How can you distinguish between harmless age spots and potentially dangerous melanoma. What are the telltale signs of each skin condition. When should you seek medical attention for suspicious skin changes.

Understanding Age Spots: Causes and Characteristics

Age spots, also known as liver spots or sunspots, are medically referred to as lentigo or solar lentigo. These benign skin markings typically appear in areas with significant sun exposure over time. Dr. Trevan Fischer, a surgical oncologist, explains that age spots commonly develop on the face, neck, hands, and arms. However, they can also appear on less sun-exposed areas like the back, belly, chest, and legs.

What distinguishes age spots from other skin markings? Here are their key characteristics:

• Size: Usually about the size of a freckle
• Color: Light tan or brown
• Uniformity: Consistent color throughout the spot
• Borders: Well-defined edges
• Texture: Flat and not raised

Dr. Susan Massick, an associate professor of dermatology, notes that age spots can darken with sun exposure, making them more noticeable in summer. Conversely, they may lighten with increased sun protection measures.

Melanoma: Understanding the Serious Skin Cancer

Melanoma is a potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Unlike benign age spots, melanoma can present significant health risks if left undetected. Healthcare professionals use the ABCDE guidelines to assess suspicious moles or skin growths:

• A – Asymmetry
• B – Border irregularity
• C – Color variations
• D – Diameter larger than 6mm
• E – Evolution or changes over time

Dr. Massick emphasizes the importance of full-body skin checks, including often-overlooked areas like genitalia, palms, soles of feet, and even under nails. Additional warning signs include bleeding, itching, pain, or discomfort associated with a changing mole.

Risk Factors for Melanoma Development

Several factors can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing melanoma:

1. Numerous moles
2. History of severe sunburns
3. Fair skin and blue eyes
4. Personal or family history of skin cancer
5. Regular use of tanning beds

If you have these risk factors and notice suspicious new moles, especially those meeting ABCDE criteria, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation promptly.

Can Age Spots Transform into Cancer?

Are age spots a precursor to skin cancer? Dr. Massick clarifies that having numerous age spots doesn’t necessarily increase your risk of melanoma. However, there is a specific type of melanoma called lentigo maligna that can develop beneath what appears to be an age spot. This slow-growing subtype is more common in older individuals with chronic sun damage, particularly on the head and neck areas.

Lentigo Maligna: The Age Spot Impostor

Lentigo maligna melanoma often mimics benign age spots, making it challenging to detect without professional evaluation. This subtype emphasizes the importance of regular skin checks and dermatologist visits, especially for those with a history of extensive sun exposure.

Prevention Strategies for Age Spots and Melanoma

While age spots are harmless, many people seek to prevent or minimize their appearance for cosmetic reasons. Melanoma prevention, on the other hand, is crucial for health and longevity. Here are some strategies to protect your skin:

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
• Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats
• Seek shade during peak sun hours
• Avoid tanning beds
• Perform regular self-examinations of your skin
• Schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist

Is sun protection effective in preventing both age spots and melanoma? Indeed, consistent sun protection measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing both conditions. By shielding your skin from harmful UV rays, you not only maintain a more youthful appearance but also decrease your chances of developing skin cancer.

When to Seek Professional Evaluation

Given the potential seriousness of melanoma, it’s essential to know when to consult a healthcare professional. Dr. Fischer advises, “The prevailing message you’ll hear from dermatologists is to get any new skin growth like a mole checked out.” However, he also notes that for individuals in their 50s or 60s, learning to recognize typical age spots can prevent unnecessary frequent visits to the dermatologist.

When should you definitely seek medical attention for a skin change?

• Any new mole or skin growth that appears unusual
• Changes in existing moles, including size, shape, or color
• Spots that itch, bleed, or cause discomfort
• Any skin change that concerns you or doesn’t heal

Remember, early detection is key in successfully treating skin cancer. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a dermatologist.

Diagnostic Procedures for Suspicious Skin Lesions

When you visit a dermatologist with concerns about a skin lesion, what can you expect? The diagnostic process typically involves several steps:

1. Visual Examination: The dermatologist will closely inspect the suspicious area, often using a dermatoscope for magnification.
2. Photography: Images may be taken to document the lesion and track any changes over time.
3. Biopsy: If the lesion appears concerning, a small sample may be taken for laboratory analysis.
4. Imaging: In some cases, additional imaging studies might be recommended to assess the extent of the lesion.

How accurate are these diagnostic procedures? While visual examinations by experienced dermatologists are often highly accurate, a biopsy remains the gold standard for definitively diagnosing skin cancer. This procedure allows for microscopic examination of the cells, providing the most reliable results.

Advanced Diagnostic Technologies

Emerging technologies are enhancing the accuracy of skin cancer detection. These include:

• Confocal microscopy
• Optical coherence tomography
• Artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis

These advanced tools can provide additional insights, potentially reducing the need for invasive biopsies in some cases.

Treatment Options for Age Spots and Melanoma

The treatment approaches for age spots and melanoma differ significantly due to their distinct natures. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone dealing with skin concerns.

Managing Age Spots

Since age spots are benign, treatment is typically cosmetic. Options include:

• Topical bleaching creams
• Chemical peels
• Laser therapy
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments

How effective are these treatments for age spots? While results can vary, many individuals see significant improvement in the appearance of age spots with these interventions. However, it’s important to note that without ongoing sun protection, new age spots may develop over time.

Treating Melanoma

Melanoma treatment is more complex and depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment modalities may include:

• Surgical excision
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

What factors influence the choice of melanoma treatment? The stage of the cancer, its location, and the patient’s overall health all play roles in determining the most appropriate treatment plan. Early-stage melanomas may be treated with surgery alone, while more advanced cases often require a combination of therapies.

Living with Skin Changes: Psychological Impact and Coping Strategies

Both age spots and melanoma can have psychological effects on individuals. While age spots are harmless, they may cause self-consciousness or concerns about aging. Melanoma, being a potentially life-threatening condition, can understandably lead to significant anxiety and fear.

How can individuals cope with the emotional impact of skin changes?

• Educate yourself about your condition
• Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
• Practice self-care and stress-reduction techniques
• Consider counseling or therapy if needed
• Focus on overall health and well-being

For those dealing with melanoma, many cancer centers offer psychosocial support services to help patients navigate the emotional challenges of diagnosis and treatment.

Embracing Skin Health as Part of Overall Wellness

Regardless of whether you’re dealing with age spots or more serious skin concerns, prioritizing skin health can contribute to overall well-being. This includes not only protecting your skin from sun damage but also maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated, and nourishing your skin from within through a balanced diet.

Can lifestyle changes improve skin health and appearance? Absolutely. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management can all contribute to healthier, more resilient skin. These habits not only support skin health but also promote overall wellness, potentially reducing the risk of various health issues, including certain skin cancers.

The Future of Skin Cancer Detection and Treatment

As medical science advances, new technologies and approaches are emerging in the field of dermatology and skin cancer management. These innovations promise to enhance our ability to detect and treat skin cancers while minimizing invasive procedures.

Emerging Detection Technologies

Several cutting-edge technologies are showing promise in improving skin cancer detection:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted image analysis
• Gene expression profiling
• Non-invasive imaging techniques
• Smartphone apps for preliminary skin assessments

How might these technologies change skin cancer screening? These advancements could lead to earlier detection, more accurate diagnoses, and reduced need for biopsies. For instance, AI algorithms trained on vast datasets of skin images could help identify suspicious lesions that might be overlooked by the human eye alone.

Innovative Treatment Approaches

Treatment modalities for skin cancers, particularly melanoma, are also evolving:

• Personalized immunotherapies
• Targeted molecular therapies
• Combination treatment strategies
• Nanotechnology-based treatments

These emerging treatments aim to improve efficacy while reducing side effects, potentially offering better outcomes for patients with advanced skin cancers.

Will these advancements make skin cancer a less formidable opponent? While it’s too early to declare victory over skin cancer, these innovations offer hope for improved outcomes. However, prevention through sun protection and early detection through regular skin checks remain crucial strategies in the fight against skin cancer.

Global Perspectives on Skin Health and Cancer Prevention

Skin cancer rates and prevention strategies vary significantly across different parts of the world, influenced by factors such as climate, cultural practices, and healthcare systems. Understanding these global perspectives can provide valuable insights into effective skin cancer prevention and management strategies.

Regional Variations in Skin Cancer Incidence

Skin cancer rates differ markedly between countries and regions. For example:

• Australia and New Zealand have some of the highest rates of skin cancer globally
• Northern European countries see higher rates compared to Southern European nations
• Skin cancer is less common but often diagnosed at later stages in many African and Asian countries

What accounts for these regional differences in skin cancer rates? Factors include variations in UV exposure, skin types prevalent in the population, cultural attitudes towards tanning, and the effectiveness of public health campaigns.

Global Initiatives in Skin Cancer Prevention

Many countries have implemented nationwide strategies to combat skin cancer:

• Australia’s “Slip, Slop, Slap” campaign, encouraging sun-protective behaviors
• Brazil’s ban on indoor tanning beds
• European Union regulations on sunscreen labeling and efficacy
• World Health Organization’s INTERSUN programme, promoting global UV protection

How effective are these global initiatives in reducing skin cancer rates? While it’s challenging to attribute changes solely to these campaigns, countries with comprehensive skin cancer prevention programs have seen encouraging trends. For instance, Australia has observed a decline in melanoma rates among younger populations, likely due to decades of sun safety education.

Cultural Attitudes and Skin Health

Cultural perceptions of tanned skin vary widely across the globe, influencing sun-seeking behaviors and skin cancer risk:

• Western cultures often associate tanned skin with health and beauty
• Many Asian cultures traditionally value fair skin, leading to widespread use of skin-lightening products
• Some Middle Eastern countries see high rates of vitamin D deficiency due to cultural practices of full-body covering

How do these cultural attitudes impact skin cancer prevention efforts? Understanding and addressing cultural norms is crucial for developing effective, culturally sensitive skin cancer prevention strategies. Public health messages must be tailored to resonate with local beliefs and practices to achieve maximum impact.

Economic Factors in Skin Cancer Management

The economic burden of skin cancer varies globally, influenced by factors such as healthcare system structures, treatment availability, and population demographics. In many countries, the rising incidence of skin cancer poses significant challenges to healthcare systems.

How can countries balance the costs of skin cancer prevention and treatment? Investing in prevention through public education and early detection programs can be cost-effective in the long term, potentially reducing the need for expensive treatments for advanced skin cancers. However, striking the right balance requires careful analysis of local healthcare needs and resources.

The Role of Genetics in Skin Health and Cancer Risk

While environmental factors, particularly sun exposure, play a significant role in skin cancer development, genetic predisposition also influences an individual’s risk. Understanding the genetic components of skin health and cancer susceptibility can provide valuable insights for prevention and early detection strategies.

Genetic Factors in Skin Cancer Risk

Several genetic traits are associated with increased skin cancer risk:

• Fair skin, light hair, and light eye color
• Tendency to freckle or burn easily
• Family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
• Certain inherited gene mutations (e.g., CDKN2A, CDK4)

How significant is the genetic component in skin cancer development? While genetics play a role, it’s important to note that environmental factors, particularly UV exposure, remain the most significant modifiable risk factor for most skin cancers. Even individuals with genetic predispositions can significantly reduce their risk through sun protection measures.

Genetic Testing for Skin Cancer Risk

Advances in genetic testing have made it possible to identify certain genetic markers associated with increased skin cancer risk. This raises questions about the potential for personalized skin cancer prevention strategies.

Should individuals undergo genetic testing for skin cancer risk? The answer isn’t straightforward. While genetic testing can provide valuable information, especially for those with a strong family history of melanoma, it’s not currently recommended for the general population. The results of such tests must be interpreted carefully, considering other risk factors and the individual’s overall health profile.

How to Tell the Difference

GettyImages/ucpage

If you’ve noticed a new mole or a small, freckle-like patch on your skin, you might be wondering: Is this mark an age spot or could it be melanoma? Given how prevalent skin cancer is—one in five Americans will develop it in their lifetime—your reaction is reasonable. “The prevailing message you’ll hear from dermatologists is to get any new skin growth like a mole checked out,” says Trevan Fischer, M.D., a surgical oncologist and assistant professor of surgical oncology for Saint John’s Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. “That said, if you’re in your 50s or 60s, it’s worth learning what age spots look like because otherwise, you might be going to your dermatologist every week.”

Signs of Age Spots

Sometimes called liver spots or sunspots, the official medical name for age spots is lentigo (or solar lentigo). Age spots usually occur on areas of the skin where you’ve had the most sun exposure, says Dr. Fischer. That’s why they tend to appear on the face, neck, hands, and arms. They can also develop where you don’t get much sun, though, like on your back, belly, chest, and legs. Age spots have a distinctive look, Dr. Fischer adds. Typically, they appear:

• About the size of a freckle

• Light in color—usually tan or brown—vs. a darker, blackish hue

• Uniform in color vs. variations within that spot

• Defined with clear margins vs jagged or notches edges

• Flat vs. raised (you can’t feel them if you run your hand along your skin)

That said, age spots can darken with sun exposure, so you may notice them more in the summer, says Susan Massick, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus. They can also lighten with more sun protection, such as wearing long sleeves or applying sunscreen regularly.

In general, age spots are one of the most common signs of aging and the result of decades of sun exposure. They may bother some people because of how they look, says Dr. Fischer, but as for your health, they’re harmless.

Signs of Melanoma

By contrast, melanoma can present a significant health risk, especially if it goes undiagnosed and untreated. There are four subtypes of melanoma with differences among them, but they all tend to follow a certain set of guidelines for detection called the ABCDEs. That includes:

• Asymmetry: Cancerous moles are often asymmetrical, which means the shape isn’t the same on both sides. This can be especially noticeable in a type called superficial spreading melanoma which tends to grow outward first instead of down through layers of skin.

• Border: Benign moles and age spots often have well-defined borders, but melanoma often has the opposite, Dr. Massick says. You may see an edge that looks “blurry” or is jagged.

• Color: Although melanoma doesn’t always have color variation within a mole, it’s common for there to be spots that are lighter or darker, Dr. Massick says. You may also notice a mole that is much darker than the other moles you have.

• Diameter: Melanoma growths are normally larger than 6 millimeters in diameter, about the size of a pencil eraser. Some age spots can be that size or larger, but Dr. Fischer says most are fairly small, like tiny dots or freckles.

• Evolution: One of the most important parts of detection is whether a mole or spot is growing, in either an outward direction (meaning it takes over more of your skin), or an upward direction, away from the skin (so it becomes more like a scab or bump).

Melanoma can occur on any part of your skin, including within existing moles. So when you’re doing a skin check, try to do a full-body scan—including your genitalia, palms, the soles of your feet, and even under your fingernails and toenails, Dr. Massick suggests. It’s also important to notice if there’s any bleeding, itching, pain, or discomfort with a mole that seems to be growing, Dr. Massick says, since those are all potential signs of melanoma.

Risk factors of melanoma include:

• A large number of moles

• History of severe sunburns over a lifetime

• Pale or fair skin, as well as blue eyes, which raises your risk for skin cancer

• Previous personal or family history with melanoma or another skin cancer

• Use of tanning beds regularly

If you have risk factors like these, and you’re seeing suspicious moles that are new—particularly if they meet criteria from the ABCDE list—it’s a good idea to get them checked, Dr. Massick says.

Can Age Spots Turn Into Cancer?

Having lots of age spots doesn’t make you more likely to develop melanoma, says Dr. Massick, but there is a type of melanoma that often appears as if it’s “underneath” an age spot. This kind is called lentigo maligna, and is most common in older people who have chronically sun-damaged skin. It’s a slow-growing subtype of melanoma and appears most often on the head and neck, where someone is likely to have had the most sun exposure.

Age spots don’t technically morph into cancerous lesions, but they may occur on the same area of the skin, which would make it look like an age spot has turned into melanoma, Dr. Massick adds. Regardless, just because age spots don’t turn into cancer, you still need annual skin exams. As Dr. Massick notes, any area of skin can develop a melanoma, whether there is an age spot present or not.

Next Steps if You Suspect Skin Cancer

Doing a regular skin check—or asking a loved one or partner to do one for you—can be key for catching any issues early. That’s a huge deal, considering that the five-year survival rate for patients with stage 0 melanoma (called melanoma-in-situ and referring to melanoma that affects only the outermost layer of skin) is 97%, compared to 10% for those with stage 4 melanoma. If you have a suspicious mole or growth, make an appointment with a dermatologist to get it checked, Dr. Massick suggests. And even if you don’t spot anything worthy of concern, make an appointment for an annual dermatology exam to stay on track with cancer prevention and skin health.

Notes: This article was originally published October 31, 2022 and most recently updated November 8, 2022.

Skin Cancer Statistics: American Academy of Dermatology. (2022.) “Skin cancer.” https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer

Age Spots: National Institute on Aging. (2017.) “Skin Care and Aging.” https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging

Skin Changes with Aging: National Library of Medicine. (2022.) “Aging changes in skin.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004014.htm

Within Existing Moles: Skin Cancer Foundation. (2022.) “Melanoma.” https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/

Lentigo Maligna: National Library of Medicine. (2022.) “Lentigo Maligna Melanoma.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482163/

Survival Rate: National Library of Medicine. (2022.) “Malignant Melanomas.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470409/

Our Review ProcessElizabeth Millard, Health Writer:  

Elizabeth Millard is a journalist specializing in health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition. Her articles have appeared in SELF, Men’s Health, CNN, MyFitnessPal, and WebMD, and she has worked on patient education materials for Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group.

Christopher Sayed, M.D., Associate Professor of Dermatology:  

Chris Sayed, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Dermatology practicing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has a special clinical interest in the medical and surgical management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and is the Director of the HS clinic at UNC.

Sun spot or skin cancer? Know the difference

by

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente

|

April 17, 2023

Sun spots, liver spots, moles, freckles, cysts — oh my. Our skin can develop many different bumps or markings over the course of our lives. Some are harmless, but others may be cause for concern.

“Being able to tell the difference between a sun spot and a potentially cancerous mole could save your life,” explains Kaiser Permanente’s Dr. Paola Rodriguez, a board-certified dermatologist. “Performing periodic self-checks, asking your doctor about regular screenings, and practicing daily UV protection are all ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer.”

But how can you tell if the marks on your skin are potentially cancerous and what can you do to help prevent skin cancer? Here’s what to keep in mind:

Factor in your risk

Some people are more likely to get skin cancer than others. If you have any of the following, you may want to take extra precautions, perform self-checks often, and schedule regular screenings:

• Family history of skin cancer
• Fair skin
• Naturally light-colored hair — red or blond
• A history of serious sunburns or prolonged sun exposure
• A large number of moles all over your body

Check yourself

Whether your risk factor is high or low, scheduling a full-body skin screening with your doctor is always a good idea. Based on your risk, ask your doctor how often you should schedule these screenings.

Everyone, however, should perform regular self-checks. Each month, check your skin from head to toe to see if you notice any abnormal marks or moles. When performing these checks, here’s what to look out for:

Seeing spots?

If you’re over 50, you may notice spots appearing on the areas of your skin that are often exposed to the sun — like your face, hands, neck, etc. These spots are called “actinic lentigines,” which are more commonly referred to as sun spots, age spots, or liver spots. These small, gray-brown spots aren’t a type of skin cancer. They also don’t progress to become skin cancer and don’t require any treatment. But if you notice any rapid changes to one of these spots, get it checked out by your doctor right away.

Remember the ABCDE rule

When performing a self-check, you’ll want to remember the ABCDE rule. This rule lists red-flag issues that could be cause for concern.

• Asymmetry: When one half of the mole or mark looks very different in shape to the other half.
• Borders: Edges that are blurry, irregular, and uneven on the outside of the mole or mark.
• Color: A variety of colors or shading in one mole or mark. Non-cancerous moles or marks are usually all one color.
• Diameter: Anything larger than 6 millimeters in diameter — about the size of a pencil eraser.
• Evolving: A mole or mark that changes in shape, size, color, or texture over time.

If you notice a mole or mark displaying any of the above red flag issues, then schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.

Practice prevention

Regularly using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher is one of your best ways to prevent sun burns, premature aging, and skin cancer. You’ll want to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours. Be sure to use sunscreen on any area that might be getting some sun — your neck, lips, ears, and even your scalp (you can also wear a hat for added sun protection).

When in doubt, get it checked out

If you’re still not sure if the mole or skin spot you have is common or cancerous, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Early detection can help prevent the spread of cancer so don’t be afraid to reach out with any questions or concerns. When it comes to skin cancer, it’s always a good idea to play it safe.

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Pigmented nevi | Diamed

Pigmented nevi are benign accumulations of pigment cells on the skin. These include moles, birthmarks.

Different concentrations of melanin in pigmented nevi give a wide variety of colors – from yellowish-red to black. They may be flat or slightly convex, and their surface may be smooth, bumpy, folded, or papillomatous. Some of these moles are covered with hair.

In infants, nevi are extremely rare, they begin to appear later, especially at a young age, and their number increases with age.

Size ranges from barely visible moles to giant nevi. Such giant nevi have a sad chance of developing into melanoma. The larger the nevus, the faster it is turned.

Types of nevi

Dysplastic nevi are pigment spots of an unusual configuration with indistinct edges, their color varies from reddish-brown to brown on a pink background. For the first time, they drew attention because of their non-standard appearance and because they are inherited. Dysplastic nevi reach up to 10 mm in diameter.

Nevus borderis pigmentosum . A feature is that its melanocytic activity is increased. Outwardly, it looks like a flat black nodule with a diameter of 1 cm with a dry and smooth surface.

An important distinguishing feature is the complete absence of hair. Sometimes a borderline nevus can be a spot with smooth wavy edges. It has no specific locations. This nevus is found on the face, and on the neck, and on the torso. As a rule, the borderline nevus is congenital, but can appear even during puberty.

Nevus blue is a rounded blue-blue nodule with a firm consistency. Its smooth surface is hairless.

It is characterized by strong accumulations of melanin in the dermal layers, hence its bluish color. A nodule 0.5 cm in size. A blue nevus is found mainly on the face, limbs, buttocks, and also in the oral cavity.

Blue nevus is especially common among residents of Asian republics. It appears after puberty. The blue nevus is among the melanoma-dangerous, because. cases of melanoma development at the site of this nevus have been recorded.

Giant nevus pigmentosa – can only be congenital. Its growth is proportional to the growth of the child. It can cover the torso, neck and other areas. The surface of the nevus, consisting of bumps, warts and cracks, has a hairline. Color varies from gray to brownish brown. Development into a malignant tumor occurs in 10% of cases.

Papillomatous nevus is characterized by a surface consisting of bumps and irregularities. Often it can be found on the scalp. Differs in large size (several centimeters) and irregular outlines. The color ranges from skin color to dark brown.

Intradermal nevus . This is the most common birthmark that can be seen in every person. They are found on the skin and mucous membranes. These nevi can be both congenital and can form in the womb. Most people do not consider a birthmark a cosmetic inconvenience.

Alarm signals

The risk of its degeneration into melanoma is about 5% in owners of a small congenital nevus. And the transformation of a giant nevus into melanoma occurs in 40%.

Very dangerous and undesirable mechanical damage – stripping, scratching, as well as radiation damage – sunbathing in direct sunlight and going to the solarium.

You should be alert if:

• the pigment spot has increased in height or width
• mole has lost its clear outline
• the birthmark has changed its color, becoming more or less pronounced
• nodules, crusts appeared on the surface of the nevus, and it also began to bleed
• enlarged lymph nodes in the groin, armpits on the neck

When are pigmented nevi removed for prophylaxis?

• it is better to remove nevi in ​​childhood before puberty
• if the mole is located where it can be accidentally plucked or damaged
• nevus is larger than 1.5 cm
• mole color brown or black

Timely removal of a mole with the above signs will not allow the formation of a malignant tumor in this place.

Removal of pigmented nevi is one of the operations performed in the network of Moscow clinics “Diamed”. Doctors with extensive experience will be able to painlessly relieve their patients of skin formations. The procedure is carried out in the clinics “Diamed Maryina Roshcha”

The selection of medicines for the treatment of pigmented nevus is carried out only by a doctor and strictly on an individual basis, based on the type, age and characteristics of the patient’s body.

Methods for removing pigmented nevi

• Small nevi are removed with a laser. Local anesthesia is used here and many small nevi can be removed at once in one visit. A crust appears at the place of removal, which will fall off in seven days. The traces are practically invisible, so the laser method is used to remove facial moles.
• Surgical excision is used for large nevi. The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia with suturing.

The decision on the method of treatment is made as a result of the study of the nevus. In some cases, consultation with an oncologist is required. When surgical excision is used, the neoplasm is sent for histology to determine if it is melanoma.

You should never remove moles and birthmarks yourself. This is fraught with infection and other troubles.

Conditionally pigmented nevi can be divided into four categories according to their size:

• small (up to 1.5cm)
• medium (up to 10 cm)
• large (up to 20 cm)
• giant (more than 20 cm)

Multiple pigmented nevi are quite rare (5%). Such a nevus consists of a large focus and small pigment spots and affects the lower body, limbs, back and chest.

Types of pigmented nevus

Histological examination subdivides pigmented nevi into the following types:

• mixed
• epidermal
• dermal
• spindle cell
• blue

To determine whether a nevus is congenital, an analysis should be made for the presence of nevus cells in the subcutaneous adipose tissue.

From nevus to skin melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumor originating from melanocytes. Melanoma of the skin can develop both from epidermal melanocytes of normal skin and from birthmarks.

The incidence of melanoma has increased in recent years, especially in women under the age of 40. Melanoma is called the “Queen of tumors” for its rapid metastasis – the diseased person dies in a few months.

Melanoma grows above the skin, along its surface and in depth. The deeper the tumor strands penetrate, the worse the prognosis.

Symptoms of melanoma

At first, melanoma is a dark spot that rises slightly above the surface of the skin. Growing up, it becomes similar to an exophytic tumor, which can ulcerate in the future.

Melanoma can be recognized by three signs:

• dark color
• high-gloss
• disintegrating property

This is due to the accumulation of pigment, damage to the epidermal layer and the fragility of the formation.