How moles appear on the body
Moles, they are also nevi, arise from melanocytes – cells that give color to the skin. When they accumulate together, formations of different sizes and colors appear on the body – from brown to blue and pink. Most people have between 10 and 35 moles, many of which appear by age 40.
Rasul Akhmaev
Oncodermatologist, surgeon at SM-Clinic.
New moles may appear due to exposure to ultraviolet rays or mechanical damage to the skin. These factors cause melanocytes to more actively produce melanin. Heredity also plays an important role – if one of the parents has many moles, then the child is likely to have them too.
Sometimes nevi become darker and larger due to hormonal fluctuations, for example, during adolescence or during pregnancy. When transformation occurs for no apparent reason, it may indicate illness.
Rasul Akhmaev
If a mole hurts and itches, it may be a sign of cancer, hyperhidrosis, eczema or dermatitis. Such symptoms are also observed with skin injuries.
For any pronounced changes in the mole, it is better to consult a dermatologist. SM Clinic specialists check the formations using a dermatoscope – a device that visually enlarges nevi and allows them to be seen clearly. If necessary, additional examinations and treatment are prescribed. By the way, all check-ups that may be needed can also be done at the SM Clinic.
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How to examine moles yourself
The nevus itself is a benign formation. But over time, under the influence of various factors, it capable turn into malignant – degenerate into melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to monitor changes in the nevus.
No one is immune from the development of melanoma and skin cancer. But some people have risks higher.
Rasul Akhmaev
People with fair skin, red hair and freckles are at greater risk of developing melanoma and skin cancer. Heredity also plays a role in about 10–15% of cases. Repeated trauma to a mole and excessive tanning can also lead to illness.
Any mole is potentially dangerous, but some types are more prone to becoming malignant. Those who have a lot of dysplastic nevi – moles with uneven edges and uneven color. And also to owners of dark blue nevi of Ota in the area of the face and giant nevi — congenital pigment spots from 10 cm.
Most often melanoma and skin cancer arise on those places that are regularly exposed to the sun – the face, head, neck and hands. But they also develop in other parts of the body. To notice changes in time, preferably once a month inspect skin. This should be done in a well-lit room, standing in front of a full-length mirror. To see hard-to-reach areas, such as the back of your thighs, use a hand mirror. During check can be used A‑K‑O‑R‑D scale.
- Asymmetry. The mole should be almost oval or round. If the two halves of an education are not similar to each other, this is a reason to be wary.
- The edges. In a healthy nevus they are smooth, in a suspicious one they are torn and jagged.
- Coloring. A good sign is a uniform color. There should be no inclusions of different shades or growths on the mole.
- Size. A dangerous formation can be tiny, but most often it is larger than 6 mm.
- Dynamics. If a mole grows, darkens or lightens, becomes denser, itches and bleeds, this may indicate a disease.
Dangerous nevi look different. Sometimes they have all of the above changes, and sometimes only one or two. Therefore, if there are any signs, it is better not to delay a visit to the doctor.
Rasul Akhmaev
Even a seemingly harmless mole can quickly degenerate into cancer and begin to metastasize. In just 3–5 months, the tumor can spread to vital organs: lungs, liver, brain, bones, intestines.
A suspicious mole must be delete. You can undergo this procedure at the SM Clinic – an oncodermatologist will examine the nevus and determine the optimal intervention option. After removal, the mole will be sent for histological examination. If malignant cells are detected during the process, the doctor will prescribe in-depth diagnostics and treatment – it may require, for example, surgery to remove a larger area of tissue or radiation therapy.
Moles that do not cause suspicion can also be removed – simply for cosmetic purposes. This is acceptable if they are in the way or are in a dangerous place. This procedure at the SM Clinic is carried out in various ways, including non-invasive ones such as cryodestruction or using radio waves.
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How to prevent melanoma and skin cancer
The likelihood of melanoma and skin cancer increases due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, it is better not to stay in the sun for a long time and hide in the shade at a time when it is especially aggressive, that is, from 11:00 to 16:00. Especially if there are a lot of moles.
Here are a few more measures prevention:
- Cover your skin with clothing. If you have moles on your face, you can wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Avoid frequent visits to solariums, where the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
- Examine moles once a month using the A-K-O-R-D scale.
- If you notice suspicious moles or have risk factors for melanoma and skin cancer, undergo regular preventive examinations with a dermatologist.
Rasul Akhmaev
If you have questionable moles on your body, I recommend twice a year, in spring and autumn, to undergo a routine examination by a dermatologist and a dermatoscopy procedure. Also, provided that you like to travel to hot countries, upon your return it makes sense to see a specialist unscheduled. For prevention, you need to regularly apply sunscreen with SPF50+ protection factor. Every day, not just during vacation.
LLC “SM‑Clinic” License to carry out medical activities No. L041-01137-77/00368259 issued by the Moscow Department of Health on September 19, 2019.
