Hanging nevi are one of the types of skin tumors. They are moles in the form of a papilla of irregular shapes, protruding above the surface of the skin, colored flesh or brown. Most often, such formations appear in adolescents, pregnant women and the elderly. They are usually located on the body, and only in rare cases on the face.
Photo 1. Hanging moles are recommended to be covered from the sun with a plaster. Source: Flickr (souris me).
Locations
Like the face, it is the most exposed part of the body, the skin of which suffers from sun rays and friction from clothing, injury from jewelry, irritation from sweat and hair.
Armpits
A large number of sweat glands promotes the proliferation of microbes that penetrate the dermis through cuts during shaving and during normal combing of the skin. Moles in this area require increased attention.
Hanging moles can be subject to friction and compression by tight underwear, microtrauma during shaving, and sexual intercourse. Located close to the genitals, they require increased hygiene measures.
The reason for the appearance of hanging moles
Factors influencing the formation of nevi are a constant subject of study by many researchers.
Moles can be congenital or acquired. Determined that Withamong the causes of congenital formations — genetic disorders, and adverse effects on the body of the expectant mother during pregnancy, directly affecting the production of melanin in the child:
- genitourinary infections, inflammation;
- radiation, toxins;
- hormonal imbalances.
Causes of hanging moles that form throughout life:
- ultraviolet radiation;
- skin diseases of an allergic, inflammatory nature;
- slagging of the body;
- weak immunity;
- hormonal changes during pregnancy, adolescence, menopause, old age and when taking contraceptives.
What is the danger of a hanging mole?
The danger of any mole is the possibility of its transformation into malignant form - melanoma, which progresses extremely quickly and is very difficult to treat.
Note! The risk of degeneration does not depend on the number of moles. Even a single nevus can become deadly.
The favorite locations of hanging moles are where there is the most sweat, and the skin is subject to frequent irritation and friction. Microtraumas facilitate the penetration of infection, so it is important to carefully monitor the condition of hanging nevi localized on the face, armpits, neck, groin and on the bra strap line in women.
Photo 2. Hanging nevi are most often located in warm and moist places - in the groin and under the arms.
Should hanging moles be removed?
Note! Experts do not recommend removing moles without good reason.
In order to protect from negative external influences those formations that are located in open places and that are often exposed to sunlight, it is necessary protect from the sun with clothing or an adhesive plaster with a gauze base. And only if the skin formation causes inconvenience or is constantly exposed to mechanical stress, it is better to remove it. But this should be done only after consultation with a dermatologist.
Diagnostics
Diagnostic measures should be used at the slightest suspicion of dangerous degeneration in order to take timely measures against the development of skin cancer.
Malignancy testing includes a number of procedures:
- dermatoscopy, in which the skin is subjected to visual examination;
- histology— study of tissues for foreign formations and the presence of pathogenic cells;
- laboratory and instrumental methods studies of the general condition of the body;
- digital dermatoscopy, will not be superfluous for those who have too many moles on their body.
Note! After 40 years, moles begin to disappear and by the age of 80 there are almost none left. That is why new nevi that appear in adulthood should be wary.
Removal methods
There are several ways to remove hanging moles in a clinical setting. The specialist will advise which one to choose, based on the indications and individual characteristics of the patient and taking into account his wishes.
Removal method | Indications | Advantages | Flaws |
---|---|---|---|
Surgical, using a regular scalpel. | Formations of any size, shape, including malignant. | No contraindications. | Postoperative scars. |
Cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen, ice and carbonic acid. | Superficial moles that do not extend into the deeper layers of the epidermis. | No pain, affordable prices, minimum complications. | Inability to control the depth of impact of the tool. |
Laser, carried out using a powerful light beam. | Any moles, except malignant ones. | The method is painless, bloodless, and can be used on any part of the body, including mucous membranes. | Analysis of removed cells cannot be done. |
Electrocoagulation using high-frequency current. | Removal of small, especially blackening, moles on the face and body. | No bleeding, exclusion of infection, possibility of studying the material. | Impossibility of removing large nevi. |
Radio wave, which uses a radio knife. | Elimination of benign nevi of various locations. | Non-contact method, which completely eliminates infection; rapid healing of the wound. | The high cost of the procedure, the inability to remove large moles. |
Removing moles at home
Despite the warnings of doctors, often for reasons of economy, some try to get rid of them at home.
For this we use:
- lapis pencil based on silver nitrate. The product is applied until the formation is completely necrotic. Reviews are not always positive;
- garlic, celandine (juice), iodine tincture. Moles are lubricated until dry. A dangerous method that causes burns and degeneration;
- mole removal cream. There is no guarantee of results and safety, since the products have not been tested by the Sanitary Inspectorate;
- Apple vinegar. May leave burns and scars.
It is important! It is strictly not recommended to remove moles at home. The need for destruction can only be determined by a doctor after a thorough examination of the mole. Self-removal may have irreversible consequences.
Mole removal in children
Methods used to remove nevi in children:
It is not recommended to remove moles from children and adolescents. In place of the removed growth, rough keloid scars often form, which can be very difficult to get rid of in the future. The only indication for their removal is the risk of malignant degeneration. Moreover, under no circumstances do not try to remove a mole from a child using folk remedies.
Dangerous symptoms
You should remember the warning signs, if you find them, you need to contact an oncodermatologist as soon as possible:
- the hanging mole began to grow rapidly;
- color has changed. For example, the nevus began to turn black or red; only the middle darkened, and the edges remained the same color;
- the formation begins to itch, hurt or become inflamed;
- the mole began to bleed;
- the skin pattern has smoothed out, the nevus has become denser;
- the mole dries up.
Any of these symptoms is a reason to consult a doctor, undergo tests for malignancy and remove the mole, since it may indicate the degeneration of a skin growth into melanoma.
On the body of any person there are always various pigmented formations (moles, nevi). The reasons for their appearance, external manifestations and localization can vary significantly. Hanging moles are the most unpleasant form from an aesthetic point of view among all epidermal neoplasms. In this article we will talk about why such benign growths appear on the surface of the skin and how you can get rid of them.
Features of hanging moles
Hanging moles (nevi) mean epidermal neoplasms with a relatively small base, slightly protruding above the surface of the skin (varieties with a long stalk are not considered). In some cases, their surface may consist of several lobules and look like a cauliflower inflorescence.
Hanging nevi most often occur in men and women over the age of 30-35 years and are acquired. Their color characteristics lie within a fairly wide range: from light beige, almost white, to dark brown.
Regardless of the shade of the surface and its shape, hanging moles develop due to the local accumulation of melanocytes in the area of the epidermis - cells that synthesize the pigment melanin, which gives color to the hair, iris of the eyes, and skin.
The appearance of a convex pigment formation does not always indicate the presence of any pathological process in the body, since many people with such neoplasms feel quite satisfactory, do not feel the slightest discomfort and do not make any complaints. But at the same time, this type of benign tumors can create a number of problems for a person:
The appearance of hanging moles is quite unattractive, therefore, when they are located on open areas of the body, for example, on the neck, they are considered by many patients as a serious cosmetic defect.
In the presence of any benign neoplasm, especially one that is easily traumatized, there is a risk of its transformation into a malignant tumor. Signs of possible malignancy are:
· rapid growth of education;
· change in its color and/or shape;
· appearance of itching, burning.
The growths protruding above the surface of the skin are often rubbed by clothing and various accessories. This leads to their traumatization, which is accompanied by pain, itching, as well as an increased risk of transformation of the formation into malignant melanoma. In addition, damage to the integrity of the tumor surface epithelium can lead to purulent-infectious inflammation.
Localization Features
Unlike other types of nevi, which can be located on any part of the human body, hanging moles have favorite locations. Most often they begin to grow in the following areas of the body:
The formation causes significant cosmetic discomfort to the patient. In addition, it is often traumatized by chains and clothing collars. It is almost constantly exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. All these factors provoke tumor growth and increase the risk of its malignancy.
The danger of this localization lies in the possible damage to the formation during shaving or hair removal in this anatomical area. Such injuries are especially dangerous for people with excessive sweating, since in this case the likelihood of microbial infection of the wound surface increases.
Most often, hanging moles occur in the shoulder area. This makes it uncomfortable for women to carry cross-body bags and bras.
The most common type of localization. The formations are subject to high trauma during sexual intercourse and when shaving the bikini area.
What causes hanging moles?
The main causes of hanging pigmented neoplasms are the following factors:
- Changes in hormonal levels. With any hormonal imbalance (puberty, pregnancy, hormonal therapy, menopause), the risk of the formation of benign pigmented skin structures increases. Therefore, they often form in women during pregnancy and are often located on the skin of the chest.
- Excessive insolation. Melanin has increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, so prolonged exposure to the skin (frequent sunbathing, visits to the solarium) can provoke the formation of various types of pigmented tumors.
- Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus accumulates in epithelial cells and provokes their excessive division, which causes the formation of various outgrowths on the surface of the skin. According to their histological structure, they differ from pigmented nevi, but many specialists do not separate these structures, since they have similar clinical manifestations, prognosis, and also require the same treatment.
Why are hanging moles dangerous?
The main danger of any pigmented neoplasm is the possibility of its degeneration into a malignant skin tumor - melanoma. You can suspect such a transformation if the following signs appear:
- burning, pain or itching in the area of the nevus;
- rapid change in the shape and/or size of the formation;
- change in the consistency of the growth, which is determined by palpation;
- change in color of the surface of the nevus;
- the appearance of ulcerated or bleeding areas on the surface of the neoplasm.
If any of the listed symptoms appear, the patient should immediately consult a doctor - oncologist or dermatologist. The specialist will conduct the necessary research in each specific case, which will determine the level of cancer danger of the pigment formation, and recommend how to remove it.
Diagnostics
Currently, the diagnosis of pigmented formations is based on the following methods:
- Cytology. If there are ulcerations or bleeding areas on the surface of the formation, the doctor can make an impression smear and examine the cellular composition under a microscope.
- Histology. Performed only in an oncology clinic. Under local anesthesia, complete excision of the formation is carried out with the obligatory capture of surrounding healthy tissue. The wound is sutured, and the resulting tissue is sent for histological analysis.
- Epiluminescence microscopy. Using a special device - a dermatoscope, intravital microscopy of a skin tumor is performed.
- Computer diagnostics. A series of targeted photographs of the pigmented nevus are taken with a high-resolution camera. The resulting images are processed using a computer program.
Removing hanging moles at home
Some people, when hanging moles appear, prefer not to consult a doctor and get rid of them using traditional medicine methods. It is strictly not recommended to do this, since such attempts are always associated with a high risk of developing various complications. Let's look at some of these methods:
- Tying the base of the convex formation with silk thread. The method is based on the fact that after ligation of the leg, the blood supply to the formation is stopped. Over time, it mummifies (dries out) and falls off. However, with such attempts at treatment, there is a high risk of infection with the development of purulent complications and the formation of rough scars.
- Cauterization of the formation with celandine juice and vinegar essence. Attempts to remove skin growths using similar methods are often accompanied by deep burns of the surrounding soft tissue.
- Ingestion of decoctions of poisonous plants (hemlock, celandine). These plants contain various biologically active substances in large quantities. Ingestion of herbal medicines based on them can cause serious poisoning, which can even lead to death.
Patients should be well aware of the possible consequences of self-medication. In addition to all of the above, improper removal of pigmented tumors can cause their malignancy.
Removal of hanging moles by a doctor
If you need to get rid of a pigmented nevus, it is best to consult a doctor.
Currently, to eliminate these types of skin formations, experts practice the following methods:
- surgical excision with skin sutures - surgery is indicated for patients with melanoma-dangerous tumors;
- electrocoagulation - the advantages of this method are the ability to perform a tissue biopsy for subsequent histological analysis, as well as the bloodlessness of the procedure and rapid wound healing;
- cryodestruction - destruction of the tumor by deep freezing it with liquid nitrogen (rough scars may remain);
- laser radiation is one of the most effective, safe and low-traumatic methods of removing hanging moles, after which no visible scars remain on the skin;
- radio wave surgery - the method is based on the use of high-frequency radio waves, which minimally injures the surrounding soft tissue.
The procedure for removing pigmented nevi is performed under local anesthesia, so it does not cause discomfort or pain in patients.
Video
We offer you to watch a video on the topic of the article.
On the body of approximately 45% of people, small protruding outgrowths can be seen. What are their names? Moles, in this case hanging ones. They appear throughout life, from birth to old age. For the most part, they are not a threat. But in some cases they become very dangerous. What are these cases? When should you not worry, and when should you sound the alarm?
A hanging mole is also called a fibroepithelial polyp or papilloma. In fact, it is a benign tumor of small size. In appearance, it resembles a piece of cauliflower of white, beige or brown (sometimes almost black) color.
Moles can appear on different parts of the body. But most often they are localized in the following places:
- on the neck;
- under the arm;
- in the groin area;
- under the breast;
- on the face.
For the most part, these growths are small (2-5 mm). But there are also those that reach 1-5 cm in diameter.
Hanging moles differ from other types of neoplasms in several ways.
- The surface is dry and often peels.
- They can become deformed and become asymmetrical.
- There are no hairs on them.
- The surface is often shiny.
- An inflammatory process develops.
- Discharge is possible.
- When pressed, blood appears.
- There is a burning sensation and itching.
If at least one of the listed symptoms appears, you should immediately consult a doctor.
be careful
The presence of papillomas, warts, condylomas, moles and spines on the body is the first sign of malignant melanoma!
We hasten to warn you that most medications “treat” warts, papillomas, moles, etc. - this is a complete deception of marketers who make hundreds of percentage points on drugs whose effectiveness is zero. They do not cure the disease, but only mask the symptoms.
The pharmacy mafia makes huge money by deceiving sick people.
But what to do? How to treat if there is deception everywhere? Doctor of Medical Sciences Anatoly Makhson conducted his own investigation and found a way out of this situation. In this article, the Doctor also told how to 100% protect yourself from melanoma, for only 149 rubles!
Read the article in the official source following the link.
What causes hanging moles?
The reasons for the appearance of such neoplasms are quite varied. This is usually a consequence of melanin clumping in the skin cells. Several factors can provoke this condition.
- Mechanical injuries.
- Excess body weight and poor nutrition.
- Diabetes mellitus type 2.
- Hormonal imbalances. They are especially strong during pregnancy, adolescence, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.
- Frequent stressful situations. Very often, hanging growths appear after strong emotional overstimulation.
- The presence of HPV or human papillomavirus in the body.
- Steroid overdose leading to improper formation of collagen fibers.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Coca's disease.
- Negative effects of ultraviolet rays and radiation.
Knowing why moles form on the body will help protect yourself from them and the complications associated with them.
Regardless of the reason for the appearance of moles, for the time being, they do not pose any particular danger. But under certain circumstances they can degenerate into a cancerous tumor. Therefore, you should be attentive to any unpleasant symptoms, such as discoloration or severe pain. The risk of transformation of a benign growth into a malignant one is increased in several groups of people. These are those with fair skin, female representatives, those who have received thermal or chemical burns, and those who like to sunbathe under the scorching sun.
Plus, such growths cause some discomfort.
- Due to friction, they are injured, which leads to pain.
- Twisting of the leg impairs blood circulation, which leads to swelling and pain.
- Moles that are too large are often injured and inflamed.
In addition, many moles in open places spoil the appearance.
Doctors' opinions on the most effective methods of treating warts and papillomas
The chief physician of Moscow City Hospital No. 62 describes his vision on this matter. Anatoly Nakhimovich Makhson
Medical practice: more than 40 years.
“I have been treating people’s papillomas and warts for many years. I’m telling you as a doctor, papillomas along with HPV and warts can really lead to serious consequences if they are not dealt with.
The human papillomavirus is present in everyone on whose body there are papillomas, moles, warts and other pigmented formations. According to rough estimates, 80-85% of the planet's population has it. By themselves they are not dangerous. The problem is that an ordinary papilloma can become melanoma at any time.
These are incurable malignant tumors that kill a person in just a few months and from which there is no salvation.
Unfortunately, in Russia and the CIS countries, pharmaceutical corporations sell expensive medications that only relieve symptoms, thereby hooking people on one drug or another. That is why in these countries there is such a high percentage of cancer diseases and so many people suffer from “non-working” drugs.
The only drug that I want to recommend, and it is also officially recommended by WHO for the treatment of papillomas and warts, is Papinol. This drug is the only remedy that has an effect not only on external factors (that is, it removes papillomas), but also acts on the virus itself. At the moment, the manufacturer has managed not only to create a highly effective product, but also to make it accessible to everyone. In addition, within the framework of the federal program, every resident of the Russian Federation and the CIS can receive it for 149 rubles.”
To find out more, read this article.
How to remove a hanging mole
There are several ways to get rid of growths. This can be traditional or folk medicine.
A hospital or beauty salon offers several procedures to remove tumors.
- Cryodestruction. The most effective and fastest method. It has one drawback - a scar remains on the skin, which can only be removed by plastic surgery. The procedure involves exposing a mole to liquid nitrogen.
- Laser therapy. A beam of laser beams is directed at the tumor. After a couple of minutes of exposure, it disappears, leaving behind only a small depression. After about 2 weeks, there will be no trace left of it either.
- Radiocoagulation. It is one of the newest treatment methods with which you can quickly remove a hanging mole. The doctor removes it using a radio knife. The surrounding skin remains intact. The main advantage of the procedure is the complete absence of scars and scars. That is why it is used to remove growths on the face.
- Diathermocoagulation. The tumor is removed with high-frequency current. The patient feels virtually no pain, but in some cases the specialist still administers local anesthesia.
- Surgical intervention. The oldest and most reliable method of treating hanging moles. It is performed with local anesthesia. The main indication is the large size of the growth. One of the advantages of the operation is the ability to send the material for histology, which will help study its nature (benign tumor or malignant). Disadvantages include the need for special wound care.
Important! Is it possible to carry out similar procedures in private clinics? It is possible, but you should choose institutions that employ professionals who have sufficient experience in this field.
Which doctor should I contact for prescriptions? A dermatologist deals with such issues.
Treatment at home
You can get rid of hanging moles yourself. Medications and traditional medicine will come to the rescue.
Several medications are used to remove growths.
- Stefalin. The composition of the drug includes powders and decoctions of medicinal plants. It comes in the form of an ointment, which must be used in strict accordance with the instructions. It should be applied only to the mole, avoiding contact with healthy skin (it can be protected with a patch). Use twice daily.
- Malavit. The product contains more than 30 herbs. It is applied to cotton wool and applied to the sore spot. Then seal it with adhesive tape. Repeat the procedure once every 2 days.
- Collomak. Helps remove small moles. The drug softens the epithelium, after which the growth simply disappears. The course of treatment takes 3-4 days.
- Wartner, Cryopharma. I act like cryodestruction. A few days after freezing, the mole disappears. It is recommended to use the drug for 10 days. If the neoplasm is large, treatment should be repeated after 10 days.
Another effective pharmaceutical remedy is hydrogen peroxide. It helps lighten a mole or remove it completely. There are two ways to use this substance.
- Apply directly to the growth. Let dry.
- Apply a cotton wool soaked in peroxide to the new growth.
If after the procedure you feel itching or burning, or redness appears, treatment should be suspended.
Folk remedies for moles have also proven to be quite effective. There are several recipes.
- Take 1 part hemp oil and 4 parts regular chalk. Mix until you get a homogeneous mass. Let it brew for 4 days. Lubricate the growths twice a day. The course of treatment is a month.
- You can use vinegar essence to cauterize moles. It should be applied directly to the growth, avoiding contact with healthy skin. As in the previous case, it is necessary to be treated in this way for a month.
- A mixture of vinegar essence and garlic (1 tsp and 1 chopped medium clove) also has a good effect. It is used to prepare a compress. You need to stick a piece of plaster with a hole for it on the mole. Apply the medicine and then cover it with the bandage again. Leave for several days. A significant disadvantage of the procedure is 0 pain. The product burns out the growth. Therefore, in order to avoid complications regarding its use, you should consult your doctor.
- You can use pineapple juice to remove moles. Due to its high acid content, it effectively removes dark-colored tumors. Regular wiping will allow you to lighten them quickly, effectively and, most importantly, safely.
- Another recipe involves using castor/linseed oil and honey. The mixture should be applied to the mole twice a day. After some time it will lighten and become less noticeable.
- Onion juice or dandelion juice will help destroy the growths. Their action is based on the properties of vitamin C.
- Birch sap also has a whitening effect. It can be used to wipe both moles and healthy skin.
- You can prepare a compress based on Kalanchoe. Fresh leaves must be thoroughly crushed to a paste. Apply it to the growth and secure it securely with a bandage or plaster. Leave it like this for the whole day. To completely get rid of a mole, 4 compresses are enough.
- Thuja, wormwood or castor oil also have excellent properties. They need to lubricate the mole 2-3 times a day until it disappears.
Cleansers based on celandine are very popular. Is it possible to cauterize hanging moles with celandine? It is possible, but it must be done according to the instructions.
- Mix dry celandine herb with pork fat or baby cream in a ratio of 1 to 2. Apply generously to the growth and leave until completely absorbed. Repeat the procedure once a day.
- Pour vegetable oil over dry grass. Infuse for a week. Use the same as in the previous recipe.
- You can also prepare a decoction for oral administration. According to the instructions, you should drink it three times a day, 1 tbsp. After a short period of time, the tumors will disappear completely.
- Combine 100 g of dry celandine with 500 ml of alcohol. Leave for 14 days. Strain. Take 12 drops after each meal.
Important! Traditional medicine, like medications, have their side effects and contraindications for use. Therefore, before using them, you must consult a doctor.
What to do if a hanging mole hurts
As stated above, usually hanging moles do not pose any particular danger. But sometimes it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor. One of the cases is pain when pressing on the growth. There are other unpleasant symptoms:
- fuzzy structure;
- color change;
- itching;
- bleeding;
- rapid increase in size;
- redness of the skin around the mole;
- the appearance of large growths already in adulthood.
Usually, if a mole grows, turns black and falls off, or turns red and swollen, we can talk about its degeneration into a cancerous tumor. Those neoplasms that appeared during pregnancy deserve special attention.
What happens if you tear off a hanging mole?
Is it dangerous if a mole suddenly comes off? To some extent, yes. This can provoke the development of serious complications.
- Bleeding. It is often so severe that medical attention is required.
- Infection. An open wound is a direct path for pathogens. If treatment is not started in time, suppuration develops.
- Severe inflammation. Characterized by swelling and redness of the skin. Sometimes white spots appear around the wound, which indicate spasms of blood vessels.
- Scars and scars. You can get rid of them only in a cosmetology salon.
You can avoid the development of the above conditions if you follow important rules.
- Immediately after the mole comes off, stop the bleeding using a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide. You need to apply it for at least a third of an hour.
- The next step is disinfection. For this you will need Miramistin or Chlorhexidine. After treatment, the wound should be closed with a bandage.
- If possible, pieces of the growth should be sent for analysis. It will prove or disprove the presence of cancer cells.
And one more piece of advice. Many people are interested in: is it possible to bandage a mole? No, because this procedure may have the opposite effect - the tumor will begin to grow.
So, hanging moles, just like other types of benign neoplasms, do not pose a danger until a certain time. But if they become larger, darker, bleed or hurt, you should sound the alarm and go to the doctor. In some cases, this is a symptom of degeneration into a cancerous tumor.
We invite you to watch a video about moles: