What is often called a “mole” or “birthmark” in colloquial language is called “pigment nevus” in technical language. Sometimes one also finds the terms “melanocyte nevus” or melanocytic nevus. These are benign skin growths that have dark pigmentation due to their melanocyte content (skin pigment cells) and appear light to dark brown. More precisely, what is often called a mole is a nevus cell nevus, lentigo simplex or lentigo solaris. However, it is difficult to differentiate all of these exactly, because what we colloquially call liver spot can vary very much.
Importance of moles for the health of the skin
Liver spots are not per se anything to worry about. A high number of liver spots does not necessarily mean a high risk of getting cancer. But what is the connection here?
“Moles” can carry an inherent risk of developing a malignant disease of the skin, i.e. skin cancer. However, this does not affect all liver spots, but only certain types. They are characteristic in their pigmentation, shape and appearance.
Only a dermatologist is qualified to distinguish whether a mole could be a health hazard or not. A high-risk mole may develop into a malignant melanoma (malignant skin cancer). 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 medical specialist. However, there are criteria according to which you can check your liver spots yourself in everyday life. For example, if you suspect a mole, you can quickly consult a doctor and thus minimize the risk of overlooking a malignant disease.
The earlier skin cancer is detected and the sooner a therapy is started, the better the chances of a cure. The so-called A-B-C-D-E rule provides a guideline for the self-monitoring of moles and liver spots and is explained in more detail below:For self-examination, it is best to stand in front of a full-body mirror in good light. Hand mirrors can help you to look at liver spots that are not so well visible, for example on the back.
When checking for a mole, the following criteria are systematically examined one after the other: A = Asymmetry ? malignant changes are not round, but irregularly shaped B = Boundary ? Melanomas are not sharply defined, but have blurred edges with fringed extensions C = Coloration ?
malignant changes are not evenly colored and sometimes show unusual colors ranging from white, gray, blue and red to black D = Diameter ? Melanomas are larger (usually over 5mm) especially if they originate from a mole E = Development/Riseness ? the mole changes and grows/protrudes above the skin level Further warning signs are an itching mole, weeping or bleeding of the mole.
Scabbing can also be a cause for concern. With regard to these criteria, you can now roughly judge for yourself whether you should consult a dermatologist. The dermatologist can then carry out a professional skin cancer screening, in which he or she will assess each mole with regard to its shape and appearance. The whole body is examined and no mole is left out.
