Almost everyone has moles of varying sizes on their bodies. Some people see them as a symbol of good fortune, while others merely find them unsightly. Most people simply ignore them. When many people notice their moles gradually growing larger, they dismiss it as a normal skin change and do not take it seriously.
However, many people are unaware that small moles can harbor significant health risks, and those that grow silently could be early warning signs of melanoma.
Chen Yu, an expert in orthopedic surgery at Hainan Chengmei Hospital, said that clinically, many patients have neglected the subtle changes of moles, resulting in the transformation of ordinary pigmented moles into malignant melanoma. A small black mole eventually evolved into a deadly cancer.
Ordinary pigment nevi, no need to panic excessively
Director Chen Yu stated that the vast majority of moles on the body are benign pigmented nevi, which are benign skin lesions formed by the aggregation of melanocytes in the skin. They will not undergo malignant transformation throughout one's lifetime and have no impact on health.
Ordinary benign moles have distinct characteristics:
They are stable in size, clear in boundary, uniform in color, and smooth on the surface, remaining unchanged for many years without causing any pain or discomfort. For some individuals, during puberty or pregnancy, moles may slightly enlarge and their color may slightly deepen due to hormonal changes. This is a normal physiological phenomenon, and there is no need for excessive anxiety.
However, if the changes in a mole are not gradual but rapid in a short period of time, it is a dangerous warning signal from the body and must be taken seriously.
Remember the ABCDE rule! Identify cancerous moles
The ABCDE method, a common diagnostic tool for dermatologists, allows ordinary people to easily conduct self-examination and accurately identify high-risk moles. It is recommended for everyone to save and use for self-examination.
A (Asymmetry): Ordinary moles are generally symmetrical, with the two halves essentially overlapping when folded in half. However, cancerous moles are asymmetric in both left-right and up-down directions, with significant differences in shape and size between the two halves, showing no discernible pattern.
B (Boundary): Benign moles have smooth and clear edges, with a clear demarcation from the surrounding skin. Malignant moles have blurred and irregular boundaries, presenting as jagged or spiny shapes, and may even infiltrate and spread into the surrounding skin.
C (Color): Normal moles have uniform color, mostly pure black or brown. High-risk moles have a mixed and uneven color, with various shades of black, brown, red, white, blue, etc. appearing simultaneously on the same mole, with varying shades.
D (Diameter): Diameter is an important reference standard. Most common moles are less than 6 millimeters in diameter. If a mole's diameter exceeds 6 millimeters and continues to grow, the risk of canceration will increase significantly. Moles located on the palms, soles of the feet, or under the fingernails, regardless of size, should be monitored for any changes.
E (Change): This is the most crucial signal. In the short term, sudden changes in the size, shape, color, and height of moles, accompanied by itching, tingling, ulceration, bleeding, scarring, and the growth of small satellite moles around them, are all typical manifestations of malignant transformation.
For these high-risk moles, it's best to remove them as soon as possible, don't delay
In addition to self-examination based on the ABCDE rule, moles located in special positions have a higher probability of canceration and are considered high-risk moles. It is recommended to intervene as early as possible.
Moles in areas prone to friction:
Moles located on the palms, soles, waistband, neck, armpits, perianal area, etc., are prone to abnormal proliferation of melanocytes due to long-term friction and compression stimulation, which can induce malignant transformation. These are high-risk areas for melanoma.
Congenital giant nevus:
Giant pigment nevi that are present at birth and have a diameter greater than 20 millimeters carry a higher risk of congenital malignant transformation and require long-term monitoring, with surgical removal being considered if necessary.
Repeatedly damaged moles:
Moles that are frequently picked, scratched, and repeatedly scabbed and bleeding can cause long-term chronic damage to skin tissue, significantly increasing the risk of canceration.
Avoid pitfalls! Two major mistakes in removing moles
Many people, upon discovering abnormal moles, tend to self-treat them, which can inadvertently trigger cancerous changes. Avoid these two misconceptions!
Misconception 1: Using potions or lasers to remove moles haphazardly: Potions used in small street shops or beauty salons for removing moles cannot accurately determine the nature of the mole, and they cannot completely eliminate melanocytes. If a mole has undergone early malignant transformation, incomplete stimulation can lead to the spread and metastasis of cancer cells, exacerbating the condition.
Misconception 2: Repeatedly picking and rubbing moles: Many people find moles protruding to be uncomfortable, so they often pick or rub them with their hands. Repeated external stimulation is a significant factor leading to the malignant transformation of benign moles.
Although melanoma is dangerous, the cure rate is extremely high when detected early and treated according to standards. It is recommended to regularly self-examine the entire body's skin, paying particular attention to the hands, feet, and concealed areas of the trunk. If a mole experiences short-term enlargement, discoloration, deformation, ulceration, or itching, do not hesitate to seek medical attention at a reputable hospital immediately. Early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment are crucial.
Expert Introduction
Chen Yu, Chief Physician
Orthopedic surgeon
High-level top-notch (Category D) talent in Hainan Province
Medical expertise:
I. Limb-sparing surgery for malignant bone tumors and soft tissue tumors, combined with comprehensive treatments such as chemoradiotherapy and intraoperative radiotherapy
II. Surgery and comprehensive treatment for skin cancers such as melanoma
III. Surgery and comprehensive treatment for bone metastatic cancer
IV. Treatment of trauma, burns, joints, spine, and bone diseases