Moles

Moles
Moles (nevi) are benign formations that occur on the skin, which may be congenital or acquired. In most cases, moles do not require treatment, because they do not affect human health at all. However, some types of moles are considered precancerous, since they can transform into a tumor in the future.

The content of the article:
Causes of the appearance of moles (nevi)
Diagnosis of nevi
Ways to remove moles
Prevention of melanoma development
Moles
There is no unified classification of moles yet, because doctors identify too many criteria that could form its basis. Depending on the method of occurrence of moles, they are divided into two groups: congenital (practically not at risk of developing into a malignant tumor) and acquired (the risk of their malignancy is very high).

There is also a group of melanomone-dangerous nodules, which rarely develop into a tumor:

intradermal pigmented nevus — often occurs in adolescence in the neck, throat, under the breast, in the skin folds of the extremities, can change shape and shade during the growth of the body, as well as its aging;
papillomatous nevus is a pronounced mole on the face that rises above the skin and differs from it in hue, it rarely degenerates into a tumor;
halonevus is a round—shaped mole that protrudes slightly above the surface of the skin, localized on the skin of the trunk and limbs;
Mongolian spot is a type of birthmark, which is often found in newborns, is usually located on the buttocks or in the sacrum area, does not require special treatment.
Melanoma- prone moles usually include the following:

blue nevus — purple, dark blue or gray moles that usually protrude above the skin, do not have a clearly defined localization, very rarely degenerates into a cancerous tumor;
borderline pigmented nevus is a congenital neoplasm that grows as the body grows, can appear on the skin of the feet and palms, indicates the beginning of the process of magnification;
giant pigmented nevus — such moles usually increase over time and can reach large sizes (from three to seven centimeters), often accompanied by active hair growth from follicles.
Causes of the appearance of moles (nevi)
Research by scientists suggests that nevi can be triggered by a variety of factors:

local defects;
harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation;
hereditary predisposition;
hormonal disorders;
viruses.
Local defects
Local developmental defects mean congenital moles that may appear due to problems with cell division at the final stage of fetal development. Usually such defects are immediately invisible at birth. For the first time they are noticed only when the baby turns 3 years old. An important role in the appearance of moles is played by a variety of injuries: wounds, insect bites, scratches. Immediately after the injury, an inflammatory process occurs, affecting different layers of the skin. Because of this inflammation, the production of biologically active substances that stimulate cell growth is activated in the tissues.

Hereditary predisposition
Birthmarks and moles are often inherited. Usually neoplasms that have appeared due to a genetic predisposition to them are benign. It is also important that moles that appeared in a person during his lifetime are usually not inherited afterwards.

The effect of ultraviolet light
An equally important factor affecting the appearance of nevi is considered to be ultraviolet radiation. It stimulates the production of melanocytes by the skin. Usually moles that have appeared in this way are acquired. At risk are primarily women over 30 years of age, as well as those who like to sunbathe in a solarium.

Hormonal disorders
Hormonal factors play an important role in the appearance of moles. Many researchers note that acquired moles often occur in adolescents during puberty. In rare cases, nevi occur in pregnant women, as well as patients with endocrine disorders. Scientists are also investigating the likelihood of moles due to bacterial and viral infections that affect the skin. The mechanism of the formation of moles in these cases is similar to their formation as a result of injuries.

Virus as a risk factor
It is customary to distinguish several risk groups, which mainly include people with endocrine diseases, working in equatorial countries, undergoing treatment with hormonal drugs, encountering intense ultraviolet radiation in their work.

Diagnosis of nevi
In the diagnosis of moles, the distinction between benign and malignant neoplasms is of crucial importance. Of course, this is due to the fact that the effectiveness of the treatment of a malignant mole depends more on its timely detection. The following methods are used to diagnose moles:

Collecting anamnesis. In making a correct diagnosis, the main role is played by the accurate collection of patient complaints. It is with the collection of anamnesis that the study of the patient’s disease begins. During the patient’s interview, the doctor pays special attention to clarifying the family history, and is also interested in the presence of factors (external and internal) that could lead to the birthmark.
Examination of the patient. Different types of nevi differ in specific external manifestations. That is why a key role in the diagnosis of moles is played by their visual inspection. The doctor evaluates neoplasms according to the following criteria: the number of moles, their localization, size, consistency, color, time of occurrence. It is also important to record the changes in the mole that occurred to her after the last examination.
Dermatoscopy. To make a more accurate diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe a thorough examination of the patient’s skin using a special device capable of magnifying the image a couple of times. Thanks to this technique, the doctor manages to detect the most insignificant changes on the patient’s skin. This is a very effective diagnostic method, the use of which allows you to get accurate results. The procedure usually lasts no more than 20 minutes.
Indication by phosphorus isotope. This is a highly sensitive method based on the accumulation of radioactive phosphorus by the tumor. Normally, phosphorus should take part in cell division. If the patient has a malignant neoplasm, the synthesis of phosphorus increases several times. It is possible to detect this process by using an isotope.
Echography. This technique is considered effective for the reason that it involves the study of soft tissues around the mole, which allows you to determine its exact dimensions. Many types of moles can grow in the skin. This process is especially characteristic of malignant neoplasms. Therefore, this technique is usually prescribed to prepare the patient for surgery.

Radiography. For the diagnosis of neoplasms, not quite standard equipment is usually used. It is necessary to take a special picture that would increase the mole 5-10 times. This technique is used in order to accurately assess the structure of the tissues of the mole. For example, a malignant neoplasm usually has a heterogeneous structure with many seals and small cavities.
Thermometry. This technique involves measuring the temperature of individual areas of the skin, which is carried out by a special device. The principle of this method is based on studies that indicate an increase in temperature in the event of malignant neoplasms. During the procedure, the doctor compares healthy areas of the skin and those on which nevi have appeared. This is an accurate, painless and fast method of diagnosing moles, which allows you to effectively track changes in their size.
Biopsy. This is the most reliable method of diagnosing nevi, which allows you to detect any signs of malignancy of the mole in a timely manner. In addition, the accuracy of the biopsy is about 100%. The technique involves taking a small sample of a mole for further investigation of its nature. There are two types of biopsy: puncture (a very small fragment of material is taken for examination) and total (removal of the entire neoplasm and its subsequent examination).
Ways to remove moles
In most cases, the treatment of nevi involves their removal. At the same time, the operation can be prescribed both at the request of the patient and according to the doctor’s indications. Usually, the risk of its transformation into a malignant tumor is considered to be the basis for the removal of a nevus. Fortunately, the removal of neoplasms on the skin is not a complicated operation — it is usually performed by dermatologists. However, before removing the nevus, the patient must undergo a thorough diagnostic examination to exclude the risk of developing melanoma.

Removal with a scalpel
One of the methods of removing moles is tissue excision, which is carried out with a scalpel. During the operation, the surgeon removes both the mole itself and a small area of skin near it. Unfortunately, after such a procedure, the patient usually has a very noticeable scar. That is why excision of tissues to remove nevus is used in the most extreme cases.

Cryodestruction of moles
Cryodestruction is considered a more popular way to remove moles. This technique involves the freezing of tissues, which leads to the fact that the cells completely stop dividing and then die. The frozen area of the skin is removed, but the tissues located near it remain intact. That is why this technique is considered completely painless and safe. However, it is worth remembering that the cryodestruction method does not always allow you to remove the neoplasm entirely.

Laser excision of moles
Laser surgery is considered to be the most common method of removing nevi. The essence of the procedure in this case boils down to the fact that all the liquid is first evaporated from the tissues, which eventually leads to the death of cells. This is a very effective procedure, which is convenient to carry out if the patient has a large number of moles. In addition, after their removal, the patient does not have any scars or scars at all. However, large moles should not be removed using laser surgery for the simple reason that it will take a long time. In addition, it is impossible to guarantee the complete removal of such a virus.

Electrocoagulation of moles
Electrocoagulation is another method of removing moles on the body. This procedure is very similar in its essence and tactics to laser surgery. Under the influence of an electric current, tissue destruction occurs. Usually this technique is used to remove small moles.

Prevention of melanoma development
Some types of moles are very dangerous because they cause cancer. That is why it is necessary to try in every possible way to avoid their appearance. This can be easily done with the help of various preventive measures. First of all, it is necessary to give up a long stay on the street under the scorching sun. Ultraviolet rays have a disastrous effect on the skin. In particular, it is necessary to give up tanning for people who have many moles. In extreme cases, it will be better to seal the moles with a plaster.

Doctors also recommend fighting dry skin, because it is on it that malignant neoplasms often appear. For this purpose, it is necessary to use special moisturizing cosmetics. Of course, it is necessary to treat all skin diseases in a timely manner. If a rash, itching, peeling, redness appears, patients with moles should immediately sign up for a consultation with a specialist.

Patients who have moles on their feet, palms, neck and other places where they may be susceptible to injury, it is necessary either to protect the nevus, or to remove it altogether. Permanent traumatic effects on the mole can eventually lead to its inflammation and transformation into a malignant tumor.

It is also necessary to remember that some chemical compounds can provoke cancer. That is why it is extremely important to give up the negative effects of carcinogens (for example, to quit smoking). Studies prove that carcinogenic substances are found even in tobacco combustion products. It is important for patients who have nevi on the body to undergo regular preventive examinations by a dermatologist. It is advisable to go to a doctor’s appointment once a year. A dermatologist may also prescribe another schedule of visits in case of suspected malignancy of moles. It is also necessary to go to the doctor in case of a change in the size, color, consistency of the mole.

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