A mole or pigmented nevus is a formation on the skin consisting of melanocytes (cells containing melanin is a natural pigment, it also forms the color of the eyes, skin, hair), it is initially benign.

A black mole contains many melanocytes, which explains its color. Nevi occur due to ultraviolet radiation or are congenital. But it is worth considering that due to certain circumstances, an ordinary mole can degenerate into melanoma - skin cancer.

Every year, about 200,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed worldwide, of which 65,000 (73%) are fatal.

Skin cancer most often occurs on the legs (about 50%), least often on the neck and face (10-15%). In this article we will help you understand the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and also answer frequently asked questions on this topic.

Causes of black moles

If the mole is congenital or appeared in childhood (before 16 years of age), then it does not pose a danger and the risk of melanoma is almost zero.

Nevi that appear after 30 years or if old ones begin to change are dangerous: they grow, change shape, color.

At first, the formations are no different from benign ones, but later they become covered with red or black dots, bleed, peel and hurt.

Main causes:

Ultraviolet

After long sunbathing, you may notice that the mole has turned black. It's not always warning sign. The appearance of a dark dot on a spot indicates excessive sun exposure and an increase in the amount of melanin.

To protect yourself, you must follow the following precautions: (in the morning before 12 and in the evening after 17), do not cover stains, this creates a greenhouse effect.

Hormones

Under its influence, many structures change and black moles may appear or old ones may darken; this is not dangerous, but constant monitoring is required. Therefore, nevi that appear after adolescence are dangerous.

Damage

Any mechanical actions with light moles (tearing, rubbing, squeezing) can give rise to the appearance of black moles and their degeneration into melanoma.

Moles appear in a variety of places on the skin and even on the mucous membranes, but the favorite localization of a black mole is on the back, leg, arm, sometimes neck and face.

Signs of degeneration into a malignant form

Diagnose early stages melanoma is not difficult, you need to constantly examine nevi according to the following criteria (according to international system ABCDE).

A (asymmetry) – asymmetry

Benign formation can be divided into two equal parts, malignant -
asymmetrical.

B (border) – edge

It should be smooth, without jagged edges or roughness.

C (colour) – color

The presence of red, black, gray dots and uneven color indicate the transition of the nevus to a malignant tumor.

D (diameter) – diameter

A large black mole can degenerate into a tumor; any change in size is a dangerous symptom.

E – variability

The appearance of crusts, peeling, itching, pain, bleeding, hair loss on the surface of the spot are also symptoms of melanoma.

If you notice any changes, immediately make an appointment with a dermatologist. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.

Dark blue nevi in ​​children

The appearance of black moles in childhood completely normal. But if you notice a lot of new black formations in your child, they need constant supervision under the guidance of a doctor.

If there are changes according to the ABCDE system, it is necessary additional diagnostics and examination by a specialist.

Mole removal methods

IN modern world Thanks to various discoveries, there are many ways to remove nevi. Each wallet has its own method.

First of all, you need to consult a doctor and select optimal method treatment taking into account all contraindications.

Preventive measures

Main preventive method is not neglecting trips to the doctor and being attentive to your health.

Precautionary measures:

• Sunbathe in moderation, do not appear on the beach during the hours of maximum solar activity (from 12 to 17).
• After swimming in the sea or river, dry your skin thoroughly so as not to increase the effects of the sun's rays.
• Be sure to use sunscreen with high SPF.
• Conduct a skin self-examination.

How to examine your skin yourself

Using the ABCDE system outlined above, you can easily examine the skin at home, but you should not forget about medical institutions.

An excellent way is to photograph moles and then compare them.

For people who have up to 5 suspicious nevi on their body, self-examination should be carried out at least once every 3 months.

If you have 5 or more atypical formations, an examination should be carried out at least once a month; if you notice any change, go to a dermatologist.

Every person has slightly noticeable marks on his body. dark spots. These are so-called black moles. Experts explain this phenomenon as a non-oncological formation.

It is difficult to understand when they appeared. The main explanation is too fast growth pigment skin cells.

Why do black moles appear?

The reasons for the appearance of black moles are quite natural and banal. This may include exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), internal changes in the body, defined as hormonal, or external damage in the form of mechanical impact.

Most of these cells are flat. Black moles have a uniform color and a round shape.

Observe dark moles on the body as early as childhood. Over time, as a person grows up, they may become darker and increase in volume.

In adults, there are a total of ten to forty skin pigmentations. Having reached the third decade, their development usually stops and, if additional moles appear, this is a reason to consult a dermatologist. Thus, it is possible to prevent the development of melanoma - one of the types cancer diseases skin

A reasonable approach to the problem

Instantly panic when you find it on your body black mole not worth it. First, it’s worth understanding the reason for its appearance. It is also important for general peace of mind to be able to distinguish between skin birthmarks and cancerous tumors.

Those involved in this topic can often even determine from a photo of black moles that they belong to a certain type. The topic is quite interesting and useful for general development.

The main types of moles and what are their characteristics

It should be noted here that there are three types of skin formations directly related to tissue pigmentation.

The first type includes a benign “fly”. It is not dangerous if its parameters are only 5 mm wide, it has distinct edges and a smooth surface. There is no need to fear cancer when such a mole appears.

The only thing that should be guarded against is the formation of more than 50 such black moles on the body. Seeing a doctor will not be superfluous, although according to experts, this type extremely rarely turns into cancer.

The second type of black moles is called dysplastic nevus. If you want to know what the appearance of black moles of this type means, you can come to the conclusion that this variety deserves closer attention.

The size of a mole of this type exceeds 5 millimeters. The shape is flat, the surface has additional shades.

It is multiple rashes of similar dysplastic nevi increase the risk of such a serious skin disease as melanoma. Statistics show that people in such situations are 10 times more likely to get such a dangerous disease.

The third type is melanoma itself. It is already known to be perceived as a serious, fast-growing cancer. It looks like a birthmark. Its development appears suddenly and rapidly.

Main features:

• external noticeable changes in black dots on a mole;
• the appearance of other, additional shades on the surface (red blotches, white, blue);
• hardening of the mole. In this case, it resembles a small dense lump.

Children's problem in the field of skin diseases and its solution

The biggest worries for parents arise when they notice black moles on their children. Their manifestation in rare cases occurs during the prenatal period.

The main formations are discovered after childbirth and grow with the baby. This is a genetic process and a completely natural phenomenon.

All parents, however, are interested in what to do with black moles in children? Undoubtedly, this makes some people happy. A mole, as an element of the baby’s external resemblance to his father or mother, evokes affection. But this fact is starting to worry many. Parents are interested in how serious problem represent black moles, how to get rid of them or how to protect the child and prevent further negative development.

When the situation really becomes truly serious, you cannot do without medical intervention. Considering all the dangers that may arise at a certain moment, one should under no circumstances rely on various home methods.

Only a specialist can examine moles and classify their type. And we are not talking about a cosmetologist, but specifically about professional doctor(oncologist or dermatologist). Mole removal is not cosmetic procedure, but medical. It is important for parents to remember this so as not to harm the child.

Medical methods for removing black moles (nevi) involve several areas of medical intervention. From simple to complex.

Most reliable method Doctors consider removing moles using a scalpel (excision). The easiest method is considered laser removal. But even this procedure requires mandatory prior consultation with a doctor.

The importance of such a simple method, according to experts, is evidenced by the fact that after the operation the child needs to be seriously looked after and observed by a doctor.

Photo of a black mole

Birthmark - these are all names for a benign pigment formation on the human skin. Moles can be present on the skin from birth or appear throughout life, be various colors(from light brown to black), rise above the skin or be completely flat - whatever the nevi, they are safe until they begin to degenerate into melanoma - skin cancer. on the body are especially prone to such degeneration if there is favorable conditions.

Causes

The cause of the most common mole is an excess of melanin pigment in the skin, which leads to the growth of melanocyte cells, their concentration is called a nevus.

As for blacks, there are much more of these formations.

Why moles darken:

1. Direct exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet promotes the appearance of new birthmarks, and changing the color of existing ones down to black.
2. Changes in hormonal levels. Many black moles on the body may appear during pregnancy or during puberty.
3. Systematic mechanical damage to the skin. This problem is typical for moles that are located in places that are constantly exposed to shaving and friction with clothing. It is recommended to remove such formations after consultation with a doctor.
4. Hereditary factor. It is rare to see a mole on the body of a newborn. There is a version that they are simply negligible to be seen with the naked eye. But already at 2-3 years of life, nevi may appear on the child’s body. And if one of the parents has black moles on the body, the baby may also have them black.
5. Bacterial or viral skin diseases.
6. Exposure to x-rays or radiation.

If one of the black moles on the body has darkened even more for no reason, this is a reason to immediately contact an oncodermatologist.

Safe nevi

There are several classifications of moles, depending on the time of their appearance, color, size and appearance.

Black moles on the body are divided into:

All of these moles are benign provided they have:

• diameter less than 0.5 cm;

• clearly defined oval or round shape;
• smooth surface.

Any deviation from the norm, even one black mole on the body, is a reason to visit medical institution.

Suspicious moles

In addition to ordinary moles that do not cause concern to their owner, there are several types of nevi that can be dangerous not only to health, but also to human life.

Dangerous neoplasms:

If there is the slightest suspicion of nevus degeneration, it must be remembered that early diagnosis melanoma can save life.

Critical symptoms

Sometimes black moles on the body are in such places that you can evaluate them yourself appearance can be difficult. In such situations, other symptoms of a change in the mole should alert the owner.

Symptoms of nevus degeneration:

• bleeding from a mole;
• burning sensation, itching;
• loss of hair growing from the formation;
• the appearance of inflammation and ulcers;
• The surface of such a mole is rough to the touch, you can feel the scales.

Particular attention should be paid to moles that appeared after the age of 35.

Self-diagnosis methods

To make it easier for patients to remember what to pay attention to when observing nevi, doctors formulated the so-called FIGARO rule, which got its name from the first letters of 6 points that indicate a change in a mole.

FIGARO Rule:

• shape - the formation is raised above the level of the skin;
• change in the size of the nevus, noticeably accelerated growth rate;
• the boundaries of the mole are unclear;
• asymmetry - the 2 halves of the nevus differ from each other;
• size exceeds 0.5 cm;
• the color changes - multi-colored dots are added, and may become completely discolored.

To make it easier to track possible growth and changes in the color of skin tumors, it is recommended to independently measure and record their diameter and take photographs.

Establishing diagnosis

If a black mole appears on the body, you cannot limit yourself to self-diagnosis. Considering the danger of melanoma, only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis and decide whether to remove a mole.

Diagnostic methods:

• interviewing the patient - the doctor needs to know whether the patient has been exposed to direct sunlight, whether there is a hereditary factor, what is his general condition;
• dermatoscopy - examination of skin tumors without surgical intervention;
• histology analysis - determining the presence of malignant cells in the formation;
• blood test for tumor markers;
• general tests blood and urine;
• biopsy - taking a sample of mole tissue for analysis.

If the degeneration of a mole is confirmed malignancy other diagnostic methods are used (CT, MRI) to determine the stage of the disease, activity cancer cells, presence of metastases.

Treatment and observation

If the appearance of a black mole on the body poses a probable danger of the nevus to the life and health of the patient, the attending physician decides to remove the formation.

Mole removal methods:

• with help liquid nitrogen, or cryodestruction - getting rid of pathological formations using ultra-low temperature;
• laser removal - gradual removal of pigmented tissue, the least traumatic method, often used on the face;
• electrocoagulation - cauterization with electric current, in contrast to laser, which is prohibited for dark skin, suitable for any type of epidermis;
• excision with a radio knife, or radio wave method- the device does not come into contact with the skin, leaving no traces;
• surgical removal- recommended only for malignant tumors, as it allows nearby tissue to be removed along with the melanoma to prevent relapse.

The method of removing a nevus is strictly individual and is selected by the attending physician based on the type of mole, the patient’s tests, the characteristics of his skin and general condition health and immunity.

Risk group

There are groups of people who are especially susceptible to the degeneration of moles into malignant formations.

Risk groups include:

• people over 35 years of age who have new blackheads or moles on their body;
• patients whose number of moles exceeds 50, regardless of age;
• people with light skin, hair, eye color;
• owners of nevi susceptible to hereditary factors;
• people with weak immune systems.

To prevent the occurrence of melanoma, patients at risk are recommended to visit a dermatologist every 3 months, and for other owners of moles - annually.

Preventive measures

If a person has a tendency to form black spots on the body, similar to moles, it is especially important to adhere to the following recommendations to avoid their degeneration into oncology.

Prevention of melanoma:

• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially in daytime when the sun is most active;
• do not visit the solarium;
• avoid mechanical damage moles, if there are nevi in ​​places of constant friction with clothing, razor trauma, it is recommended to remove such formations after consultation with a doctor;
• abandon synthetic materials that create a greenhouse effect and contribute to skin irritation;
• people with fair skin should avoid long stay in the sun, regardless of the time of day.

In addition to all of the above, treatment and removal of moles is prohibited. traditional methods. Self-medication can aggravate the problem and delay the moment of correct diagnosis and the start of life-saving therapy.