Black moles
The content of the article:
- The reasons
- Symptoms
- When to see a doctor urgently
- Diagnostics
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Video
Moles (nevus, pigment or birthmark) are epidermal formations that are benign in structure. However, many of them are fraught with a certain danger in terms of possible transformation into a malignant skin tumor - melanoma. Black moles have the highest risk of malignancy, as their formation is associated with a large accumulation of melanocytes - cells that synthesize the pigment melanin, which gives color to hair, skin and the iris of the eyes.
Black moles are the most dangerous in terms of the possibility of becoming cancer.
In this article we will understand why dark moles appear on the body in children, men and women, as well as when they become dangerous and require mandatory removal.
The reasons
Nevi can be congenital and acquired. Congenital begin to form at the early stages of embryonic development due to improper movement of melanocyte precursor cells from the neuroectodermal tube. However, immediately after the birth of a baby, they are invisible and begin to appear after several months and even years. A black birthmark in a child usually does not pose a serious danger, but requires observation.
The reasons for the appearance of black moles on the body in women and men of middle and old age can be:
- changes in hormonal levels (taking hormonal drugs, pregnancy, menopause);
- hereditary predisposition;
- excessive ultraviolet radiation (frequent visits to the solarium, prolonged sunbathing, work in the open sun);
- inflammatory diseases of the skin;
- human papillomavirus (HPV) infection;
- violations of the integrity of the skin.
Symptoms
Dark brown or black moles in most cases look like a small dot that can be convex (slightly raised above the surface of the skin) or look like a flat spot. They can occur on absolutely any part of the human body (face, arms, legs, back, chest, neck).
When to see a doctor urgently
Nevi are benign epidermal growths. However, under the influence of various provoking factors (trauma, ultraviolet radiation), they can transform into a malignant tumor. You can suspect a possible malignancy based on the appearance of the following signs:
- discoloration of education;
- rapid increase in size;
- the appearance of an inflammatory red rim around the mole;
- peeling of the surface, the appearance of cracks, ulceration, bleeding areas on it.
If a patient develops at least one of the above signs, he urgently needs to consult a dermatologist or oncologist.
You should be aware that the appearance of a black mole on the body does not mean the onset of a malignant process, however, such formations require systematic medical supervision and their timely removal if indicated.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of pigmented epidermal neoplasms is not difficult and is based on their characteristic external manifestations. To exclude possible malignancy, the following methods are used:
| Diagnostic method | Description |
| Cytological examination | If there are cracks, ulceration or bleeding on the surface of the age spot, then the doctor can make a smear-imprint from them, which is sent for microscopic examination. The identification of atypical cells confirms the transformation of a benign skin tumor into melanoma. However, if such cells are not identified, then it is still impossible to completely exclude malignancy. |
| Computer cropping | The doctor uses a high-resolution digital camera to take several targeted shots of a black mole. Then the obtained photos are processed by a special computer program, comparing them with images of other formations of the skin. |
| Dermatoscopy |
One of the most modern methods for diagnosing dermatological diseases. It is carried out using a luminescent microscope, which allows you to examine living tissues under a tenfold magnification. Dermatoscopy makes it possible to detect melanoma at the earliest stage of its development, when the treatment is most effective. |
| Histological examination | Under local anesthesia, the nevus is excised with the obligatory capture of healthy tissue. The wound is closed with regular or subcutaneous cosmetic sutures. The resulting tissue is transferred for histological analysis. Puncture biopsy for black moles is strictly prohibited. |
Any changes in the black mole should immediately consult a doctor
Treatment
If diagnostic methods did not reveal signs of malignant transformation of a black mole, then the following methods can be used to remove it:
- Electrocoagulation. The destruction of tissues is carried out using a high frequency electric current. The advantage of this technique is the ability to take tissue for histological examination, minimal blood loss, and rapid wound healing.
- Laser destruction. Directed laser radiation acts as a melanocyte-destroying agent. The advantages of the procedure include safety, minimal damage to the surrounding soft tissues, and the absence of postoperative scars.
- Radio wave surgery. The most gentle and less traumatic method for removing age spots using high frequency radio waves.
- Cryodestruction. The destruction of nevus cells is carried out by deep freezing them with liquid nitrogen.
If a malignant degeneration is suspected, a black mole should be removed only surgically with the obligatory excision of the surrounding tissues and histological examination. When confirming the diagnosis of melanoma, the patient may be prescribed the following treatment methods:
- immunochemotherapy with alpha interferon;
- chemotherapy;
- radiation therapy.
Prevention
There is no specific prevention of the formation of black moles. To prevent the occurrence of congenital nevi, a pregnant woman should avoid exposure to her body of harmful factors (contact with infectious patients, smoking, radiation).
Reducing the risk of nevi on the skin in middle-aged and elderly people can be reduced contact of the skin with ultraviolet rays:
- refusal to visit the solarium;
- reducing the time spent in the open sun;
- using sunscreens and lotions;
- when working outdoors, wearing clothing that covers the body as much as possible.
Video
We offer for viewing a video on the topic of the article.
Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author
Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.
Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.
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