What are moles?
Moles are the clinical manifestation of benign proliferation of cells found normally in the skin. Moles exist on all people. Some moles are present from birth (congenital moles), while others develop in the first decades of life (acquired moles).
Moles can appear anywhere on the human body, however they are more common on parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight. Heredity also plays an important role.
Moles are extremely common. Patients turn to the doctor for moles both for cosmetic reasons and for medical reasons, because they are concerned about their nature. Many of the moles can be diagnosed with a simple examination by the dermatologist. The Dermatologist is the most competent to decide whether a mole is benign or suspicious. The Dermatologist will decide whether the mole just needs a follow-up or if it should be removed and what should be the way to remove a mole, e.g. surgical removal.
There are many different types of moles.
The reason moles are so important is the fact that they sometimes form the substrate on which malignant melanoma, the most aggressive malignant skin tumor, develops.
Diagnosis
To assess the degree of danger of a mole we take into account the following:
- A (Asymmetry): moles where one half of the lesion is different from the other half are potentially more at risk of developing malignant transformation.
- B (Borders): moles whose borders are not uniform but irregular, lacy or jagged need further attention.
- C (Color): moles that do not have a homogeneous color distribution, but coexist several colors such as red, pink, brown, blue and black need a systematic monitoring.
- D (Diameter): mole whose diameter exceeds 6mm are more likely to undergo malignant transformation.
- E (Elevation / Evolution): if a mole shows any change from its original morphology, if the mole grows, if the mole shows itching, pain or swelling, if the lesion is strange to the touch or shows a change in its color (discoloration or hyperpigmentation), if the mole bleeds or if it shows a change in sensation, a visit to a dermatologist is considered imperative and immediate.
Dermatoscopy
The particularly important early diagnosis of melanoma is greatly facilitated with the help of dermoscopy of moles. It is the test of choice for moles for the early detection of cutaneous melanoma. Dermoscopy of moles is a diagnostic non-invasive imaging technique that is done with the help of a special tool, the dermoscope. We apply it on the moles using some special oils or gel or water and distinguish morphological characteristics of the structure and color of the lesions that are not visible with the naked eye, magnifying as much as possible to detect some malignancy.
Mapping
Another method of examining moles is mapping. Mapping has an advantage over dermoscopy, as it allows us to assess the evolution of moles and pigmented lesions over time. Mole mapping is the most reliable method for the early diagnosis of skin cancer. It is a recording of moles on the body using digital photography, analysis and storage of the dermoscopic images on a computer with the help of special software and comparison with the older images in a subsequent check-up. Mapping of moles should be done once a year, unless it is considered necessary or a review of a mole sooner.
Moles – Biopsy
Finally, any mole suspected of malignancy that is excised should be sent for biopsy in order to assess its histological picture accurately and to determine whether atypical cells are present and whether it has been excised within healthy margins.
Contact your dermatologist!!! He is the most competent to evaluate your moles. People with multiple moles, people with a fair skin type, those with a family history of melanoma or skin malignancy, people with a history of childhood burns, those with dysplastic mole syndrome or giant congenital mole, etc. are at high risk for developing melanoma and should be monitored closely and frequently.