When the birthmark grows
Changes in the size of a birthmark should always be closely monitored.The most effective methods of skin cancer screening are based not least on growth or changes in shape. If a mole itches and grows (or even changes its size), the suspicion of a malignant degeneration of the affected mole is again obvious. However, moles (as described above) can also develop or grow for other reasons.
A certain influence of various hormones and a genetic component are known. Persons with particularly light skin tend to have a family history of moles and moles, so that they should pay special attention to themselves and the areas of skin. In addition, a direct cause does not necessarily have to be identifiable in every case.
One speaks of idiopathic events if no direct trigger can be assigned to the development of a change or disease. Even if, all in all, a malignant tumor is only rarely the cause of growth and changes in a mole, a certain risk should not be taken lightly and regular check-ups by a dermatologist as well as conscientious self-observation should become routine. A birthmark that itches will in most cases be removed as soon as possible.
In the surgical removal of the birthmark, the skin change as a whole should be separated from the healthy skin with a sufficiently large safety margin. Depending on the thickness and diameter of the skin change, the necessary safety distance is between one and two centimeters. In addition, care must be taken to ensure that all layers of skin in the affected skin area are completely removed except for the muscle fascia.
If a birthmark that itches appears in the area of the face, surgical removal can be performed with the help of a microscope (microscope-controlled surgery) to reduce the later scar size. The removal of a birthmark that itches is usually performed under local anesthesia, i.e. after injection of a local anesthetic into the skin. A biopsy is not taken before the actual removal of the birthmark, as otherwise there is a risk of it spreading into the bloodstream and/or lymphatic fluid.
In order to check whether the birthmark itching is a malignant melanoma, it is forwarded to a special laboratory after successful surgical removal and examined under the microscope. If the birthmark in question has been identified as malignant in the laboratory, an examination of the nearest lymph nodes may be useful. In addition, it is possible to remove a suspicious birthmark using a laser.
However, this method is rarely used in clinical routine. Despite less conspicuous scarring, laser application is not preferable to surgical removal, as the tissue is burned in such a way that an examination for malignancy is no longer possible. Patients who have a birthmark that itches should never try to remove the skin change themselves.
On the one hand, the improper removal of a birthmark can lead to unsightly scars. On the other hand, life-threatening infections can be the result. Not every birthmark that itches must necessarily have malignant cancer cells.
Conspicuous skin changes can also be completely harmless. A birthmark that itches, where degenerated cells are detected after removal, have a different prognosis. Important factors in the assessment are those of the abnormal cells.
In addition, the time at which the birthmark was removed also plays a decisive role. If the melanoma is diagnosed at an early stage and surgical removal is performed quickly, the prognosis is very good. The chances of a complete cure are good.
Especially those moles that contain altered cells that reach into the deep skin layers tend to form metastases. The malignant melanoma can metastasize to different organs. Most frequently affected are the malignant moles that itch, but they also often spread to other areas of the skin.
After detection of a malignant birthmark, it is therefore urgently necessary to check whether scattering has already occurred. Patients who have metastases in the lungs and/or brain have a very poor prognosis.
- Tumour thickness
- Penetration depth and
- Subtype
- Liver
- Lung
- Skeleton and
- Brain.
The development of an ordinary birthmark can hardly or not at all be prevented.However, those moles that show malignant cell changes can be prevented by following a few rules of conduct.
Since the main cause of malignant melanoma is above-average sun exposure, the risk of developing skin cancer can be significantly reduced by avoiding the midday sun in summer. In addition, the regular and careful application of a sun milk helps to keep UV radiation away from the skin. Especially children should not be sent into the sun without clothing. Wearing a T-shirt is also recommended on the beach.
