Large moles on the face photo (English)

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 eliminate terrible 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 a harmless 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 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.

Moles in medical terminology they are called nevi.

They can be found on the body of any person in the form of small round dots, small spherical formations that rise above the surface of the body, and large pigmented areas of the skin.

What it is?

Moles consist of specialized cells of the epidermis - melanocytes, responsible for the production of melanin in the body (a pigment that colors the skin in various shades of brown). Under the influence of external or internal factors, an excess amount of them accumulates in certain places of the skin - this is why moles appear on the body of an adult, child or elderly person.

In some people, nevi remain unchanged on the skin all their lives, in others they disappear, in others they grow or change their shape and color. The latter become dangerous and can degenerate into malignant formations.

Common moles have a rounded symmetrical shape, depending on the concentration of melanin in them, nevi are colored beige, brown or black.
Meet and red dots on the body as moles, for the most part this phenomenon is associated with impaired skin pigmentation due to hepatic or endocrine pathology, as well as natural age-related changes (i.e. as a result of aging). The difference between these spots and moles is that they usually appear in groups on a limited area of the skin. When metabolic processes are restored, the red spots disappear.

In adults, the appearance of nevi is associated with hormonal crises due to illness, menopause or nervous exhaustion. The appearance of moles in them can be observed constantly or appear spontaneously, in response to a certain stimulus. In childhood, science has noted the wavy growth of nevi.

Periods when moles appear in children:

6 months - six months, at this moment the child’s endocrine system adapts to external conditions;
5-7 years, the stage of active growth of the skeletal system and skeletal muscles, requiring rapid metabolic reactions;
12-16 years, puberty with significant changes in the functions of the whole organism.

Why do they appear?

Nevi are essentially benign skin formations.

Some people get scared when they see many moles on their body. What does this mean for a specialist? Only that the patient’s body is prone to accumulation (accumulation) of melanin in the superficial layers of the epidermis.

The reasons for the appearance of numerous or single nevi are varied.:

exposure to ultraviolet radiation, one of the most common factors in the formation of moles due to increased melanin levels during tanning;
traumatic damage to the epidermis, systematic violations of the integrity of the skin contribute to the appearance of pathological changes in it;
exposure to radiation, which rapidly changes normal skin cells;
consumption of harmful products (GMOs, fast food, alcohol) and smoking, these habits negatively affect metabolic processes in the body.

endocrine disorders and diseases, any changes in hormonal levels can cause the appearance of skin pathologies, pigmentation, moles;
hereditary predisposition, the presence of various nevi in the family.

Classification and photo

1. A flat nevus or birthmark is a pigmented island of skin with clearly defined boundaries. It can take the form of lentigo - multiple brown or brownish formations in the upper layers of the epidermis.

2. Convex nevus or mole. It has a diameter of up to a centimeter, a smooth or lumpy surface and rises above the skin level. Its color varies from beige to black, and a hair is usually located in the center of such a formation.

3. Blue nevus or blue mole. It looks like a smooth hemisphere, slightly raised above the skin, sometimes reaching a size of 2 cm. The color of this benign formation ranges from blue to dark blue.

4. Giant nevus. It is a large spot on the body, gray, bright beige (sometimes brick), black or brown.

Dangerous and non-dangerous moles

Ordinary nevi do not cause any discomfort to their carriers; sometimes they even disappear without a trace. Their shape is stable, size and color remain unchanged.

But benign moles are sometimes removed to prevent their degeneration if they are of rather large size (pedunculated) and are located in areas of the body where a person constantly injures them (during vigorous activity or parts of clothing).

Remember dangerous moles in the photo and be vigilant!

If nevi degenerate into cancerous moles, this is dangerous, since such neoplasms quickly metastasize to other organs.

Therefore, it is very important to see signs of malignancy in time.:

1. The shape of the mole changes, it loses its symmetry and begins to grow in one direction.
2. The edges of the nevus become uneven (“cut up”, “torn”).
3. The color of the mole is uneven and contains yellow, red or black inclusions.
4. The nevus grows or “shrinks”, its size changes quickly.
5. The texture of the mole becomes different, smooth becomes rough, bumpy becomes flat, etc.
6. Loss of hair growing from the nevus.
7. Itching, peeling and burning in the mole area.
There are several reasons why a nevus itches:
– pathological cells multiply;
– there are active processes of death of healthy tissues;
– the area around the formation becomes inflamed and swollen.
8. The appearance of microcracks and ulcerations.
9. Bleeding and soreness of the mole.

Cancerous moles (melanomas): photo

What happens if you rip off a mole?

You cannot remove a nevus yourself.

Firstly, it is dangerous, and secondly, it is simply ineffective. If the mole is located close to blood vessels, prolonged bleeding may develop. Often such self-medication leads to re-formation of the nevus, its growth or malignancy.

Therefore, it is difficult to predict what will happen if a mole is torn off. It may have no consequences, or it may cause serious complications for the health and life of patients.

Doctors warn that any trauma to the nevus is extremely undesirable, but pedunculated moles or small convex formations can be accidentally removed with nails or hard items of clothing.

What to do if you rip off a mole:

cauterize the wound with an alcohol solution;
stop the bleeding by applying a gauze bandage;
come to see a specialist.

In cases of partial removal of a mole, do not touch the remaining formation, do not cut it off or tear it off.

Sometimes such pigmentation appears before the disappearance of a mole (as a sign of depigmentation), and in other cases it may signal its degeneration.
White spots around the mole appear as a characteristic sign of Setton's nevus. This formation is considered harmless in terms of degeneration into a more malignant form, however, melonomas (aggressive cancerous formations) can also have such a white rim, so the appearance of white spots is a reason to contact a medical specialist.

Diagnostics

Dermatologists and oncologists are involved in determining the type of nevus.

Using a dermatoscope, the doctor examines the formation and determines its nature (benign or malignant). Sometimes a histological examination (scraping method) is required.

Biopsy (tissue sampling) for nevi is not used due to their trauma during this procedure. And as you know, it’s better not to touch moles again!

Removal

Many people want to get rid of birthmarks and nevi not only in cases of malignancy (pathological change), but also to correct a cosmetic defect.

However, removal is carried out at the oncology center for people with malignant tumors and with a high probability of degeneration of nevi.

Often the indication for surgery is the localization of moles on the body: on the scalp, on the neck, on the chin, in the area of the shoulder blades.

Methods for removing nevi (with information on how much it costs to remove them):

surgical, using local anesthesia and a scalpel (in municipal surgical hospitals, according to indications - free of charge, in medical centers from 300-500 rubles)
cryofreezing with liquid nitrogen (1000-1500 rubles);
electrocoagulation - cauterization with electric current (600-1300 rubles);
photodynamic - ultraviolet irradiation (1000-1200 rubles);
laser - removal of moles with a beam (800-2000 rubles);
radio wave, destruction of nevi by shock radio wave (RUB 700-1400)

The choice of method for removing moles is made by the doctor; prices for these procedures depend on the size and type of nevus.

Prevention of malignancy

Preventive methods for reducing the risk of malignancy of moles include:

limited sunbathing, cancellation of visits to the solarium;
minimizing skin trauma;
maintaining a healthy lifestyle (healthy eating and avoiding bad habits).

Moles are considered benign. They are formed due to the accumulation of melanin in skin cells. The number of birthmarks increases with age. A newborn baby does not have nevi on the body. Starting from the second year of life, spots appear on the body. The formations vary in color, shape and size. It is often found that the nevus is covered with hair. This phenomenon suggests that education is not dangerous for humans.

The main reasons for the appearance

A person wonders why moles appear on the face. Their location can be on the eye, on the oral mucosa or on the head. A mole most often occurs in women. This is due to periods when hormones surge. If the growth is convex or hanging, and has a black color, the woman prefers to disguise it with the help of cosmetics. If cosmetic products do not bring results, go to the hospital for removal.

Moles on the face grow for the following reasons:

Long and frequent exposure to sunlight during the summer season. Ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of melanin production and the appearance of new formations on the face. When sunbathing, you must use protective creams and wear a hat.
Effect of X-rays.
Infectious diseases in the body that are in the acute stage.
Radiation exposure.
Hereditary factor. While in the womb, birthmarks can be passed on to the baby. They grow up at an older age. For example, if a woman or man has many moles on their face, then their child will have an approximate number during adolescence.
Hormonal disorders. They occur when carrying a child, during puberty in adolescents, and during long-term use of hormonal drugs. This includes the age factor when menopause occurs. Hormonal imbalance occurs during abortion, menstruation, and stressful situations.

Types of moles on the face

A birthmark on the face causes aesthetic discomfort to a person. Especially if the nevus is large or hanging.

Formations are of the following types:

Angioma. It has a bright red color. It is colored due to the large number of blood vessels that are located in the upper layer of the dermis. Angioma occurs due to impaired functioning of the pancreas.
Flat education. They can be small and large. Appear due to the accumulation of melanin. They have weak reactions to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. In rare cases, the process of proliferation may begin.
Blue moles. They appear in both small and large sizes. The color ranges from light blue to dark blue. The structure of the blue nevus is dense and the surface is smooth. They protrude above the surface of the skin by 2–3 mm.
Hemangioma. The red color of the mole is due to a large accumulation of blood vessels. Located on the surface of the epidermis. They have the shape of a nodule or hanging growth. The cause of the occurrence is pathological processes in the blood vessels.
Convex. It occurs on the face more often than others. A symmetrical formation that is not dark brown in color. The coloring is similar to skin color. A sign of a safe nevus is a hair growing from it.

What is the danger

Moles located on the face are not dangerous to humans. Except in cases where the stain is not subjected to regular mechanical stress. As a result of injury, changes occur that indicate the degeneration of the nevus into a malignant tumor. Symptoms of conversion:

The mole began to bleed. The causes are mechanical damage or random bleeding. In the latter case, you should seek help from a doctor, as this is a sign of the development of cancer cells.
Cracks appeared on the surface of the build-up.
Enlargement of a mole.
It started to swell.
Pain is felt when pressing.
The process of inflammation has begun.
The surface and the area around it peel off.
Blurring clearly defined boundaries.
Color change. The nevus turns red or black.
Loss of hairs growing from the birthmark.

If one of the alarming symptoms is present, the nevus becomes dangerous to humans. Signs of degeneration require an immediate visit to an oncologist or dermatologist.

Recommendations for removing moles on the face

It is recommended to remove moles that spoil a person’s appearance. Doctors also prescribe getting rid of those formations that are subject to systematic injury. Nevus on the neck can be damaged by jewelry. A man, while shaving, can cut off a nevus on his cheek. If the formation is located on the head, it can be injured when combing the hair. Spots that are located in the abdomen or feet are torn by tight belts and shoes. The main indication for removing a birthmark is the risk of transformation into a malignant tumor.

Separately, it is worth considering the case when there are many nevi on the face. This situation requires a thorough examination, during which the cause of the appearance is determined. Multiple stains not only spoil the appearance, but will also become dangerous if exposed to external or internal factors. Before undergoing surgery, it is recommended to consult a doctor. He will determine which removal method is right for the patient and when it should be done.

It is worth remembering that nevus must be removed in the cold season. During this period there is less ultraviolet rays. If removal was required in the summer, the doctor will prescribe a wound care regimen. It is based on the use of sunscreen, hats, and glasses. The operation is prohibited during pregnancy and in case of infectious and viral diseases. It is important to take into account the age factor. For young children, moles need to be removed only if they have become malignant. An adult can get rid of formations that cause aesthetic discomfort.

Removal methods

Whether it is possible to remove moles on the face and which method is best to choose can be determined by a qualified doctor. The choice is based on the results of the examination, which consists of dermatoscopy, histology, and biopsy. The doctor takes into account the structure and size of the mole, its nature, as well as its location, and then selects the appropriate method that will eliminate the consequences.

If you have a question about how to get rid of moles on the face, it is recommended to contact clinics that offer several ways to get rid of moles:

Surgical. Removal is done with a scalpel. The site is injected with an anesthetic drug, then the nevus is cut out. The stitches are removed after two to three days. The removed lesion is examined in the laboratory for the presence of cancer cells. The procedure has a low price. The downside is the scar after the operation. Used for large nevus size.
Radio wave. Surgitron is used for removal. Patient reviews say that the process takes five minutes, during which there is no pain. No anesthesia is required. There is no scar left. After removal, the mole will not grow back, which is why the method has positive reviews.
Laser removal. The burning procedure takes 10 minutes. There is no bleeding during the operation. There will be no scar left. There is no possibility to send a remote lesion for histological examination.
Electrocoagulation. High frequency current is applied. After surgery, the mole may appear again. There is also no way to extract the roots of the nevus.
Cryodestruction. Using liquid nitrogen, the nevus is frozen and its tissues die. Moles on the face are not removed in this way, as the wound heals in 4–5 weeks.

You can get rid of moles using folk remedies. The condition is the doctor's permission to carry out treatment at home. Traditional methods:

Lubricate the nevus with a cotton pad soaked in an infusion of celandine and alcohol. Pour two tablespoons of chopped herbs into a glass of ethyl alcohol. Leave for three days. Duration 5–7 days. Treat twice a day.
Spread the formation with acetic acid or iodine. Carry out with caution, as the skin on the face is sensitive and may cause burns. The duration of the procedure should not exceed three days.
Mix two tablespoons of flaxseed oil (buy at a pharmacy or prepare it yourself) with a tablespoon of liquid honey. Moisten a cotton pad, apply it to the nevus, and cover with a band-aid. Remove after five minutes. Carry out the procedure in the morning and evening.
Potassium permanganate solution. Pour three to four granules of potassium permanganate into a glass of boiled water. Soak a piece of sterile bandage folded in four in the solution. Apply to the growth. Remove after 10 minutes.
Lubricate the nevus with zinc or salicylic ointment. It is allowed to use an ointment that contains an antibiotic.

Complications

Despite the many advantages of modern removal methods, complications may arise:

The electrocoagulation method and the use of a scalpel leave deep scars on the face.
When using liquid nitrogen, the roots of the nevus are not removed, which threatens the reappearance of the formation on the face.
The presence of burns after the cryodestruction method, which disappear over a long period of time.
When using a scalpel, bleeding from the wound opens, which increases the risk of infection.
Liquid nitrogen freezes the tissues located next to the formation.
When removing a growth at home, there is a high risk of melanoma. The disease can be fatal.

If you use the removal of moles on the face: reviews, the consequences depend on the structure and size of the nevus, location and individual characteristics of the body.

Features of care after surgery

How to care for the wound after surgery depends on which method of removal was used. Recommendations are given by the doctor who performed the operation. General rules: do not wet the wound, do not use cosmetics, do not peel off the crust that has formed. Avoid being in direct sunlight for 7-10 days. Do not visit the solarium. Do not remove hair from the area of skin where surgery was performed. Refrain from getting tattoos. The remaining measures will be indicated by the doctor.

Large moles on the face photo