Each of us has birthmarks on our bodies. We usually just call them moles, and we also do not suspect that they may be related to skin cancer, namely melanoma. At the same time, it is worth knowing that any newly formed lesion on the skin should arouse our suspicions and prompt us to have it checked by a dermatologist. Although moles potentially pose no threat, some may be indicative of developing melanoma. So how can you tell the difference between a mole and a melanoma?
Pepper versus melanoma-where are the differences?
A mole is not a melanoma and is not a threat in itself. However, the problem is that melanoma can be a mole. The ability to distinguish between the two changes on their own will help us react in time and, if necessary, opt for appropriate therapy. So how can you tell the difference between a mole and a melanoma? Well, it is worth evaluating the change in terms of the following criteria:
- Asymmetry – cancerous lesions on the skin usually have asymmetrical dimensions, while a normal mole is round;
- edges – melanoma will be characterized by irregular, often jagged edges;
- color – moles usually have a uniform brown or dark brown color. In the case of melanoma, the lesion may take on a patchy color. Transparency or darkening appears;
- The diameter and dynamics of the lesion – in the case of melanoma, you will quickly notice that the lesion is growing and spreading very quickly. Although a mole can also increase in size, but this usually happens over the years;
- Convexities on the surface – the surface of melanoma is usually uneven and rough.
A method to diagnose melanoma is dermatoscopy, which is observing the lesion under high magnification.
Pepper vs melanoma-what are the symptoms?
A mole is a single or even multiple lesion, the appearance of which carries absolutely no symptoms. In the case of melanoma, there may be redness around the lesion, although this is not the rule. What’s more, as the malignancy grows, itching, ulceration and even a tendency to bleed may appear around the lesion. As for the soreness of the lesion, it is impossible to feel the tenderness of the area in the early stages. Pain, on the other hand, appears in slightly more advanced stages, where metastasis has already occurred. At the same time, a symptom that should immediately draw our attention is sudden changes in the nevus area. If asymmetry or protrusions appear on the surface of an ordinary mole, we should decide to visit a dermatologist and have the lesion in question checked.
A mole-when is it worth considering its removal?
It has already been mentioned that not every mole is a melanoma, but melanoma can arise from such a seemingly harmless nevus. Everyone has pigmented moles on the body, but some of them should be removed. We are talking about moles, for example, which are subject to permanent damage through rubbing or excessive pressure. This is because chronic scabs or wounds on moles, can stimulate the appearance of cancer cells. Transformations into a malignant lesion most often occur precisely because of mechanical damage. Then, for your own safety, it is worth removing such a change. This is usually done using a laser method, and no scar remains after the procedure. Nevertheless, it is the taking of a section and returning it for histopathological examination that will help rule out or confirm pathological changes in the mole.