Each year, each person must undergo a medical examination, during which a visit to an oncologist is mandatory. First of all, this specialist examines the body for the presence of blackened moles, which can be dangerous to human health and in the future cause skin cancer - melanoma.
What is a birthmark and what size does it happen
Moles are colored dots on human skin that form in melanin cells. They can be brown, black, red, blue, white.
In medical terminology, moles are called pigmented nevus. Their origin is associated with a large amount of melanin on a small cell, which forms a large or small bulge on the outer cover of a person.
The size of the mole is classified:
- small - from 0 to 15 mm;
- medium - their diameter can reach 10 cm, but not more;
- large and giant - are localized on one part of the body, can completely cover the arm, leg, cheek, neck.
Forewarned is forearmed
You can recognize moles dangerous or non-dangerous by carefully examining them. In most cases, ordinary spots are not a threat. Only 30% of blackened moles lead to the development of melanoma.
Benign spots have a neat appearance, they protrude slightly above the surface of the skin and are painted in light shades of brown, pink or black. If you look at the nevus through a magnifying glass, you can see that the grooves characteristic of tissue cells are traced on it. Safe moles do not cause discomfort, they do not hurt or itch. Size up to 6 mm in diameter is allowed, spot shape is round or oval with even edges.
What to fear
- education has an unusual appearance, uneven edges, irregular shape;
- mole blackened and sore;
- has a porous structure or is similar to a polyp of dark color;
- began to change too quickly in size up;
- cause discomfort - itch, interfere with dressing, work, walk, constantly cling and bleed.
Another interesting observation: if a mole has changed color, but hair grows from it, then it is safe.
Reasons for the appearance
All age spots appear on the body under the influence of external factors. Nevuses themselves are not reborn. In order for them to grow or multiply, it is necessary that such factors contribute to this:
- injuries
- hormonal changes, menopause, pregnancy;
- ultraviolet.
Large doses of sunbathing are one of the primary factors affecting the blackening of moles and their growth. If you have a lot of such spots on your body and face, then sunbathing is contraindicated for you. People with pale skin are not recommended to stay in the sun for a long time, or visit tanning salons.
Potential hazard
If you notice that you have black dots or moles on the body of the same color, then set them to observe. Measure them once a week and keep records. Watch if they cause discomfort. What causes the potential danger:
- spots whose diameter exceeds 1 cm;
- if the neoplasm protrudes too high above the skin;
- a nodule of dark color is visible;
- giant neoplasms with a size of more than 20 cm 2 ;
- flat spots having a loose structure of flaky skin;
- blue spots;
- senile pigmented spots protruding on the face and having a loose structure and irregular shape;
- fusion of several moles into one;
- neoplasms within which fluid accumulates.
AKORD dangerous mole detection system
To find out whether moles are dangerous or non-dangerous, scientists from American universities suggest using the ABCD method. In our country, there is also a domestic analogue called AKORD:
A - asymmetry. If the mole on the finger or in any other place has an asymmetrical shape, then it can be dangerous. You can check the symmetry if you conditionally divide the spot by a line into two parts and compare them.
To - the edges. Dangerous formation has blurry fuzzy borders. It may be that the mole has turned black, and the edges have become red or burgundy.
About - coloring. This is the next risk factor. If the color is light, uniform, everything is safe, otherwise a specialist consultation is needed.
P is the size. All moles with a diameter greater than 0.6 cm are dangerous.
D - dynamics. If you notice that during the week, month, the spot has changed, this is a very bad sign.
Methods for the diagnosis of dangerous and non-dangerous moles
If you suspect that the mole is malignant, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. The first inspection is carried out in the usual way, using a magnifier. A specialist will examine the entire body, regardless of where the mole is located - on the finger, on the face, on the foot or elsewhere.
Next, you should scan the tumor using a flaw detector. This is a special device that allows you to look inside the nevus. It increases the cell size several times, so you can consider the structure of the mole. And after that, the doctor will evaluate the patient’s condition and send him for further studies, if necessary.
If the mole is blackened, then you can find out reliably about its nature by doing a biopsy. This is the most reliable and 100% research option, in which they say whether it has cancer or not. But a biopsy is possible only after the complete removal of the nevus from the body.
Treatment
The method of getting rid of the disease is only one - complete removal. At the same time, they capture another small piece of healthy tissue. If the mole has changed color and causes anxiety, it is best to get rid of it right away. Early diagnosis and prevention of further growth of the nevus is a way to protect yourself from melanoma. Moreover, the procedure is absolutely painless.
Methods for removing blackened moles:
- classic - surgical removal with a scalpel is suitable for very large spots;
- laser - the point is evaporated by a laser, while the procedure is absolutely safe and does not cause discomfort, several moles can be removed at once;
- cryodestruction - flat formations are removed with liquid nitrogen through freezing;
- electrocoagulation - moles on the leg are cauterized by a current in the place of their growth;
- radio wave removal is another method that is rarely used now, but is suitable for all moles, removal is performed using a powerful radio wave frequency.
What moles cannot be removed
If the stain on the body does not cause discomfort and does not interfere, it is better not to remove it. Safe are nevuses having the following characteristics:
- the diameter of the point on the body does not exceed 5 mm;
- when viewed under a magnifying glass, grooves of the fabric are visible;
- smooth, sharp edges of a round shape;
- visible hairs that grow from a mole;
- if it has the appearance of a pigment spot, slightly protruding above the skin;
- Does not hurt or itch;
- Does not grow and does not change color.
Experts recommend removing safe moles if they can be injured in everyday life, for example, at the joints of clothes, on the palms of your hands, in the armpit, on the finger, neck and other similar places. Often remove the nevi on the face to give beauty to delicate skin.
A mole is very easy to hook and damage during shaving, dressing, combing hair, bathing. Frequent injuries can lead to rough skin in this place and have dangerous consequences.
Do not remove red moles. Contrary to general fear, these types of spots are absolutely safe if they have signs of safe nevi. Small neat red spots do not need to be removed.
Precautionary measures
Check moles every year, visiting a specialist. Additionally, you need to do this at home, especially during the summer holidays. It is advisable to assess the condition of each of the spots before and after the end of the solar period. If you notice growth, or a mole has turned black, you need to go to an oncologist.
The most dangerous time in the sun is from eleven in the morning to fifteen. Be aware that sunscreens do not protect against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Dark spots attract the sun's rays much more than a light area of the skin. Try to spend this time indoors or in the shade.
Summer clothes should be light and natural. Give preference to cotton fabrics.
If there are convex moles on the body that cause discomfort, or they were injured, then do not stick them with a band-aid. Under the sticker, the skin will not breathe and a greenhouse effect will occur. This is a very dangerous condition for the skin, which can lead to further damage.
Go to sunbathe in the morning until 11.00 and in the evening, after four hours of the day. Protect children from the sun and avoid burns.
Sunbathing is contraindicated:
- children under five years old;
- in the presence of large or giant birthmarks;
- in the presence of a large number of moles on the body.
Try to plan a trip to particularly hot countries in the autumn. No wonder September is called the "velvet season." At this time, the sun no longer bakes so much, but at the same time, warm air and pleasant sea temperature are maintained. Young children should avoid traveling to hot countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, Cuba, Spain. And, of course, always watch your kids, do not allow sleep in the sun without protective umbrellas. Be sure to use sunscreen on the beach.