What types of moles are there?
Nevi are distinguished by origin, depth of cell location and structure. Acquired moles appear after birth, mainly in childhood and youth. Congenital ones are present from birth; large and giant congenital nevi require observation, since the risk of melanoma is higher in them. Dysplastic, or atypical, nevi are larger than usual, have uneven coloring and blurred edges. There are also blue nevi, Spitz nevi in children, and halonevus with a white rim around them.
- Acquired borderline, complex and intradermal nevi
- Congenital nevi
- Dysplastic (atypical) nevi
- Blue nevus
- Nevus Spitz
- Galonevus
Why moles appear and who is at risk
The number of moles is largely determined by heredity and exposure to ultraviolet radiation, especially in childhood. Sunburn and tanning in solariums contribute to the appearance of new nevi and increase the risk of melanoma. Moles may darken and enlarge during puberty and pregnancy, which is usually normal but requires attention. People with fair skin, a large number of moles, atypical nevi, and cases of melanoma in blood relatives have an increased risk of melanoma.
- Heredity
- Light skin prone to burns
- Sunburn in childhood
- Visiting the solarium
- A large number of moles
- Melanoma in relatives
Signs of a dangerous mole
For self-control, use the ABCDE rule. Asymmetry: one half is not like the other. Borders: uneven, blurred, “torn”. Color: uneven, with several shades. Diameter: more than 6 mm, although melanoma can be smaller. Evolution: any change in size, shape, color, itching or bleeding. Another important sign of the “ugly duckling” is a mole that is noticeably different from the rest. Any of these signs require examination by a dermatologist.
- Asymmetry of shape
- Jagged or blurred edges
- Uneven color
- Diameter greater than 6 mm
- Changes over time
- A mole unlike the rest
Diagnostics
The dermatologist examines the entire skin, including the scalp, feet, and mucous membranes. Dermatoscopy - examination under special magnification with lighting - allows you to see the structure of the pigment and significantly more accurately distinguish benign nevi from melanoma. People with multiple moles undergo digital mapping: images are compared during follow-up visits. The final diagnosis of a suspicious formation is made only by histological examination after removal, therefore it is impossible to cauterize suspicious moles without analysis.
- Examination of the entire surface of the skin
- Dermatoscopy
- Digital mapping of moles
- Excision with histological examination
- Consultation with an oncologist for suspected melanoma
Removal and prevention
It is recommended to remove moles if there are suspicious signs, permanent injury from clothing or shaving, or for cosmetic reasons after examination by a doctor. Suspicious nevi are surgically excised with a small margin of healthy skin and are necessarily sent for histology. Laser or radio wave removal is permissible only for formations that the doctor is confident of their benign quality. Trauma to a mole in itself does not turn it into melanoma, but a bleeding nevus should be shown to a doctor.
- Examine your skin once a month, including with the help of loved ones
- Show moles to a dermatologist annually if there are risk factors
- Use sunscreen and clothing
- Avoid sunburn and tanning beds
- Do not remove moles in salons without histology
- Take photographs of suspicious nevi for comparison
