Birthmarks are present on the body of almost every person. They differ in their shade, parameters and location. Usually tiny specks in no way interfere with people, so they are often simply ignored. Although in reality this is not always correct, because under the influence of certain factors, growths are able to mutate and even transform into malignant tumors.
Is it worth worrying
Any, even the most insignificant deformation of a birthmark is a serious reason for contacting a specialist. A dermatologist, who can also additionally recommend a consultation with a cosmetologist or surgeon, will explain why a mole increases in size and what to do in this case. Despite the fact that the risk of conversion is very small, preventive examinations by a doctor will completely minimize it.
Causes of mole deformation
In fact, there are many conditions and prerequisites for the growth of melanocytic cells. By the way, it is not necessary that their malignant degeneration should be behind this phenomenon. Most often, moles increase in size for several reasons.
- Mechanical influence - often they are reborn on those parts of the body that are regularly traumatized, for example, on the waist, neck, palms, inner zone of the buttocks, and decollete.
- Ultraviolet - the long-term effect of sunlight adversely affects the general condition of the skin. Often, the tanning process becomes the cause of the appearance and deformation of existing skin defects. People with fair-skinned skin are at greatest risk.
- Hormonal changes in the body - the appearance of moles or a change in their parameters often occurs during the bearing of a child, menopause or puberty.
- Damage - any injury can lead to an increase in the birthmark or its division into several growths.
- The use of hormonal drugs and oral contraceptives - such therapy can provoke a significant increase in melanocytic cells. Most often in this situation, moles multiply on the face. This is due to the special delicacy and thinness of the skin in this area.
Signs of abnormal growth
Dangerous moles include several categories of neoplasms - they are the ones that can be reborn.
- Neoplasms with a blue, blue, and sometimes brown tint. Such a mole usually has a small size, up to 2 cm, and slightly rises above the skin. Most often, such growths are localized in the area of the buttocks, arms, legs and face.
- Border pigmented moles, which may have a different shape and shade. A distinctive feature of dangerous neoplasms is a clear change in color from the edges to the center.
- Huge pigmented moles have large sizes and sloppy edges. Such a growth significantly rises above the skin. Usually a large number of hairs is observed on such moles.
- Dysplastic formations have an irregular shape, uneven edges and a heterogeneous shade.
- Nevus Ota is usually located in the area of the eyes, cheekbones or upper jaw. It can even occur on the mucous membranes, for example, the mouth, eyes and nose.
All described moles are characterized by features that help to identify them and distinguish them from other formations on the skin. If the diagnosis is even difficult after a visual examination, it is necessary to conduct a scraping analysis or histology.
Alarms
The following signs may indicate the probable onset of malignant processes in the skin growth:
- size increase to 6 mm or more;
- uneven color with the presence of several shades;
- roughness, rough surface, the presence of cracks;
- lack of clear boundaries, their roughness;
- constant modification of education;
- itching, bleeding, swelling, redness, or darkening.
Any of the described phenomena should cause concern. For example, if a red mole has increased in size, you should immediately visit a dermatologist. Only a doctor is able to assess the state of growth and determine the level of risk of malignant degeneration.
Birthmark increased in size during pregnancy
After conception, significant changes occur in the body of every woman. Many expectant mothers complain of an increase in the birthmark during pregnancy. Although in fact their occurrence during this period is quite explainable and even normal. As a rule, they are benign in nature and do not provoke any complications. After all, an increase in moles is caused by increased production of melanin. In parallel with the change in birthmarks, the usual shade of the navel, nipples and some areas of the skin change.
If the enlarged growth does not cause any discomfort, that is, it does not become inflamed and itchy, then everything is fine. This also applies to existing moles, which are slightly darkened. But, in the event of at least one alarming symptom, you should immediately consult a doctor. It is worth remembering: if the mole has increased in size, then the probability of its degeneration into a malignant tumor is always there, although it is minimal.
How to solve the problem
It is advisable for a pregnant woman to consult with her gynecologist in all matters relating to changes in the size and shade of the skin lesions. Eliminating moles during the period of gestation is not recommended, but it is also not prohibited. It is only necessary to remove growths in the perineum and the birth canal, since they can be injured and even become infected at the time the baby appears. If a woman has malignant tumors in the position, they are removed.
What to do if a child has a mole that grows in size
The appearance of pigmented neoplasms on the baby's skin is a mundane matter, which most often does not cause any concern. If the child already has a birthmark has increased in size pathologically, you should contact a pediatrician, who actually conduct the necessary diagnostics.
But it is worth remembering that, during growing up, the birthmarks existing on the baby’s body always grow a little and darken, some of them completely disappear, others appear. This is absolutely normal, which should not be very alarming for parents.
If the appeared moles give the child aesthetic discomfort, you can think about eliminating such neoplasms. To remove growths in babies, the same methods are used as for adults: cryodestruction, laser surgery or electrocoagulation.
What to do if discomfort occurs
Sometimes unpleasant and even painful sensations appear in the growth zone. The fact that the mole has increased in size and itches, can be explained by various conditions. The most common cause of this phenomenon is wearing too tight clothing. A more serious prerequisite for the growth of education is the rapid division of its cells, which increases the likelihood of melanoma.
Why does a mole increase in size and itch? There are several explanations for this phenomenon:
- allergy;
- hormonal changes;
- all kinds of injuries;
- too strong mechanical stress;
- regular exposure to ultraviolet light.
Regardless of the initial cause of the discomfort, you should definitely consult a dermatologist with these symptoms. The same applies to people whose mole has increased in size and hurts.
Diagnostics
Any pigmented growths, regardless of their origin, require medical examination, especially if they began to abnormally increase in size, changed their shade or shape. Diagnosis begins with a thorough visual examination of the mole and other events, among which are:
- collection of necessary medical history;
- laboratory tests;
- punch biopsy;
- digital dermatoscopy;
- histology.
The main place is occupied by dermatoscopy. Only after it, the patient can be prescribed a biopsy and additional tests. An epiluminescent examination is performed to determine the depth of localization of melanocytic cells. If melanoma is suspected, the patient is assigned a radioisotope study. But laboratory tests in determining the reasons why a mole has increased in size are only of secondary importance. Only urine and blood tests are needed to identify oncology.
Biopsy of biological material is also important. It is this analysis that makes it possible to find out the nature of the origin of the mole and the reasons for its growth. An excision biopsy is considered particularly effective. During this procedure, a specialist, using local anesthesia, completely eliminates the skin growth and performs a study of biological material.
Treatment
Regardless of the location of existing growths on the skin, they all require constant monitoring. Treatment is necessary only when the mole has increased in size and has taken the form of melanoma. In addition, therapy is carried out in cases where the risk of its degeneration into a malignant tumor has increased.
Drug treatment is used extremely rarely, since it usually does not bring a pronounced effect on enlarged growths. The course of taking medications is recommended only if the defect appeared against the background of concomitant pathologies. As for other situations, the treatment of an enlarged mole involves its complete removal by surgery. For this, the following methods can be used:
- laser excision;
- radiosurgery;
- cryodestruction;
- electrocoagulation;
- surgical excision.
If the mole does not bring any discomfort and does not pose a threat to life, it is undesirable to resort to surgical intervention. In this case, it is best to just watch the growing growth for a while.