A mole or nevus is a congenital malformation of the skin, which is characterized by a color that is distinctive from the underlying skin tone or an uneven, bumpy appearance of the surface. Moles do not have a permanent place of localization, and the pattern of their appearance on the skin of a person has also not been established - some appear during life, others exist from birth. Most often, moles on the body appear in childhood and young age and in their numbers can reach hundreds. Nevi in their shape, color, surface structure and size are not the same. Small specimens (10-50 mm) are not worth much attention, but moles of medium (up to 100 mm) and large size (above 100 mm) need constant monitoring on your part. If, during a regular examination, you find at least one sign of the following changes in your mole on the body, then it is better not to delay an oncologist. Indeed, in seemingly harmless changes on the skin in the area of the birthmark or nevus, which do not hurt and do not bring constant discomfort, a dangerous process of malignancy can be hidden. Launched malignant process over time will lead to the formation of melanoma - the most insidious and aggressive cancer of the skin. This type of cancer is unparalleled in the rate of formation of metastases in other human organs, which is why it is so important to “seize” this dangerous ailment in the first stage, when there are still great chances to overcome it.
Signs of degeneration of the nevus
If you find in yourself one of these signs of mole changes on the body, then do not neglect the advice of an oncologist - doctors advise
- The color of the pigment spot or mole has changed, there has been an increase in color (sometimes to black) or a decrease in pigmentation. The color of the nevus has become uneven, a rim of coal-black nodules of different sizes merging together appeared on its periphery. That is, a black ring resembling a rosary has formed around the mole.
- In the area of the age spots or nevus, hair has fallen out or it has begun to peel off. The skin pattern has changed or completely disappeared.
- An areola of inflammation has formed around the mole. Or you feel inside her tension, tingling, itching or burning.
- Density, shape and size changed - a pigmented spot spread as if on the surface of the skin. As a rule, moles have a regular oval shape, if its outline has become ragged, resembling a star shape - this is a good reason to consult a doctor.
- At the base of the pigment spot or mole, nodules formed that resembled a papilloma with elements of dead tissue in shape.
- The surface of the nevus has changed, it has become shiny, as if lacquered.
- On the surface of the spot appeared blood weeping cracks or ulcers, which, healing, again begin to bleed.
Reasons for the degeneration of a mole into melanoma
To start the malignant process in the mole, a powerful stimulus, push, stimulus, which can become
- Ultraviolet. Its rays in large doses cause irreversible changes in the skin cells, depriving it of its immunity and protection, provoking malignancy of age spots and moles. This applies both to the sun's rays, and to radiation in the solarium. To avoid illness, do not abuse the tan, especially in the daytime. In Europe, in connection with the growth of skin cancer, the fashion for white skin has long been introduced, which has been shown for several seasons in a row by pale-skinned divas in swimsuits from the world catwalks. If you want to look tanned, then the consumer market offers a huge selection of cosmetics that create an artificial tan.
- Hormonal bursts. Sometimes a change in the hormonal background, which inevitably occurs during adolescence and during pregnancy, entails a change in the structure of skin cells. At this time, it is important not to aggravate the situation by regular exposure to the sun and tanning beds, which is especially important for adolescents.
- Mole injury. If you hit it with a sharp object or damaged it with a fingernail, be sure to see a doctor. This danger most often lies in wait for people who have age spots on traumatic areas - a mole on the forehead or moles on the elbow are damaged more often than nevi on the back. If you have such formations on your face or hands, do not be too lazy to consult with an oncologist, perhaps, after examination, he strongly recommends removing moles in the palm of your hand, without waiting for trouble.
Watch how moles on the body “behave” and be vigilant!