The “blackening” crisis of moles: recognizing malignant melanoma
Each of us has an average of 15-40 moles on our body, and these little pigments are like unique marks on the skin. Most of the time, they accompany us quietly without any distress. But you know what? These small, seemingly innocuous dots may in some cases “blacken” into a deadly malignant melanoma.
Malignant transitions can occur when nevus cells undergo genetic mutations stimulated by ultraviolet light, trauma, etc. This type of cancer metastasizes extremely quickly and worsens rapidly, often reaching advanced stages when discovered, and the treatment results are not ideal. According to the World Health Organization, there are 280,000 new melanoma patients worldwide every year, and about 60,000 of them die as a result. Thankfully, however, the early detection of melanoma can lead to a cure rate of more than 90%.
Dermatologists recommend using the ABCDE rule to initially determine the degree of risk of moles. This easy-to-remember method can help you spot suspicious moles in time:
Asymmetry (asymmetry) : Benign moles are usually symmetrical round or oval, while malignant moles tend to be irregularly shaped and asymmetrical on both sides.
Border (border) : The edges of healthy moles are clear and smooth, while the boundaries of dangerous moles may be jagged and blurred.
Color (color) : Normal moles are uniform in color, mostly brown or black. If a mole appears in many colors (such as black, brown, red, white mixed), special attention should be paid.
Diameter (diameter) : Moles with a diameter of more than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) are at higher risk, but small moles cannot completely rule out the danger.
Evolving (change) : Any mole that changes in size, shape, color, thickness, etc. is cause for alarm.
These conditions are more likely to trigger cancer
In addition to the ABCDE characteristics, there are several special conditions that increase the risk of nevus cancer:
People exposed to intense sunlight for long periods of time should be extremely careful, as UV light penetrates the skin to irritate nevus cells. Interestingly, people with whiter skin tones are at greater risk instead, and this is because they have insufficient melanin protection. The statistics show that Caucasians are more than 20 times more likely to develop melanoma than Blacks.
Family genetic factors cannot be ignored either. If someone in your immediate family has developed malignant melanoma, your risk is significantly increased. This group of people is recommended to have a professional skin examination every 3-6 months.
The Right Way to Get Rid of Moles and Common Misunderstandings
After discovering a suspicious mole, many people’s first reaction was to “hurry up and get rid of it”. But dermatologists warn: removing moles isn’t as simple as just “clicking them off”! Unprofessional removal methods may instead stimulate nevus cells and increase the risk of cancer.
Mole removal services provided by small street shops or beauty salons often present three major hidden dangers: irregular operation can easily leave scars; it is impossible to accurately judge whether moles are benign or malignant; and it may delay the best time for treatment. More frighteningly, some so-called “potion spot moles” can cause localized infections or leave permanent pigmentation.
Here’s the right thing to do: after a suspicious mole is found, take a clear photo recording its form, and then make an appointment with a professional dermatologist as soon as possible. The doctor will recommend observation, biopsy, or surgical removal on a case-by-case basis. Remember: in health matters, it is better to be cautious than to be careless once.
Disclaimer: All photos used in this blog are generated by artificial intelligence (AI). These images are original creations produced by AI technology and do not depict real people, places, or events. They are provided for illustrative purposes only and cannot be claimed or used as real photographs.
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