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Some skin marks can evolve into melanoma, a type of skin cancer. This is indicated by alterations in the size, shape, and color of the spot, along with skin irritation, such as redness, itching, or pain in the surrounding area. If you observe any of these changes, it’s crucial to consult a skin cancer specialist.
I’ll provide more details on what melanoma may look like, the factors that elevate the risk of its development, and how to perform a self-assessment at home.
Understanding skin spots:
Skin spots are pigmented formations. When they’re larger, they’re often called birthmarks, and when they extend above the skin’s surface, they’re referred to as “raised moles.” In medical terminology, these are all referred to as nevi.
Skin spots can manifest as clusters of tiny bumps, patches with varying pigmentation, distinct or blurred borders, with or without a ring of unpigmented skin encircling them, or as a single prominent bump above the skin. The colors of these spots can range from light to dark brown, nearing black, or even include reddish specks. The images below showcase different types of skin spots.
These spots are typically found in children or adolescents and are less common in adults. During puberty, new spots often emerge, and existing ones may enlarge and darken. Over time, these spots can sometimes change, becoming softer and more pliable or, on the contrary, firmer and less pigmented.
Why moles can pose a risk
Out of the numerous moles that most people have, only a very small percentage can potentially transform into melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Nevertheless, this risk exists.
People with a greater likelihood of melanoma tend to possess more than 50 moles, develop new ones in adulthood, particularly after turning 30. Your risk of melanoma can also rise if you frequently expose your skin to the sun without protection, indulge in indoor tanning sessions, or have a history of sunburn.
In addition to melanoma, there are other types of skin cancer, like squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma. These are distinct skin cancer conditions that require different treatment approaches, have varying outcomes, and different prognosis. Although melanoma is less common, it advances quickly, underscoring the importance of early detection.
Which moles are normal? In essence, all moles are considered normal, except for melanoma. Melanoma possesses certain characteristics that enable you to identify problematic moles.
What makes a mole dangerous? Distinguishing melanoma from a regular mole is made simpler through the use of the ABCDE acronym to remember its distinctive external features.
How to Self-Examine Your Moles
The American Cancer Society advises a monthly self-check of your body, scrutinizing all your moles. To do this, it’s best to completely disrobe and utilize a large, full-length mirror in conjunction with a small hand mirror. Using mirrors enables you to inspect areas that are challenging to see directly, like the back of your neck, the hairy regions of your head, your back, and your buttocks.
To ensure a thorough examination, follow this order:
- Begin with the front of your body, then move to your back, and finally, assess the sides with your arms raised.
- Examine your arms, including your shoulders, forearms, underarms, and palms.
- Inspect your legs, covering your hips, shins, buttocks, feet, and the spaces between your toes.
- Pay special attention to your head and neck. If you have hair, it may be helpful to separate it into sections using a fine-toothed comb.
The primary reason for concern is the emergence of new moles, particularly if you’re over 30, or any alterations in existing moles. The risk escalates if there’s a history of skin cancer in your family. To monitor changes effectively, consider photographing your moles during each self-examination and keep a record of the date. Then, compare these photos from different months.
For moles that appear suspicious, it’s also beneficial to maintain a dedicated map, which is essentially a visual representation of your body. Use this map to mark the locations of these moles and record details about their color and any noticeable changes.
What to do if you suspect unusual changes in your skin
If you’ve noticed any changes in the appearance of a mole, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. This is especially important if a large mole has significantly altered in shape or color. For a thorough evaluation, it’s advisable to see a dermatologist, specialized in skin-related issues, who can employ a dermatoscope, a tool with powerful magnification.
Additionally, if you experience pain, itching, or bleeding from a mole, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. An oncologist will carefully examine the mole and, if necessary, recommend a biopsy, which involves examining tissue to detect any potential cancerous cells. This will help determine the appropriate course of action, including whether mole removal is necessary and the best approach for doing so.
How to Prevent Melanoma
To minimize the risk of melanoma, which is a serious form of skin cancer, it’s essential to take steps recommended by the American Cancer Society to avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Exposure to the sun and artificial sources of UV light, such as tanning beds, can increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer, including melanoma.
Here are some practical tips to protect yourself:
- Limit Sun Exposure: Try to keep your exposure to the strong midday sun to 30 minutes or less. During the summer, especially in regions with a moderate or continental climate, it’s advisable to be outdoors before 10 am or after 3 pm.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Shield your skin from the sun by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long dresses or pants, hats, or baseball caps, and don’t forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher at least 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply it every two hours, and more frequently if you’ve been swimming or engaging in physical activities, even if the product claims to be water-resistant.
Another risk factor for melanoma is mechanical injuries. Moles that stick out from the skin’s surface can be accidentally damaged by friction from clothing or other objects, potentially leading to the transformation of the mole into a cancerous tumor.
To prevent this, consider removing bothersome moles using methods such as laser therapy or surgical excision. While some beauty salons may offer mole removal services, it’s recommended to have this procedure performed by medical professionals in specialized clinics. Doctors can immediately examine the removed mole’s tissue to ensure there are no signs of malignancy.
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