What are the key warning signs of melanoma. How can you perform a self-examination for skin cancer. When should you seek medical attention for suspicious moles or skin changes. What are the ABCDE criteria for evaluating potential melanomas. Why is early detection crucial for melanoma survival rates.

Understanding Melanoma: The Most Dangerous Form of Skin Cancer

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. It is considered the most serious form of skin cancer due to its ability to spread rapidly to other parts of the body if left untreated. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment and improved survival rates.

How does melanoma typically present? Melanomas often appear as new or changing moles, freckles, or dark spots on the skin. They can develop on any part of the body, including areas not typically exposed to sunlight. In women, melanomas are most commonly found on the legs, while in men, they frequently appear on the trunk.

The ABCDE Method: A Crucial Tool for Melanoma Detection

The ABCDE method is a valuable guide for identifying potential melanomas. Each letter represents a characteristic to look for when examining moles or skin lesions:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.
• B – Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• C – Color: The color is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, or tan, with patches of red, white, or blue.
• D – Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• E – Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or color over time.

Is the ABCDE method foolproof? While it’s an excellent starting point, it’s important to note that not all melanomas will exhibit these characteristics. Some may only show one or two signs, while others might not fit the criteria at all. This is why regular self-examinations and professional skin checks are crucial.

The Ugly Duckling Sign: Another Important Indicator

The Ugly Duckling sign is a complementary approach to the ABCDE method. This concept is based on the idea that most normal moles on an individual’s body tend to look similar to one another. A potential melanoma often stands out as different or unusual compared to surrounding moles.

How can you apply the Ugly Duckling concept? When examining your skin, look for moles that appear different from others in terms of size, shape, or color. These “outliers” warrant closer inspection and potentially a dermatologist’s evaluation.

Key Points to Remember About the Ugly Duckling Sign:

• Compare suspicious spots to surrounding moles
• Look for moles that are larger, smaller, lighter, or darker than others
• Pay attention to isolated lesions without surrounding moles for comparison
• Trust your instincts if a mole simply looks “different” from the rest

Atypical Presentations: When Melanoma Breaks the Rules

While the ABCDE method and Ugly Duckling sign are valuable tools, it’s crucial to understand that melanoma can sometimes present in atypical ways. These unusual presentations can make detection more challenging, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive skin examinations.

Amelanotic Melanoma: The Colorless Threat

What makes amelanotic melanomas particularly dangerous? These melanomas lack the dark pigment melanin, which gives most moles their characteristic color. As a result, amelanotic melanomas can appear:

• Pinkish
• Reddish
• White
• Skin-colored
• Clear or colorless

The lack of pigmentation can make these melanomas difficult to spot, especially for individuals with fair skin. This underscores the importance of paying attention to any new or changing skin lesions, regardless of their color.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM): Hidden in Plain Sight

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a subtype of melanoma that often goes undetected in its early stages. Why is ALM particularly concerning? This form of melanoma typically appears in areas that are easy to overlook during routine skin checks:

• Under fingernails or toenails
• On the palms of hands
• On the soles of feet

ALM is the most common form of melanoma found in people of color, making it crucial for everyone, regardless of skin tone, to be vigilant about checking these often-neglected areas.

The Importance of Early Detection: Survival Rates and Prognosis

Early detection of melanoma can dramatically improve survival rates and treatment outcomes. How significant is the impact of early diagnosis? Consider these statistics:

• 99% 5-year survival rate for patients in the U.S. whose melanoma is detected early
• 68% survival rate if the disease reaches the lymph nodes
• 30% survival rate if it spreads to distant organs

These numbers clearly illustrate the critical importance of identifying and treating melanoma in its earliest stages. Early detection not only improves survival rates but also often allows for less invasive treatment options and better overall outcomes.

Proactive Measures: Self-Examinations and Professional Skin Checks

Given the importance of early detection, what steps can individuals take to protect themselves? A combination of regular self-examinations and professional skin checks is the best approach for catching potential melanomas early.

Monthly Self-Examinations

How should you conduct a thorough self-examination? Follow these steps:

1. Examine your entire body, including hard-to-see areas like your back and scalp
2. Use a mirror or ask a partner to help check difficult-to-view areas
3. Pay attention to existing moles, freckles, and blemishes
4. Look for any new spots or changes in existing ones
5. Document any suspicious areas with photos or notes for future comparison

Consistency is key when it comes to self-examinations. Set a regular schedule, such as the first day of each month, to ensure you don’t forget this important task.

Annual Professional Skin Checks

While self-examinations are crucial, they should not replace professional skin checks. Why are dermatologist visits important? A trained professional can:

• Identify subtle changes that may be missed during self-exams
• Use specialized tools like dermoscopy for closer inspection of suspicious lesions
• Provide expert evaluation of any concerning spots
• Perform biopsies if necessary
• Offer personalized advice based on your individual risk factors

Aim to see a dermatologist at least once a year for a comprehensive skin examination. Individuals with higher risk factors, such as a personal or family history of skin cancer, may need more frequent check-ups.

Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies

While anyone can develop melanoma, certain factors can increase an individual’s risk. Understanding these risk factors can help guide prevention strategies and inform decisions about screening frequency.

Common Risk Factors for Melanoma

• Fair skin that burns easily
• History of excessive sun exposure or sunburns
• Use of tanning beds
• Family history of melanoma
• Personal history of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Presence of numerous moles or atypical moles

How can you reduce your risk of developing melanoma? While some risk factors, like genetics, cannot be changed, there are several proactive steps you can take to minimize your risk:

1. Limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm)
2. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, reapplying every two hours
3. Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses
4. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps
5. Seek shade when outdoors
6. Perform regular self-examinations
7. Schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist

By combining these preventive measures with vigilant monitoring, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing melanoma or catch it in its earliest, most treatable stages.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Trust Your Instincts

Given the potential seriousness of melanoma, it’s crucial to know when to seek professional medical attention. While regular check-ups are important, certain situations warrant immediate evaluation by a dermatologist.

When should you schedule an appointment with a skin specialist? Consider seeking medical attention if you notice:

• A new mole or skin growth that appears after age 21
• Changes in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole
• A mole that looks significantly different from others on your body (the Ugly Duckling sign)
• Any spot that itches, bleeds, or doesn’t heal
• A lesion with multiple colors or an irregular border
• Any skin changes that worry you, even if they don’t fit the typical melanoma criteria

Remember, early detection is key in the successful treatment of melanoma. If you’re unsure about a spot or simply have a gut feeling that something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

The Role of Technology in Melanoma Detection

As technology advances, new tools are emerging to aid in the early detection of melanoma. While these should not replace professional medical evaluations, they can serve as valuable supplements to your skin care routine.

What technological advancements are helping in melanoma detection?

• Smartphone apps: Some apps allow users to photograph and track changes in their moles over time.
• AI-powered image analysis: Artificial intelligence algorithms are being developed to assist in identifying potentially cancerous lesions.
• Total body photography: This technique creates a photographic map of the entire body, allowing for precise tracking of changes over time.
• Confocal microscopy: This non-invasive imaging technique provides detailed views of skin lesions without the need for a biopsy.

While these technologies show promise, it’s important to remember that they are tools to assist in detection, not substitutes for professional medical advice. Always consult with a dermatologist for proper evaluation and diagnosis of suspicious skin lesions.

The Psychological Impact of Melanoma: Coping and Support

A melanoma diagnosis can have significant psychological impacts on patients and their loved ones. Understanding these effects and knowing where to find support is crucial for overall well-being during treatment and beyond.

What are some common psychological challenges faced by melanoma patients?

• Anxiety about the diagnosis and prognosis
• Fear of recurrence
• Body image concerns, especially if surgical treatment leaves visible scars
• Depression or mood changes
• Stress related to treatment decisions and financial concerns
• Feelings of isolation or misunderstanding from others

How can patients and their families cope with these challenges? Consider the following strategies:

1. Seek professional counseling or therapy
2. Join support groups for melanoma patients and survivors
3. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
4. Maintain open communication with healthcare providers about emotional concerns
5. Stay informed about the condition and treatment options
6. Engage in activities that promote overall well-being and positivity

Remember, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions following a melanoma diagnosis. Seeking support and addressing psychological needs is an important part of the overall treatment and recovery process.

Resources for Melanoma Patients and Families

Numerous organizations offer support, information, and resources for individuals affected by melanoma. Some reputable sources include:

• The Skin Cancer Foundation
• American Cancer Society
• Melanoma Research Foundation
• AIM at Melanoma Foundation
• Cancer Support Community

These organizations provide educational materials, support group information, and often offer helplines for those seeking guidance or emotional support.

Ongoing Research and Future Directions in Melanoma Treatment

The field of melanoma research is rapidly evolving, with new treatments and diagnostic techniques constantly under development. Staying informed about these advancements can provide hope and potentially open up new treatment options for patients.

What are some promising areas of melanoma research?

• Immunotherapy: Treatments that harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells
• Targeted therapies: Drugs that target specific genetic mutations found in some melanomas
• Combination therapies: Approaches that use multiple treatment modalities for enhanced effectiveness
• Liquid biopsies: Blood tests that can detect circulating tumor DNA for early detection and monitoring
• Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on the genetic profile of an individual’s tumor
• Preventive strategies: Development of more effective sunscreens and other preventive measures

While these research areas show promise, it’s important to note that many are still in experimental stages. Patients should discuss the latest treatment options and clinical trials with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for their individual cases.

In conclusion, melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that requires vigilance, early detection, and prompt treatment. By understanding the warning signs, performing regular self-examinations, and seeking professional care when needed, individuals can significantly improve their chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. Remember, when it comes to melanoma, knowledge and early action are your best defenses.

Melanoma Warning Signs and Images

Finding melanoma at an early stage is crucial; early detection can vastly increase your chances for cure.

Look for anything new, changing or unusual on both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas of the body. Melanomas commonly appear on the legs of women. The number one place they develop on men is the trunk. Keep in mind, though, that melanomas can arise anywhere on the skin, even in areas where the sun doesn’t shine.

Most moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are harmless – but not always. The ABCDEs and the Ugly Duckling sign can help you detect melanoma.

Early detection makes a difference

99%
5-year survival rate for patients in the U.S. whose melanoma is detected early. The survival rate drops to 68% if the disease reaches the lymph nodes and
30% if it spreads to distant organs.

The ABCDEs of melanoma

The first five letters of the alphabet are a guide to help you recognize the warning signs of melanoma.

A is for Asymmetry. Most melanomas are asymmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves don’t match, so it looks different from a round to oval and symmetrical common mole.

B is for Border. Melanoma borders tend to be uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles tend to have smoother, more even borders.

C is for Color. Multiple colors are a warning sign. While benign moles are usually a single shade of brown, a melanoma may have different shades of brown, tan or black. As it grows, the colors red, white or blue may also appear.

D is for Diameter or Dark. While it’s ideal to detect a melanoma when it is small, it’s a warning sign if a lesion is the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm, or ¼ inch in diameter) or larger. Some experts say it is important to look for any lesion, no matter what size, that is darker than others. Rare, amelanotic melanomas are colorless.

E is for Evolving. Any change in size, shape, color or elevation of a spot on your skin, or any new symptom in it, such as bleeding, itching or crusting, may be a warning sign of melanoma.

If you notice these warning signs and symptoms, or see anything NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL on your skin see a dermatologist promptly.

A is for Asymmetry

B is for Border

C is for Color

D is for Diameter or Dark

E is for Evolving (Before)

E is for Evolving (After)

Please note: Since not all melanomas have the same appearance, these photos serve as a general reference for what melanoma can look like. If you see anything NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL on your skin, go get checked by a dermatologist.

Look out for an ugly duckling

The Ugly Duckling is another warning sign of melanoma. This recognition strategy is based on the concept that most normal moles on your body resemble one another, while melanomas stand out like ugly ducklings in comparison. This highlights the importance of not just checking for irregularities, but also comparing any suspicious spot to surrounding moles to determine whether it looks different from its neighbors. These ugly duckling lesions can be larger, smaller, lighter or darker, compared to surrounding moles. Also, isolated lesions without surrounding moles for comparison are considered ugly ducklings.

Melanoma can be tricky

Identifying a potential skin cancer is not easy, and not all melanomas follow the rules. Melanomas come in many forms and may display none of the typical warning signs.

It’s also important to note that about 20 to 30 percent of melanomas develop in existing moles, while 70 to 80 percent arise on seemingly normal skin.

Amelanotic melanomas are missing the dark pigment melanin that gives most moles their color. Amelanotic melanomas may be pinkish, reddish, white, the color of your skin or even clear and colorless, making them difficult to recognize.

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), the most common form of melanoma found in people of color, often appears in hard-to-spot places, including under the fingernails or toenails, on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. View images.

The takeaway: Be watchful for any new mole or freckle that arises on your skin, a sore or spot that does not heal, any existing mole that starts changing (growing, swelling, itching) or any spot, mole or lesion that looks unusual.

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is the most common melanoma found in people of color.

What you can do

Check yourself: No matter your risk, examine your skin head-to-toe once a month to identify potential skin cancers early. Take note of existing moles or lesions that grow or change. Learn how to check your skin here.

When in doubt, check it out. Because melanoma can be so dangerous once it advances, follow your instincts. Visit your doctor if you see a spot that just doesn’t seem right.

Keep in mind that while important, monthly self-exams are not enough. See your dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.

If you’ve had a melanoma, follow up regularly with your doctor once treatment is complete. Stick to the schedule your doctor recommends. This ensures that you identify any recurrence as early as possible.

Reviewed by:
Allan C. Halpern, MD
Ashfaq A. Marghoob, MD
Ofer Reiter, MD

Last updated: January 2021

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Skin Cancer Pictures – The Skin Cancer Foundation

Skin cancer can happen to anyone, at any age, on any part of the body. And because skin cancers appear in many shapes and sizes, they can be challenging to identify. While skin cancer pictures can be helpful in learning what skin cancer can look like, getting to know your own skin and understanding what to look for can help you detect cancer early when it’s easiest to cure.

That’s why you should examine your skin once a month. If you see something NEW, CHANGING OR UNUSUAL – even if it looks nothing like what you see in photos – do not wait! Get it checked by a dermatologist right away. Finding and treating skin cancer early can save your life.

Skin Cancer Image Gallery

What does cancer look like on skin? Below is a selection of photos that give you a general idea about what skin cancers can look like. Remember that skin cancers can look quite different from one person to another due to skin tone, size and type of skin cancer and location on the body. Skin cancer can be tricky in other ways, too. For example, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is often pigmented tan, brown, black, even blue. But amelanotic melanoma lacks pigment and appears as a skin-tone or pink lesion.

To sum it up, while photos can be helpful, getting your skin examined by a dermatologist is the most vital step in identifying and treating skin cancer.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma Photos
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma Photos
• Melanoma Photos
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma Photos
• Actinic Keratosis
• Rare Skin Cancers

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Photos

For information on basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our BCC Warning Signs page.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Images

For information on squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our SCC Warning Signs page.

Melanoma Photos

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) Pictures

For information on Merkel cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our MCC Warning Signs page.

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis) is the most common precancer. For more photos and information on actinic keratosis warning signs and symptoms, visit our Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs page.

Rare Skin Cancers

Please visit our Rare skin cancers page for more information and pictures of rare skin cancers such as:

• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
• Kaposi’s sarcoma
• Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC)
• Sebaceous carcinoma
• Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
• Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD)

For links to more comprehensive skin cancer information, visit our Skin Cancer 101 page.

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Signs of skin cancer on the website of the Orenburg hospital

The causes of skin cancer are not well understood. Several factors are known to increase the risk of developing skin cancer. These factors include:

1. Prolonged exposure to the sun (sun exposure) is the most important risk factor for skin cancer. Typically, skin cancer develops in exposed areas of the body that are exposed to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight.
2. White skin, or skin that contains little melanin, is more likely to develop cancer. Melanin is a dark pigment that is produced by special skin cells and serves to protect the skin from the sun’s rays. White skin, which has many moles, is also extremely prone to developing skin cancer.
3. Prolonged skin exposure to x-rays (eg radiologists).
4. Skin contact with substances that can cause cancer (carcinogens), which include arsenic, tar, etc.
5. Smoking predisposes to skin cancer of the lower lip.
6. Age over 50 is a risk factor for skin cancer, but the disease also occurs at a young age.
7. Frequent use of the solarium significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
8. The presence of skin cancer in close relatives.
9. Decreased immunity after severe illness, and also as a result of taking certain drugs that suppress the immune system (corticosteroids, anticancer drugs).

Symptoms of skin melanoma

The first sign of melanoma is a change in shape, color, size or an unpleasant sensation at the site of an existing mole. Melanoma also occurs as a new nevus. Pay attention to all skin changes and monitor the following:

• Asymmetric . The mole does not have an axis of symmetry.
• Irregular borders . The edges are torn, jagged or blurred. The pigment may spread to surrounding areas of the skin.
• Uneven color . There are shades of black, brown. White, gray, red, pink, or blue areas are also visible.
• Diameter . The mole increases in size. Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than a pea (more than 6 mm).

• Modification of . The mole has changed a lot in the last few weeks or months.

Change in size: increase in mole two or more times in 6 months; color change: darkening (to black), lightening, the appearance of enlightenment in the center and simultaneous darkening at the edges, heterogeneous pigmentation; asymmetry of form; fuzzy borders: in this case, the pigment merges smoothly with the surrounding skin, so that the borders become blurry; pain; ulceration of a mole; hair loss, if any, on the mole.

In more serious cases, the surface of the mole itself changes. The skin on the surface may crack or appear scratched. Becomes stiff, may bleed. Sometimes melanoma causes itching and pain.

When to see a doctor

Melanoma (skin cancer)

If you scored 10 points in total, then you need to contact your local doctor to decide on further examination.

Signs of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma

Skin changes are the most common sign. They may be a formed growth, an ulcer that does not heal for a long time, or any changes in the structure of the old nevus – the appearance of the carcinoma may be different. As a rule, the tumor does not cause pain.

When to See a Doctor

Skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas)

If you scored 10 points in total, then you need to contact your local doctor to decide on further examination.

Prevention of skin cancer

Everyone who is at risk should take preventive measures seriously and, if possible, eliminate provoking factors.

Prevention of any disease is to reduce, as far as possible, the exposure to the factors that provoke it and to increase the number of factors that reduce the risk. The same goes for skin cancer prevention.
Since the main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation, the main preventive measure is to limit exposure. Of course, it is impossible to completely protect yourself from sunlight, especially in the warm season, when you want to walk, sunbathe, swim. However, one should know the measure in everything, and sunbathing should be done without fanaticism. Doctors strongly recommend the use of sunscreen. It is customary for us to buy such creams for a trip to the sea, but this is wrong. Ideally, you should use sunscreen all year round. Of course, in the cold season we are talking only about face creams, because other parts of the body are covered with clothes. But in the summer you need to take care of lotions and creams that will protect all exposed skin. When choosing such a tool, you should carefully read the label. The SPF protection factor, or SPF in Russian, usually ranges from 15 to 50. For darker skin that is not prone to burns, you can take a lower protection factor, 15-25. For light, sensitive and baby skin, you need to take a product with a high STP factor. The label should also contain the inscription: UVA / UVB. This means that the product protects against alpha and beta rays. An important mark on such a tool is water resistance. It is important not only if you are going to swim. When you just walk around the city and sweat, the product is just as “washed off” from the skin. However, just because you bought a high protection waterproof product doesn’t mean you can apply it once and forget it all day long. Every 2-4 hours, depending on the protection factor, you need to apply the product again.
If possible, it is better to wear clothing that covers the body as much as possible from the sun’s rays. Of course, in the summer heat this is difficult, but try, for example, to wear light trousers instead of short shorts. Don’t forget the headwear. A wide-brimmed hat will protect not only the face, but also the ears and neck. Men can wear baseball caps with a visor. In recent years, special sun protection clothing has become more and more popular. It is made from fabrics treated with sunscreen.
Sunglasses are not only a tribute to fashion and style. Protecting your eyes and the skin around them from ultraviolet radiation is very important. Glasses should be not just stylish and fashionable, but really protect from the sun’s rays.
Avoid sun exposure during peak hours. This time is from 11 am to 4 pm. If you are near water or in nature, take care of the shade. An umbrella, a canopy, a tent are a must. Even if the weather is cloudy and the sun is not visible, you can still get burned, because clouds block only 30% of the ultraviolet. This suggests that sunscreen is essential even when the sun is hidden behind the clouds.
Intense tanning has been considered fashionable for many years in a row. Solariums are in demand all year round, many people, especially young girls, love to sunbathe until their skin turns dark. Not everyone understands that a solarium is harmful to the skin. One of the problems is premature aging, but even that is nothing compared to the risk of developing skin cancer, especially melanoma. American scientists have proposed to ban the solarium to young people under the age of 18.
Self-diagnosis and control over the condition of the skin is a prerequisite not only for people at risk, but for everyone in general. We all know

that you can take every precaution and still get sick. Therefore, periodically inspect open areas of the body – the neck, shoulders, arms, ears, head for the presence of any neoplasms on the skin, examine moles, if something is alarming, take the necessary tests. Skin cancer can be prevented if all the above measures are carried out systematically, persistently and persistently. Make sunscreen your constant companion, get your kids used to it, and give up tanning to a crisp – these are quite feasible and adequate conditions.

Self-exam skin

The following tips will help make self-examination faster and more convenient. The best time to visit is after taking a shower or bath. Use 2 mirrors: full-length and small, preferably with a long handle – their combination allows you to view all parts of the body. Also, to inspect the head, you will need a comb / comb or hair dryer (they can be used to expose the skin under the hairline). Inspection should be carried out in a well-lit room, you may also need a small flashlight.

Pay attention to:

• new moles (dissimilar),
• new red or dark lesions slightly raised above the skin,
• changing the size, shape, color of a mole,
• wounds that do not heal.

Regular check-ups are especially important for people with skin cancer risk factors. If you suspect a melanoma or other malignant tumor, you should immediately consult a doctor for a diagnosis.

Moles: should we be afraid?

Almost everyone has some number of moles, which usually appear in childhood and adolescence.

Almost everyone has some number of moles that usually appear during childhood and adolescence. The medical name is nevus (naevus maternus), a malformation of the skin, in which certain parts of it differ in color and / or a special warty appearance of the surface.

Many skin and subcutaneous neoplasms are quite common, and a careful examination by an oncologist is sufficient for a preliminary diagnosis. Most skin tumors are benign, but malignant tumors are also not uncommon, so early and accurate diagnosis is extremely important.

To provoke a mole to rebirth, of course, a push, an irritant is needed. The strongest irritant of all possible is excessive exposure to the sun.
Ultraviolet irradiation in high doses causes irreversible changes in skin cells, greatly increasing the risk of their degeneration. For each person, the critical amount of insolation is purely individual. It is not easy to determine this line, so it is better to just remember that prolonged exposure to the sun is harmful to the body. The skin is forced to protect itself from ultraviolet radiation. Excessive tanning is inevitable burns that “hit” the skin’s immunity.

The second common cause of tumor development is trauma to the mole. Therefore, if you touched it with your fingernail, inadvertently damaged it with a washcloth, with some sharp object, especially if these injuries are permanent (for example, from underwear), be sure to see a doctor. Teach your children from childhood to take care of small marks on the skin.
Because birthmarks are very common and melanomas are rare, prophylactic mole removal is not warranted. Look at the mole at an angle, take a magnifying glass: a uniform color, a smooth edge, a transition of the “skin pattern” from an area with a normal color to a pigmented area, the presence of hair is a good sign.

However, if the mole suddenly increases in size (especially if there are uneven edges), darkens, becomes inflamed, becomes mottled, starts to bleed, ulcerates, itches or hurts, the “lacquer” surface of the mole, the special pattern of the edge – alarm!
Having found possible signs of degeneration of a mole, be sure to consult an oncologist.

It is important to remember that all removed moles are subject to mandatory morphological (histological) examination, because the final diagnosis for the morphologist. Only he, through a microscope, knows the danger in person.

Signs of malignant transformation of pigmented neoplasms according to the “BLOW” scheme:

• Growth acceleration
• Diameter over 6 mm
• Asymmetry, irregular shape
• Multicolour, change in color of one of the sections

More than a hundred oncological diseases are known to science, but melanoma among them is the recognized “insidious and evil queen”. The insidiousness and aggressiveness of this type of skin cancer is unparalleled. Once having arisen, the disease can imperceptibly develop in the superficial layers of the skin for 5–50 (!) years. Then, having chosen the weakest place on the skin – a mole or a pigment spot, single cells of a ripening tumor begin to grow in depth.

In order not to start the problem, you just need to be a little more attentive to yourself and not miss the first alarming symptoms. About how serious your concerns are, you need to consult with an oncologist. Self-treatment of age spots and moles is dangerous, but self-examination is welcome!
If you have even a slight suspicion, you should visit an oncologist. In such situations, correspondence consultations and consultations of cosmetologists are unacceptable!

What are moles?

Lentigo (marginal) is a flat, evenly pigmented brownish-brown to black patch resulting from an increase in the number of melanocytes at the border of the epidermis and dermis (skin layers). Compared to freckles, lentigines are darker and less common; moreover, their color does not increase and the number does not increase under the influence of solar radiation.
Epidermal-dermal nevi – usually flat, but sometimes slightly elevated above the level of the skin. Coloring from light brown to almost black, sizes – from 1 to 10 mm. Birthmarks on the palms, soles, and genital area are usually epidermal-dermal.
Complex nevi – more often have a dark color due to the accumulation of melanocytes and to some extent rise above the level of the skin.
Intradermal nevi elevated above skin level; their color varies from flesh to black, and the surface may be smooth, hairy, or warty.
Sutton’s nevi are pigmented birthmarks (usually complex and intradermal nevi) surrounded by a ring of depigmented (unstained) skin. Sutton’s nevi disappear spontaneously, and only in rare cases give rise to malignant melanomas.
Dysplastic nevi are pigmented spots of irregular shape and indistinct borders, slightly elevated above the level of the skin, their color varies from reddish-brown to dark brown on a pink background.