Moles are very common on the skin in humans. Most are benign and do not require medical treatment. In rare cases, however, moles can also become malignant and are then closely related to skin cancer. In the latter case, of course, a dermatologist should be consulted at an early stage to remove these tumor-like moles. A subtype of moles are the birthmarks.
What is mole?
You should have regular examinations of moles, pigment disorders, and moles with a dermatologist (dermatologist) in order to treat potential skin cancer at an early stage. A mole is colloquially referred to as a brown, flat birthmark that has formed due to an accumulation of nevus cells in the area of the epidermis and dermis. These nevus cells resemble pigment-forming cells (the so-called melanocytes) and obtain their color from the skin pigment melanin. Depending on the skin layer in which the cells have accumulated, a distinction is made between different “nevus cell nevi”: A junctional nevus, for example, develops in the border zone between the epidermis and dermis. As a rule, this evenly brown to brown-black colored, smooth mole is congenital and begins to stand out in adolescence. A compound nevus, on the other hand, is located in the upper area of the dermis and usually manifests itself during puberty by a raised, sometimes nodular brown-black skin change. However, moles can still form in adulthood. These dermal nevi are mostly nodular raised, light brown and characterized by increased hair growth.
Causes
Moles develop in almost all people. Congenital moles are currently thought to have a familial predisposition. Thus, the nevus cells multiply in the womb and form a mole in the upper layer of the skin or initially lie dormant there to develop later in life. There are a number of factors that favor the later growth of moles. For example, strong light exposure and UV radiation promote the formation of such skin growths. This is why more moles can be found on the bodies of people who regularly go to the tanning salon. Light-skinned people in particular develop more pigment deposits on sun-exposed skin areas. But hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty or pregnancy, also influence the growth of moles. Increasingly, such skin changes can be observed after chemotherapy. Therefore, it is assumed that a weakened immune system also supports the formation of moles.
Diseases with this symptom
- Skin cancer
- Melanoma
- Age spots
Complications
Moles, birthmarks or pepper spots are colloquial terms for benign growths of pigment-forming cells of the skin. Depending on the type of mole, the skin change either causes no complications or poses significant health risks. Benign moles are merely an aesthetic blemish and do not cause any difficulties without treatment. However, it is possible that the patient accidentally injures the mole and it then changes, such as in the case of a fibroma. Such raised moles then interfere, for example, when dressing or drying. Removal of benign moles usually proceeds without serious complications. Sometimes there is temporary skin irritation or pain. Rarely, the wound site becomes inflamed. Sometimes, however, moles are caused by malignant diseases such as black skin cancer. Without treatment, the cancer may metastasize to the body, posing a serious threat to the patient’s life. This is because the distant metastases displace healthy tissue and attack internal organs, causing their function to decline and possibly fail completely in the final stage. However, even in the treatment of malignant moles, complications sometimes arise. On the one hand, recurrences are possible, and on the other hand, the general state of health of some patients deteriorates as a result of the surgical procedures and possible radiation. The sore areas sometimes become inflamed or heal poorly, especially if larger areas of skin are affected or the patients are already elderly. The irritation makes the skin more susceptible to infection and fungal disease.
When should you go to the doctor?
A mole is not a worrying symptom at first sight. Nevertheless, in such a case, caution is also required if the affected person notices that the mole is changing in shape, color or texture. If a mole remains without any change for several years, then of course there is no need to see a doctor. However, a visit to the doctor is mandatory already at the first changes. A dermatologist is the right contact person in such a case. Only with an early visit to the doctor can serious underlying diseases be excluded or detected and treated. With his trained eye, a dermatologist can directly recognize whether the mole in question poses a danger or not. For this reason, a visit to the doctor should not be put off. In the worst case, a malignant tumor may be behind a mole. Skin cancer is in fact a very aggressive form of cancer that attacks the body with metastases within a very short time. Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore immensely important to ensure a full recovery.
Treatment and therapy
In most cases, moles are benign skin lesions and therefore do not require treatment from a health and medical perspective. However, people who find moles annoying for cosmetic-aesthetic reasons can have them completely and permanently removed by a minor surgical procedure. The costs of such a treatment are only covered by the health insurance if there is a medical necessity; i.e. only if the mole is malignant. Disturbing moles can also be burned out by means of laser treatment. But be careful: if you are planning such an operation, you should have an experienced dermatologist certify in advance that the mole to be removed is benign. Because if this is not the case, the laser beams can cause the tissue of the malignant skin change to become dangerous more quickly. Another method of having moles removed is freezing. However, since this variant is still very young and has not shown particularly good results so far, it is currently still not recommended.
Outlook and prognosis
A mole is a benign skin lesion that usually does not require treatment. Even without any treatment, a mole is completely harmless and does not cause any discomfort or pain. However, it is different if the mole changes its shape or color. If a mole turns out to be malignant or if skin cancer is diagnosed, it goes without saying that a doctor should be consulted. If medical treatment is not sought, the prognosis is anything but good. Skin cancer is considered to be a very aggressive type of cancer that requires mandatory professional treatment. The patient’s life depends on it. An important factor in the diagnosis of “skin cancer” is time. The earlier the skin cancer is detected, the better the chances of a complete recovery and cure. Therefore, it is extremely important that a doctor be consulted for any changes in a mole. Only then can appropriate treatment be given. It is important that the cancer has not yet spread in the body. For this reason, a mole must remain under constant observation.
Prevention
Since moles are partly a matter of predisposition, they can be prevented only partially and to a limited extent. However, people with fair skin types in particular should enjoy sunbathing only in moderation and always ensure sufficient sun protection. Because sunburns increase the development of melanomas enormously. Furthermore, everyone should have their moles regularly examined by a dermatologist as part of cancer prevention. Statutory health insurance companies cover a standardized screening examination for skin cancer every two years for patients over 35 years of age. In addition, however, each individual should also observe his moles himself and pay attention to conspicuous changes and altered symptoms such as itching or oozing and independently consult a dermatologist in case of suspicion.
This is what you can do yourself
In most cases, no treatment or self-help is necessary for the mole. The mole does not represent a particularly dangerous condition for the body and therefore does not need to be treated if it does not change. Almost everyone has moles on their body. The affected person should always pay attention to whether the mole is changing.If it does, it may be a melanoma. In this case, the mole must be removed by a doctor before it spreads to other regions of the body. A mole can change in size, shape, and color. If these changes occur, a doctor must be consulted immediately. Treatment at home is not possible in this case, because the doctor has to remove the mole. The removal is painless and does not lead to further complications or problems. In general, people with many moles should pay attention to adequate sun protection, and not expose themselves to the sun unprotected for more than 20 minutes. A doctor should also be seen if the mole hurts or feels uncomfortable. Dark hairs that do not look attractive often grow from a mole. These can be plucked out, however, in most cases they grow back.
