you should not engage in self-medication and self-diagnosis. Home remedies in the form of compresses made from infused chamomile decoction will help relieve symptoms, but should not be the main remedy!

When detected at an early stage, melanoma can be easily treated by eliminating the tumor with medical equipment.

People often worry about whether cancer or a malignant nevus may recur after removal of a melanoma mole.

Therapy cancer depends on the stage of its development, the presence of metastases in the body. If the patient knows what a malignant neoplasm looks like and seeks consultation in a timely manner, treatment will be carried out with minimal risk to health.

Sometimes it is enough to surgically remove the tumor. To do this, resort to the following methods:

Treatment of mole cancer is quite specific; the main method is removal of the tumor. In addition to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can be used.

But these methods, unlike removal, are ineffective for melanoma. Relatively new and effective techniques used at the early stage of the disease are cryodestruction and coagulation.

As for the main type of treatment - surgical operation, the amount of tissue excision depends on the stage of the cancer. If melanoma is at the first stage of development, then the mole is removed, capturing half a centimeter of healthy tissue.

If the operation is performed at the second stage of the disease, the volume of excised healthy tissue is one centimeter. In the event that the thickness of the recess malignant formation more than two millimeters into the inner layers of the dermis, then, regardless of the stage, at least two centimeters of healthy skin must be excised.

The exception is the desmoplastic variant of melanoma, which is characterized by the development of local relapses, therefore, during removal, at least three centimeters of healthy epidermis are captured.

After removal of melanoma, there is a possibility of relapse, and more often metastasis. Therefore, the entire body is subject to examination in order to identify micrometastases and secondary neoplasms in distant organs.

Regional lymph nodes are the first to succumb to metastases, therefore, in most cases, lymphadenectomy is used.

Surgery can be used for individual metastases in the following cases:

in the presence of resectable individual metastasis, the removal of which improves the prognosis;
for resectable metastases, without removal, that threaten the patient’s life;
during resection in order to reduce the malignant mass for the best result of subsequent chemotherapy treatment.

In those cases where the neoplasm was diagnosed as malignant as a result of the study, the patient is sent for surgery, which involves its removal.

Indications for removal may be:

degeneration of a mole into cancer;
the growth is too large or unsightly in appearance;
localization of moles in places where they are subject to constant trauma, which has a bad effect on them.

There are several methods for removing nevi that are safe and mostly painless.

Cryodestruction method

The tumor is removed by freezing it with liquid nitrogen or carbonic acid. The procedure lasts only a few minutes, but under local anesthesia.

Among the main disadvantages is the lack of control over the rapid effects of acid or nitrogen. It is impossible to obtain material for a biopsy in this way. In the case of removal of tumors of impressive size, tissue scarring and the appearance of scars cannot be ruled out.

Laser excision

To destroy the nevus, a special laser is used, which simply burns it out. This method compares favorably with others, since during the removal process it seals the vessels and prevents bleeding. Histological examination after such removal is impossible.

Radio wave method

Only small moles that are located on the surface of the epithelium can be removed. A special device is used, after its impact a wound remains on the body. The neoplasm tissue is not damaged, and therefore further histology becomes possible.

The advantages of the radio wave method are that healing is fast and there are no scars left at the site of the tumor.

Electrotherapy

The mole is burned out under the influence of low frequency current. This method differs in possible injury and scarring of tissue in the future. They resort to it only in rare cases. Among the advantages is the possibility of histology.

Surgical removal

It is used when removing particularly large tumors or when melanoma grows deep into the tissue. The method is also effective in the case of excision of flat moles. Removal of cancerous growths is carried out together with nearby tissues.

Prevention of melanoma

When exposed to direct skin sun rays You should use a cream with the maximum level of ultraviolet protection (SPF+50) and the PPD mark (protection against skin cancer).
Avoid being in the open sun during lunchtime (best from 10.00 to 18.00).
Do not drink alcohol on the beach.
Nevi that are constantly injured should be removed.
Try to avoid artificial tanning in solariums.

Among oncologists, melanoma is considered a “shame”, since its occurrence is easily prevented in the precancerous period. Knowing the signs of degeneration that has begun, owners of moles should consult a specialist in a timely manner, and doctors should remove the formation at this very time.

Skin cancer is curable, but the main focus of specialists is on maintaining preventive measures, capable of preventing the development of melanoma, significantly reducing the number of cancer patients around the world. Prevention measures include:

moderate exposure to direct sunlight;
use of skin products (with high performance UV protection);
timely consultations with a dermatologist (oncologist);
self-examination of the skin (moles);
protecting the skin from the negative effects of high temperatures;
treatment of skin diseases in the early stages.

It is important to remember that cancer prevention is simple and does not require financial costs and loss of time. Following simple rules will help maintain health for many years.

Doctors do not recommend being exposed to ultraviolet rays for a long time. According to statistics, solariums and other methods of tanning increase the chances of skin cancer by 75%.
In the summer, it is better for people to be outdoors in the morning and evening hours.
Using sunscreen is a must! The product should be applied in both cloudy and sunny weather. In the composition of these cosmetics, patients should pay attention to the sun protection factor (SPF), which should be at least 30.
Use sunglasses that have sufficient UV protection.
Self-examination of the skin and timely contact a dermatologist for advice. It is important to detect cancerous moles or melanoma at an early stage. In such cases, surgical removal of the malignant neoplasm leads to a complete recovery of the patient.

It is not worth identifying a melanoma mole from a photo. Doctors take a tissue sample from the patient for testing, which allows them to check the genesis of pigment cells.

If you have a lot of dark growths on your arms, legs, and neck, do following rules that prevent diseases.

Regular examination will allow you to notice negative dynamics in the early stages.
Cancerous moles on the body tend to progress quickly, so it is strictly forbidden to self-medicate or refuse therapy altogether.
Enlarged tumors or atypical birthmarks are a reason to refuse admission. sunbathing and trips to the solarium.
It is better to plan trips to countries with a different climate zone in a milder season, when ultraviolet radiation is not so aggressive.
Protective creams with SPF 30 and 50 filters should always be in your bag, no matter whether you are just going for a walk or going on a hike.