Moles on the body and their danger (English)

“The more moles, the happier the person,” says one of the popular signs. Hence, each of us should be at least a little happy - it is probably impossible to meet a person who does not have such marks on his body. Many people don't pay attention to them at all. Is anyone concerned about what dangerous moles look like? In the article we will provide a detailed description, as well as photos of malignant neoplasms on the skin, which can easily be confused with a harmless mole.

What is a mole?

Before deciding what dangerous moles look like, we will familiarize ourselves with this phenomenon in general terms. Its scientific name is nevus. The first small marks of this kind begin to appear on the skin in infants. A nevus is not inherently malignant and dangerous to health and life.

Its appearance is caused by the presence of melanocyte cells, which accumulate melanin, one of the natural pigments. The color of the mole nevus depends on its concentration in the particle - pinkish, red, brown, black, bluish.

The shape of the formation depends on how the pigment is located and concentrated. Some nevi are located under the skin, some are convex above it, some have a “pedicle”, some are flat. Most often they are still round, but exceptions will not be dangerous either.

The shape of the nevus is directly influenced by ultraviolet radiation from our Sun. Or solarium lamps - for those who pamper themselves with such procedures. Hereditary factors will also play a role.

Moreover, one of the most common reasons for the formation of moles is a hormonal imbalance in the body. Most of all, it is characteristic of the time of puberty, adolescence, pregnancy and menopause in women.

What types of nevi can there be?

To determine what dangerous moles look like, we need to know a little about classifying nevi. After all, even on the body of one person they will be heterogeneous in several ways.

Experts offer several classifications of moles:

By origin, formations are acquired and congenital.
According to the place of formation - deep in the skin, on the surface, in the boundary layers.
By structure - vascular or pigmented.
According to the elevation above the skin - smooth, flat, having a “leg”, protruding as hemispheres. Separately, large birthmarks.
According to the potential danger - harmless, degenerating into melanoma, with alarming signs.

Signs of a safe mole

We will definitely tell and show you further what dangerous moles look like. Here we give a description of dark marks on the body, whose presence should not cause you concern for your health:

The mole rests on a “pedicle” - malignant cells do not form such a “transitional” formation, as they grow randomly.
The spot exists on the skin for a long time without changes - shade, shape, size.
If the mark appears on a newborn, then this is also not a reason to fear for the baby’s health - the main thing is that the mole is small in size.
Flesh-colored nevus.
The color of the skin around the mole remains unchanged.
The consistency of the mole is soft, homogeneous, without any compaction.
If hairs grow from a nevus, then this is also a good sign - they do not appear on a malignant formation.
The mark is symmetrical and has the shape of a speck.
The diameter of the formation is no more than 5 mm.

Signs of a dangerous mole

However, we still advise you to keep an eye out for nevi on your skin. You need to know the signs that indicate that a harmless mark is developing into a harmful mark. What dangerous moles look like (photos are presented in the sections):

The nevus has darkened or become multi-colored.
The mark increases in size - more than 2 mm per year.
You notice cracks on the surface of the formation.
The mole is asymmetrical due to its uneven, disorderly growth.
The skin at the site of the nevus is no longer elastic.
You feel discomfort at the location of the mole - burning, itching.

Knowing what dangerous moles look like (photos will help you visually compare the formation with a malignant one), if even the slightest suspicion arises, visit a specialist as soon as possible!

What causes the formation of dangerous moles?

A benign mark degenerates into a malignant one due to a number of conditioning factors. These include the following:

Injury to a mole due to negligence.
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation - you love to bask in the sun for hours and only achieve a chocolate tan in the solarium.
The formation is located in places where there is frequent contact with clothing - on the head, in the armpits, on the neck, etc.
The nevus is located on the scalp, palms, face - locations where it can be easily injured unnoticed (what dangerous moles on the face look like - see the photo in the continuation of the article).
You have previously had melanomas removed.
Getting rid of a mole on your own is the most harmful provoking factor.

What is the danger of a mole?

Unfortunately, none of us is immune from the growth of a harmless nevus into malignant melanoma. This is a fairly serious pathology, which in the absence of timely treatment can lead to death.

So why are nevi on the skin dangerous? There are several points here:

The formation can develop into an atypical (precancerous form) at any time. Therefore, for example, it is important to know what dangerous moles on the head look like (we attach a photo to the article).
Grows to large sizes.
It turns into melanoma - a malignant tumor.
It is very difficult to diagnose by appearance. Even if the nevus has only slightly changed visually, it can already widely spread metastases, which are spread by the lymph and bloodstream throughout the body.

Development of melanoma from moles

In general, we have analyzed what dangerous moles on the body look like (photos and descriptions are given in the article). Let's look at the process of degeneration of a nevus into malignant melanoma:

Penetration of cancer cells deep into the epithelium.
Entry of malignant particles into the lymph and blood.
Their penetration further into the liver, lungs, and heart.
The growth of a cancerous tumor in the organs where it has settled.
Complete destruction of the body by cancer.
Death.

Experts identify the growth phases of pigment particles according to which a nevus degenerates into melanoma:

Horizontal. This is a lesion of only the upper layers of the skin, which is not characterized by metastases. This disease can take up to 10 years to develop.
Vertical. Here cancer cells begin to spread deep into the body, throughout the organs. The development of pathology takes about two years. Has unfavorable prognosis.
Nodal. The most dangerous form. The disease actively progresses over 2 months, spreading deeply into tissues and organs.

First warning signs

Knowing what dangerous moles on the body look like (you can see the photo throughout the article) is not enough. It is important to keep in mind other first signs of dangerous degeneration of the mark:

The height of the formation increases.
The mole begins to bleed.
The skin around it turns red.
Discharge of unknown nature appears on the nevus.
The tissue around the mole swells.
The patient feels itching and burning at the site of the mark.
A crust appears on the formation.
The previously hard nevus softens.
If the formation was flat, it, on the contrary, thickens.
Hair loss around the nevus.
Expansion of the pigment area on the skin.

Parents need to be aware of what dangerous moles on children look like (photos of them will not differ from moles on adults). It is important to identify melanoma at an early stage! Here are the signs of an advanced case:

The size of the mole has already changed significantly.
The place of formation begins to hurt.
Lymph nodes enlarge.
The appearance of new foci of formations throughout the body.
Development of ulcers on the skin.
Places of pigmentation bleed.
The skin at the location of the melanoma thickens.
Discharge of fluid from the mole.
The skin becomes earthy in color.
Signs of the spread of metastases are chronic cough, constant headaches, seizures, sudden weight loss.

Key differences between melanoma and a harmless mole

What dangerous moles look like in children and adults is important to know for everyone who is concerned about the health of themselves and their loved ones. This comparison table will help you independently determine the nature of the formations on the body. Let us remind you once again that even the slightest doubt about the benignity of a nevus is a reason to consult a doctor as soon as possible!

Non-dangerous nevus	Malignant melanoma
Symmetrical formation	Grows relatively quickly
Has smooth edges	Asymmetrical in shape
The shade of the mole is uniform	Color heterogeneity is observed - inclusions of pigment of a different shade
The diameter of the formation will not exceed 6 mm	There are no clear boundaries, the contour is blurred, indented (somewhat reminiscent of the coastline on geographical maps)
Diameter more than 6 mm
Changes in character - color, shape, size, density

Now let's talk about what dangerous moles on the body look like, and consider their specific varieties.

Types of melanomas

On the human body, malignant formations can be represented by several types:

Connective. They combine several formations into one spot.
Halo nevus. This type of pigment spot will be surrounded by a white ring in diameter.
Spitz. This tumor is pinkish in color and dome-shaped. In its center you can see a small depression, a hole - through it secretions flow out.
Blue. Seals of a characteristic shade that are located under the skin. They have clear boundaries and do not exceed 10 mm in diameter.
Skin. They are distinguished by their pallor and convexity.
Nodal. Flat and round formations of black or brown hue.

Types of transformation into a malignant tumor

We looked at what dangerous moles look like - on the back, face, head and other areas of the body. Let's now look at the main forms of transformation of a nevus into a malignant formation on the skin:

Uneven mole. Often a person diagnoses a change in the contour of the mark - a scalloped shape, blurred edges. The sign is very dangerous if it is accompanied by a rapid increase in size, the appearance of characteristic jagged boundaries, and pronounced asymmetry.
Rough mole. In this case, the size and shape do not change. The sign may also indicate a violation of the correct diet and metabolism. But you need to be vigilant if, at the moment of roughness, a burning sensation, itching or pain, lumps, or areas of other pigmentation appear. Particularly dangerous signs here are the following: inflammation, formation of pus, bleeding, asymmetry, rapid growth, blurred boundaries, painful sensations when palpating the mark.
Large moles. You need to be especially vigilant about their shape, size, and saturation. You need to see a doctor immediately in the following cases: you have injured the formation, the skin on it has thickened, the nevus has begun to itch, there is bleeding from the mole, it has changed its shape and has become asymmetrical. If an unsuccessful operation (let alone independent removal) was performed to get rid of a large mole, this greatly increases the likelihood of it developing into melanoma.

Removal

Getting rid of a mole on your own is very dangerous! The decision to remove it is made only by a specialist.

This is influenced by many factors:

Formation in places of close contact with clothing.
The mark can be easily damaged.
The patient feels burning and itching.
There is pain on palpation.
Changes shape, size, contours, shade.
The mole increases sharply.
Bleeding and inflammation are diagnosed.

Now you know which skin formations should not cause concern. As well as alarming signs of incipient melanoma, if self-diagnosed, you should consult a specialist as soon as possible. Do not forget to check the condition of moles on your body and on your child from time to time in order to avoid serious pathology.

It's rare to see a person without small dark marks on their body. Is it worth paying attention to these points? Only a doctor will distinguish between dangerous and normal moles - malignant melanoma or harmless nevus - and give recommendations on what to do with them. Is it worth worrying about the appearance of new formations, when immediate contact with specialists is required, what are the signs of cancer development - the answers to these questions remain to be found out. No one is immune from disaster, and early diagnosis will protect you from severe consequences.

What is a mole

The first tiny spots may appear in children in infancy. A mole is a small formation on the skin - a nevus - that is considered benign and harmless. The basis for their appearance is melanocyte cells that accumulate the natural pigment melanin. Depending on its quantity, a difference in color is observed. Available colors:

The shape of the tumors depends on the location and concentration of melanin. They may have a stalk or be located under the skin, be flat and convex. The most common type is round, but there are exceptions. The development of neoplasms is provoked by ultraviolet radiation - natural from the sun, in a solarium. Hereditary factors cannot be excluded. A common cause of growth is hormonal imbalance, characteristic of periods:

puberty;
pregnancy;
menopause.

What types of moles are there?

One person may discover very different tumors. Types of moles are classified according to several criteria. This helps in correct diagnosis in case of changes. They differ in:

origin– congenital, newly acquired;
structure– pigment, vascular;
place of education – in depth, on the surface, in the boundary layer;
raised above the skin – flat – even, protruding as a hemisphere, pedunculated, larger birthmarks;
potential threats – dangerous, degenerating into melanoma, non-dangerous.

Safe moles

Those who have dark spots on their skin should be wary of their changes. In time, detected signs of degeneration into melanoma contribute to the timely removal of the formation and preservation of health. Safe moles are different:

the presence of a stalk – it cannot be formed by malignant cells that grow randomly;
long-term condition without changes.

Spots that appear soon after birth are not considered dangerous. It is important that they are small in size. Good – non-dangerous – signs of neoplasms include:

flesh tone;
unchanged pattern of the skin of the nevus and adjacent tissues;
soft consistency;
hair on the surface of the neoplasm - growing from the skin, indicates the absence of pathologies;
diameter no more than 5 mm;
symmetry;
nevus in the form of a spot.

Which moles are dangerous?

Why do people with nevi on their bodies need to monitor their changes? There is always a threat of degeneration of non-dangerous tumors into a cancerous tumor. What moles are dangerous to health? Key signs you need to know:

change in shades towards the dark side, the appearance of multi-color;
rapid increase in size - exceeds two millimeters per year;
occurrence of cracks;
the formation of asymmetry due to uneven growth;
lack of elasticity;
the appearance of itching, burning;
presence of discomfort.

The appearance of dangerous moles requires an immediate visit to a specialist to clarify the nature of the changes and the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Pathological transformations provoke:

injury to the nevus due to negligence;
self-removal;
abuse of exposure to the sun, use of a solarium;
location of the formation in places of frequent contact with clothing - on the neck, head, genitals, legs;
placement in the hair, on the face, palms - where there is a high probability of injury;
previously removed melanoma.

Why are moles dangerous?

Not a single person is protected from the sudden proliferation of cells of a harmless mole. Melanoma is an extremely serious disease. Changes not detected at the initial stage can result in death. The provoking factor is unsuccessful independent removal of tumors. Moles are dangerous because of their ability to:

transform into an atypical – precancerous form;
grow to large sizes;
turn into cancerous;
with minor external changes, metastases actively spread throughout the body through the circulatory and lymphatic channels.

How quickly does melanoma develop from a mole?

The transformation of a nevus into a cancerous formation can occur in different ways. The process depends on the stage of the disease and the type of tumor. Instant metastases are dangerous. Begins:

growth of cancer (oncological) cells in the deep layers of the epidermis;
their entry into the blood and lymph;
penetration into the lungs, liver, kidneys;
growth in these organs;
complete damage to the body;
death.

The growth phases of pigment cells are observed, along which melanoma develops from a mole. There are varieties:

horizontal– damage to the upper layers of the skin occurs, lasting up to 10 years, but metastases do not appear;
vertical– accompanied by the spread of cancer cells throughout the organs, can last two years, has an unfavorable prognosis;
nodal – especially dangerous – characterized by deep spread within two months.

The first signs of melanoma

The patient can be assisted only when suspicious changes begin to be identified. The diagnosis, research, and referral for surgical treatment save a person’s life. The first signs of melanoma:

increase in the height of the tumor;
bleeding;
the appearance of discharge;
redness;
burning, itching;
swelling of tissues;
softening of the nevus;
the appearance of a crust;
thickening;
hair loss;
expansion of pigmentation around the lesion.

With the further development of dangerous melanoma, the following are observed:

significant change in size;
the appearance of pain;
enlarged lymph nodes;
surface ulceration;
formation of new foci;
bleeding from places of pigmentation;
liquid separation;
skin thickening;
the appearance of an earthy tint;
signs of metastases are chronic cough, weight loss, cramps, headaches.

How to distinguish a mole from melanoma

To recognize which moles are dangerous and which are not dangerous, you need to know what they look like. A person with nevi, in order to avoid dire consequences, must constantly monitor the appearance of new formations and changes that occur. You can distinguish a mole from melanoma by its signs. Non-dangerous neoplasm:

symmetrical;
with smooth edges;
uniform in color;
with dimensions not exceeding 6 millimeters.

Features of dangerous melanoma that require seeking help from dermatologists:

growth in a short time;
pronounced asymmetry of shape;
heterogeneity in color - the presence of inclusions of several shades;
lack of clear boundaries - the contour line is blurred, jagged, and looks like a coastline on a geographical map;
increased diameter over six millimeters;
variability of any parameters - color, size, shape.

What dangerous moles look like

What do nevi that are subject to pathological changes look like? Only a doctor can correctly distinguish between non-dangerous tumors. Dangerous formations look like this:

blue– compactions under the skin with clear boundaries, with dimensions no more than 10 mm;
nodal– round, flat in shape, color – brown, black;
cutaneous– often pale, convex;
halo nevus – pigment surrounded by a light or white rim;
spitz- looks like a dome-shaped tumor of pink shades, with the possible presence of a hole through which blood and liquid leak;
connecting- connect individual entities into a whole.

Mole with jagged edges

One of the signs of a non-hazardous formation turning into a dangerous one is a change in contours. It often has blurred edges and scalloped borders. There are non-dangerous types of nevi - dysplastic. Only a specialist can make a correct diagnosis. A mole with uneven edges can be dangerous if there are additional signs of melanoma:

accelerated changes in size;
the presence of clearly defined asymmetry;
the appearance of highly indented boundaries.

Rough mole

Such a neoplasm is harmless if its diameter is no more than 5 mm and remains constant in size. Often its appearance signals a lack of vitamins and nutritional disorders. Doctors advise coming for a consultation if it is discovered that:

the smooth nevus turned into a rough one;
bothered by burning, itching, tingling;
irregularities and compactions appeared in the middle;
areas with different shades formed;
diameter has increased significantly.

A dangerous rough mole requires immediate examination if:

the appearance of bleeding;
development of the inflammatory process;
rapid change in size;
formation of asymmetry;
formation of purulent discharge;
the occurrence of painful sensations when touched;
the emergence of an irregular shape, blurred boundaries, along the edges of the neoplasm.

Large moles

Large formations on the skin are pigment spots. When they remain unchanged and do not cause inconvenience, this is not a dangerous phenomenon. It is important to constantly monitor their appearance, color, and size. To eliminate worries, you need to consult a dermatologist. During the visit, the specialist will conduct a diagnosis and give a forecast of the risk of developing a malignant neoplasm. Large moles become dangerous if they:

injured;
thickened;
started to itch;
were unsuccessfully removed independently;
changed in size, shape;
are bleeding.

What moles can be removed

Often nevi cause trouble for women when they are in a visible place - the face, neck. Even if they do not bother you, using removal will be the right decision - the appearance will improve significantly. After the procedure, the doctor must necessarily send the tissue for histological analysis to decide whether the mole is malignant or not. If the neoplasm is not dangerous, does not bother you, and does not change in size, surgery is not required. What moles cannot be removed? Experts believe:

there are no contraindications;
It is important to choose the right excision technique.

You should be careful about skin growths; it is unacceptable to remove them yourself. Only the doctor will determine whether a nevus is dangerous or not and decide what to do with it. You can delete it if:

injured from clothing - on the neck, in the groin area, under the armpits;
cause pain when touched;
are located under the hair on the head and can be damaged when combing or cutting;
change color, shape, outline;
significantly increase in size;
characterized by the presence of burning, itching;
accompanied by inflammation and bleeding.

The content of the article:

Reasons for the formation of moles

Moles, or as they are scientifically called, nevi, are formed in the upper layers of the skin when a large number of pigmented cells accumulate next to each other. Typically, such neoplasms begin to appear during the first year of a child’s life - in this case they speak of congenital spots, the appearance of which is embedded in the baby’s DNA, or during puberty against the background of hormonal changes.

The exact cause of the formation of a nevus on the body is very difficult to establish. If we exclude the hereditary factor, due to which moles are already noticeable in infants, a hormonal surge in the body can provoke the appearance of new spots. For this reason, new spots are especially noticeable during pregnancy or menopause in women, with certain diseases of the thyroid gland, etc.

The frequency and duration of sunbathing affects the number of nevi, because it is under the influence of ultraviolet radiation that the melanin pigment appears. By the way, in many cases it is sunburn that provokes the degeneration of a benign mole into a malignant one.

Red moles - most often noticeable in the form of small red dots - are evidence of pathological branching and growth of the circulatory system, but they do not pose a health hazard. Such nevi can appear and disappear on their own.

Stress can also trigger the formation of moles - it has long been proven that strong negative experiences also change the body’s hormonal system, which directly affects the appearance of any neoplasms. Other reasons may be any radiation or x-ray exposure, viral infections, or unfavorable environmental conditions.

Types of moles on the body

Experts distinguish moles depending on their size, color, shape, and location on the skin. Based on all these parameters, the following types of nevi can be distinguished:

Hemangiomas are vascular moles of bright red or burgundy color, which can have different sizes, but rarely exceed 2 mm in diameter. They are located either in the epidermis itself or rise above it.
Lentigo is a uniform pigment spot, the color of which is slightly darker than freckles.
Flat moles are neoplasms located in the dermis itself or slightly rising above it. Their size varies within 10 mm, localization extends mainly to the palms, soles and genital area, and the color range ranges from yellowish-brown to black.
Convex moles are brown nevi that rise above the skin. The surface can be either absolutely smooth or uneven. Among them there are hairy formations.
Dysplastic moles are nevi of various shapes, exceeding 10 mm in diameter. Such formations are distinguished by reddish tints and blurred edges, are usually inherited and are located on the buttocks and chest.
White moles are nevi that have an almost transparent color and sometimes a white edge. The colorlessness of such neoplasms is due to an insufficient amount of melanin at the site of localization. They can usually be seen on the scalp.
Large pigmented moles are brown or almost black formations over 1 cm in diameter, localized either in the epidermis or rising above the skin.

According to statistics, it is large moles that more often degenerate into malignant formations, so they should be constantly monitored.

Moles as a signal of dangerous diseases

Moles are considered benign formations, which, under the influence of certain factors, can cause the development of such a dangerous cancer as melanoma.

According to statistics, 30% of melanomas develop in the area where nevi are located.

Factors contributing to the degeneration of moles into malignant ones:

Ultraviolet radiation - scientists have repeatedly stated the danger of direct sunlight for the skin in general and pigmented spots on it in particular. This is also confirmed by statistics, according to which residents of southern countries more often suffer from melanoma, and it manifests itself in open areas of the body.
Hormonal imbalance - hormones control overall health, including the formation and degeneration of nevi. Not always their imbalance in the body leads to melanoma, but the fact that moles begin to transform into malignant ones during a hormonal surge has been confirmed.
Injuries - according to oncologists, the transformation of nevi in almost half of the cases is associated with injury to either themselves or the skin around them. In this case, both deep wounds and seemingly insignificant scratches can cause mutation.

For this reason, hanging moles or nevi in places where they are easy to touch are recommended by dermatologists for removal.

Which moles are dangerous:

In order to prevent the development of melanoma, experts came up with the AKORD system, which helps ordinary people not to forget the main signs of dangerous moles and to take care of their health in a timely manner. ACORD is:

— Asymmetry – both parts of nevi, especially large and dark ones, must be symmetrical with each other, since asymmetry is a sign of degeneration of a mole;

— Edge – uneven edges of pigmented patches should also be a sign of concern, especially if they are wavy or jagged;

— Coloring – the color of a healthy mole is usually constant, so any darkening of the nevus is a reason to consult a doctor;

— Size – moles of about 10 mm or more should always be under the supervision of a specialist, since the risk of their mutation is especially high;

— Dynamics - any changes in moles, be it peeling, cracks, enlargement, itching or fluid secretion, may indicate the development of a malignant neoplasm.

It is important to note that the listed symptoms are not always 100% indicative of oncology, sometimes this can be the body’s reaction to sunburn or hormonal imbalance, but it is always better to make sure there is no danger, since melanoma is considered one of the most aggressive types of cancer.

Very often, to be on the safe side, doctors advise removing moles that have a high chance of degenerating based on external signs, as well as those nevi that can be accidentally injured by hands, clothing, a comb or a razor. It is better to get rid of them from a doctor, and not from a cosmetologist, who is not able to conduct the necessary preliminary studies of tumors.

As methods for removing moles, modern medicine offers: surgery, burning with a laser or liquid nitrogen, as well as electrocoagulation. Their choice depends on the specific situation and problems with nevi.

The meaning of moles on the body

Ancient Tibetan and Indian practitioners believed that all lines and spots on the body have their own meaning. And moles were studied especially carefully. Thus, it was believed that moles on a person’s neck indicate the fickleness of unbalanced nature, rapidly changing principles and tastes, which especially concerns the female half.

Markings on the palms are usually characteristic of extraordinary individuals; they indicate great willpower and the ability to even change fate with due effort.

Moles on the chest appear more often in people whose lives are always full of different events, both positive and negative. But at the same time, their owners always maintain a positive attitude and can find a way out of any situation.

In ancient practices, the stomach is the basis of a person’s foundations, so moles on it can mean self-love, self-indulgence and even some kind of selfishness.

A spot on the navel is a sign of wealth, and for the female half it is also a sign of good luck in love affairs.

Nevi on the face are of particular importance. Thus, a mole on the chin reveals the vulnerability of nature, above the upper lip it declares independence, and between the eyebrows indicates good intuition. For women, a mole near the lips can mean some frivolity and great sexuality of nature, but a man with such a mark, on the contrary, embodies modesty and a penchant for one love for life.

Moles on the body and their danger (English)

Moles on the body and their danger