Mole or skin cancer

General

What is often referred to as "mole" or "birthmark" in colloquial language is called "Pigment nevus". Sometimes you can also find the terms "Melanocyte nevus“Or melanocytic nevus. These are benign skin growths that are darkly pigmented due to their melanocyte content (skin pigment cells) and appear light to dark brown. More precisely, what is often referred to as a mole is a nevus cell nevus, lentigo simplex or lentigo solaris. However, it is difficult to differentiate all of this precisely, as what we colloquially call mole can vary widely. The following article deals with the connections between "liver spots" and the development of skin cancer or malignant diseases of the skin.

Importance of moles for skin health

Moles per se are nothing to worry about. A high number of liver spots does not necessarily mean a high risk of developing cancer. But what is the connection here? "Liver spots" can harbor a risk of developing a malignant disease of the skin, i.e. skin cancer. However, this does not affect all moles, only certain types. They are characteristic in their pigmentation, shape and appearance. Only a dermatologist is able to distinguish whether or not a mole could be harmful to health. Malignant melanoma (malignant skin cancer) can develop from a high-risk mole. Malignant melanoma is a malignant tumor of the skin that originates from the pigment cells, the melanocytes, and metastasizes very early.

It is difficult to differentiate when a mole is of concern if you are not a specialist. However, there are criteria by which you can check your moles even in everyday life. If you suspect a malignancy, you can consult a doctor very quickly and thus minimize the risk of overlooking a malignant disease. The earlier skin cancer is detected and the sooner therapy is started, the better the chances of a cure. The so-called A-B-C-D-E rule provides guidelines for self-monitoring of moles and moles and is explained in more detail below:

To Self examination it is best to stand in front of you in good light Full length mirror. Hand mirrors can help to look at moles that are not so easily visible, for example on the back. When checking a mole, the following criteria are systematically examined one after the other:

A. = asymmetry ? Malicious changes are not round, they are irregular

B. = Limitation ? Melanomas are not sharply demarcated, but have fuzzy edges with frayed extensions

C. = Coloring ? Malignant changes are not evenly colored and sometimes have unusual colors, ranging from white, gray, blue and red to black

D. = diameter ? Melanomas are larger (usually over 5mm) especially if they have emerged from a mole

E. = development/ Sublimity? the mole changes and grows / protrudes above the skin level

Other warning signs are a itchy mole, Oozing or bleeding of the mole. Also one Scabbing can be questionable. With regard to these criteria, you can now roughly assess whether you should consult a dermatologist. This can then be a professional skin cancer screening in which he assesses each mole in terms of its shape and appearance. The whole body is examined and no mole left out.

therapy

Malignant melanomas are surgically removed. There will be no biopsy (Tissue removal) made from the primary tumor to prevent the spread of degenerate cells in the blood or Lymphatic system to prevent. It is important that the malignant tissue is removed over a large area. The tissue is under the tumor to Muscle fascia (Muscle skin) removed. This is done in order not to leave any degenerate cells in the skin, otherwise a Relapse (Recurrence of the disease) would be quite likely. If the "malignant mole" is on the face or on the acres, such a radical operation is to be avoided. A more precise mechanical process is used in which the cut edges are precisely checked using a microscope. This is called microscopic-controlled-surgery.

In addition to surgical measures, there is also the option of Chemotherapy and Radiation treatments apply. That is the case when the disease is advanced and developing Metastases Find. There is also the so-called Immunotherapyin which the immune system is stimulated and can thus fight the cancer cells. However, the chances of a cure are no longer so good if the cancer has already spread, i.e. metastases in other organs and Lymph nodes have formed. Nevertheless, the therapeutic measures can bring about an improvement in the state of health. After the therapy, patients become more likely to Skin cancer screening sent in order to ensure very closely that no further malicious changes occur.

forecast

Only an experienced dermatologist can assess whether a mole is at risk of developing into melanoma, and how high it is. In principle goes from Freckles, Cafe-au-lait spots and small spots Lentiges (Lentigo simplex and Lentigo solaris) do not pose a risk of melanoma. However, the situation is different with certain forms of moles such as the dysplastic nevi. Although they are not to be regarded as precursors of melanoma, there is an increased development of melanoma in people with a large number of such dysplastic nevi (DNS =Dysplastic nevi syndrome).

Also congenital nevus cell nevi (congenital, benign, brown skin changes), the greater the size, the greater the risk of developing melanoma. However, they are not moles in the conventional sense and are only listed here for the sake of completeness.

prophylaxis

People with very fair skin and many "moles" should take special care to protect their skin from damaging influences. But in general: not too long and without protection stay in the sun! Accordingly, very light skin types should use sun protection products with a high sun protection factor and refresh them again and again throughout the day. Also protective clothing like Sun hats and shoulder-covering tops are recommended. Tanning salons should generally be strictly avoided as the UV radiation the risk of skin cancer increases massively. Especially in summer you should avoid the hot midday sun, but you shouldn't forget sun protection even in the shade, because UV radiation does not come through safely here either.

Summary

Pigment cell nevi, which are colloquially known as liver spots, are primarily harmless as long as they do not show any noticeable changes. They are due to their high content of Melanocytes (Pigment cells) colored brown and can occur in different frequencies. With the help of A-B-C-D-E rule you can check for yourself whether a mole looks questionable and, if necessary, consult a doctor.

Because in some cases a malignant change can develop from a mole, the so-called malignant melanoma, surgical removal may be necessary if there is a suspicion or an established diagnosis. In the case of advanced disease with metastasis to other organs and lymph nodes, those affected are additionally irradiated and treated with chemotherapy.