Nevus removal. Nevus - what is it with photo

Content

Nevi (moles) are on the body of almost every person and in most cases are not dangerous. What is a birthmark and is it dangerous? Only some types of this formation are dangerous because they can become malignant, i.e. transformation into melanoma. Therefore, it is important to monitor every mole on your body.

What are nevi and what do they look like?

Many people do not know about the nature of moles and, due to the fact that these formations do not bother them throughout their lives, they do not even remember their existence. What is a nevus from a medical point of view? This is an accumulation of pigment cells on the surface or layer of the skin, which can be congenital or acquired. Congenital spots can be of different sizes - from 0.5 to 10 cm in diameter. The location on the body and the size of these formations are initially embedded in human DNA and are already present in a newborn, but are not visible until a certain age.

Causes of nevi

Acquired nevus - what is it and what causes moles? Pigment cells located between the epidermis and dermis can accumulate for the following reasons:

ultraviolet radiation – provokes excessive production of melanin by skin cells;
hormonal changes – due to hormonal changes in the body, new moles may appear and old moles may disappear;
different types of radiation, injuries can cause migration of pigmented cells;
heredity - the amount, type, location of congenital pigmentation is determined genetically.

Types of moles

Pigment formations can be classified according to their origin, size, color and location on the skin. Congenital birthmarks come in different shapes, colors, and some can reach 10 cm in diameter. Depending on the location on the body, they may have hair on the surface (Becker's spot). By their nature, there are the following types of nevi:

vascular - arise due to atypical growth of capillaries (hemangioma, anemic);
pigmented - due to an excess of melanin in the skin.

Pigmented nevi have a number of varieties:

by location - borderline (on the palms, feet, genitals), nevus of Ota (pigmentation on the face);
by color, nature of distribution - blue (blue), brown, violet and pink spots, Setton's nevus or halonevus (spot surrounded by white non-pigmented skin), linear (several nodules in a chain);
in shape - flat and convex, papillomatous, warty, fibroepithelial, verrucous;
by the nature of the forming cells - melanoform, melanocytic, sebaceous glands;
by location in the layers of the skin - dermal, intradermal, intradermal, dysplastic, superficial.

Congenital nevus

Birthmark (ICD name - congenital non-tumor) or congenital nevus - what is it? In the photo on the Internet you can see congenital skin formations of enormous size, which can be located on any part of the body and have different colors. Congenital pigmentation of a certain area is genetically determined with which a person is born. More often it does not pose a threat, but many factors, external and internal, can provoke the growth and transformation of cells that can form melanoma - the most dangerous type of human malignant tumor.

Acquired moles

Melanoform nevi, which consist of cells with melanin, are most often congenital, but can also appear during life. Acquired moles are often melanocytic - with different types of cells, incl. and pigmented. During life, under the influence of many environmental factors, a person can develop a formation of any nature. Such acquired skin neoplasms must be monitored to avoid the risk of their malignancy (transformation into a malignant formation).

What is a histological examination of a mole?

Histology of nevus - what is it? This is an examination of a mole to determine the risk of melanoma arising from it. Any birthmark carries a potential threat; under the influence of various factors it can develop into a malignant formation - melanoma. This type of cancer is considered the most dangerous due to the lack of response from the body. Melanoma can develop on any part of the skin, on the mucous membrane and even on the retina of the eye. Therefore, it is important to have your moles checked at least once a year by a dermatologist.

Melanocytic nevus

Due to the appearance of neoplasms, they are divided into melanocytic and melanoform. Melanocytic spots can form from three types of cells. Thus, melanocytic neoplasms, often benign, are:

epidermal;
dermal (intradermal);
mixed origin.

Epidermal moles are dark in color, often flat and small in size. Sometimes they have hair. If epidermal spots protrude above the surface of the skin and become papillomatous, this may indicate a risk of developing melanoma from them, so it is important to carry out histology on time. Melanoform spots are formed from cells with melanin, so they are brown in color, are congenital, harmless, and can appear in a child during adolescence.

What are nevi on the skin that are not melanoma dangerous?

The concept of a melanoma-hazardous and melanoma-non-hazardous mole implies that there is a risk of melanoma forming from it. Only a doctor can tell exactly which mole is dangerous after a histological examination. However, there are medical statistics that show that some types of spots have a pronounced risk of forming melanoma and these include nevi: pigmented borderline, giant congenital, blue, nevus of Ota, Spitz, Dubreuil. Descriptions and photos of dangerous spots are easy to find on the Internet, but only a doctor can tell about the danger of a particular formation.

Diagnosis of nevi

The type and danger of spots on the skin are determined by the following methods:

fluorescence microscopy - a special device, a dermatoscope, illuminates the skin to identify the cells that make up the mole, at what depth they are located and how they are formed;
computer diagnostics – multiple magnification of a pigmented spot, measuring it and identifying its structure;
histology – laboratory determination of tumor markers.

Treatment of moles

If pigmented areas of the skin do not bother you throughout your life and look normal, then most likely they do not pose any danger, but this does not mean that you can not monitor their condition. Timely diagnosis of changes will help to treat or remove the pigmented area in time to avoid its malignancy. How to treat moles that have caused suspicion? Today, surgical methods are used to remove suspicious formations on the skin.

Surgical removal of nevus

If the danger of a pigmented spot is identified, the doctor makes a decision regarding its removal. There are several surgical methods that are used depending on the type, location and nature of the tumor:

resection - removal of the nevus surgically (excision) with a scalpel. Disadvantages – pain, scars remain;
targeted irradiation of pigmentation with low doses of radiation;
electrocoagulation – a bloodless method of removal with sealing of vessels;
laser removal is quick, bloodless and painless, leaving no scars;
cryotherapy - cauterization with dry ice or liquid nitrogen (not suitable for treating intradermal spots).

Treatment of nevi with folk remedies

Many people, having noticed new spots on their body, immediately begin to look for information from photos on the Internet, and then ways to treat them. There are many recipes for traditional treatment of moles on the Internet, but how effective are they? Among the existing recipes are the following:

Treatment with vinegar. In folk recipes it is advised to apply directly to the affected skin. Such treatment can be dangerous due to burns.
Mixtures based on lemon juice. Lemon is known for its ability to whiten the skin, so using such recipes can only change the color of the skin, and not cure it. Lemon juice helps fight seasonal pigmentation on the face and neck.
Chalk mixtures that lighten the skin.
Lapis pencil. This remedy has been mistakenly attributed to methods of combating moles, but it is effective only against warts.

Based on these recipes, we can conclude that it is simply dangerous to take on the treatment of skin pigmentation of any kind on your own. Intradermal, papillomatous and other neoplasms can only be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. A dermatologist or oncologist will be able to identify the nature of the formation on the skin, the degree of its danger and methods of treatment. Do not self-medicate so as not to injure your health and avoid the consequences of dangerous methods.

Video: what types of nevi are there?

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Nevus - what is it with photo. Causes and surgical removal of nevus from the body or face

Nevus Ota It is represented by a single spot or a group of interconnected pathological elements of dark blue color and irregular shape that appear in the area of the cheek, eye and upper jaw.

Often the manifestations are located on one side of the face. Additionally, the eye membranes and sclera, and the nasopharyngeal mucosa may be stained. The pathology belongs to the group of melanoma-dangerous pigmented nevi, but cases of its malignancy are rare.

If a disease occurs, patients should contact a dermatologist and continue to be monitored by this specialist. Surgical treatment is resorted to if signs of malignancy are detected.

The pathology is named after the Japanese ophthalmologist Ota M.T., who first described it. There are other names for the disease:

oculodermal melanocytosis;
oculocutaneous melanosis;
Ota-Sato phakomatosis.

This condition most often occurs in people belonging to the Mongoloid race. Isolated cases of the disease have been reported in people of Caucasian and Negroid races.

Symptoms

The pathology manifests itself as blue-black pigmentation that occurs on the skin of the lower eyelid, in the temple area, cheekbones, cheeks and upper jaw. As a rule, localization is unilateral; it is extremely rarely bilateral. The formation occurs in a single copy or may consist of a group of merging elements that have a uniform color.

There are cases where the manifestations had varying degrees of staining.

A typical additional symptom of the pathology is bluish or brown pigmentation that appears on the sclera, iris and conjunctiva of the eye.

Rarely, staining of the borders of the lips, mucous membranes of the throat, palate, larynx and nose occurs. It should be noted that the localization of the spots coincides with the area of innervation of the I and II branches of the trigeminal nerve. However, the disease does not have neurological or visual impairment.

Nevus of Ota can be hereditary, in which case it manifests itself in early childhood or during puberty. Education does not disappear, but remains for life.

Quite rarely, the pathology transforms into a malignant form and skin melanoma develops. In this case, the following changes occur with the pathological element:

the color becomes darker or lighter;
the color changes to uneven;
redness occurs in the marginal areas;
the outline is blurred;
cracks, erosions or bumps appear on the surface of the element.

Reasons

To date, there is no accurate data revealing the cause of this pathological condition.

Most researchers believe that the disease is hereditary.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and the typical location of the manifestation. Additionally, a dermatologist may prescribe the following studies:

dermatoscopy;
siascopy;
histological study.

The disease is differentiated from melanoma, Mongolian spot and giant pigmented nevus.

Since the disease cannot be cured, the emerging element is mainly considered as a cosmetic problem that requires daily use of concealers.

Patients need to be constantly monitored by a dermatologist and undergo examination every 3 months in order to promptly identify signs of transformation into melanoma.

If a change in color occurs, a sharp increase in the spot or its ulceration, then this indicates a malignant process. In this case, immediate surgery and radiotherapy of the tumor are required.

Prevention

Prevention is aimed at preventing the nevus from becoming malignant; for this it is necessary to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreens containing a high protection factor.

Patients should visit a dermatologist regularly and undergo quarterly examinations.

Nevus of Ota: types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Nevus of Ota is a disease in which a dark blue spot is located in the area of the cheeks and upper jaw. The spot can be either single or consist of a group of small merging spots. As a rule, the stain has an irregular shape and is one-sided. The spot can also be located on the membrane of the eye, nasal mucosa and pharyngeal mucosa.

The disease is named after the Japanese ophthalmologist who first discovered and described this disease in detail. However, other names for the disease exist and are actively used: oculocutaneous melanosis, oculodermal melanocytosis, Ota-Sato phacomatosis.

Nevus of Ota is usually classified as a non-dangerous disease, but a malignant form of the disease still exists. In this case, surgical removal of the stain is performed. Most often found in representatives of the Mongoloid race.

In medicine, the following types of illness are distinguished:

intensive;
bilateral;
mild;
moderately expressed.

Nevus Ota on the face

Reasons

At present, the exact reasons for the development of pathology have not been established. Some experts believe that the disease is hereditary.

Symptoms

The disease is characterized by black-blue or dark pigmentation of the skin of the temple, cheekbones, upper jaw, cheeks, and lower eyelid. Often the localization is one-sided; less often, both parts of the face are affected. It has a single and multiple character of development. The skin at the site of formation is uniformly colored.

Often this nevus causes pigmentation of the iris, conjunctiva, sclera and has a brown color. There are cases when spots are localized on the nose, lips, larynx, and palate. Also, the formation may be located in the area of innervation of the trigeminal nerve.

The disease manifests itself in childhood and puberty. Nevus of Ota rarely degenerates into a malignant tumor. This process is accompanied by the following features: uneven color is observed, erosions and cracks appear on the surface, the contour is blurred, and the border of the formation turns red.

If one of these manifestations is detected,

Manifestation on the skin

Diagnostics

A dermatologist performs an initial examination. At the appointment, the doctor examines the patient and prescribes an examination taking into account the clinical picture and location of the disease. If necessary, a number of additional tests are prescribed.

Histological examination reveals melanocytes, which are localized in the deep layers of the skin. Dermatoscopy and siascopy are often performed, and in some cases a biopsy is indicated.

Treatment

If the color of the nevus is not intense, people are advised to use special foundation creams with increased coverage.

One of the techniques is laser photothermolysis. This method is based on the ability of a laser beam to destroy melanocytes. The method is completely painless. Laser treatment does not affect healthy tissue. After applying this type of treatment, redness of the skin is observed. If the disease affects the eyelid area, slight swelling appears, but various complications that arise when using other methods are excluded. After a correctly performed procedure, no changes are detected on the skin. Typically therapy consists of 10-12 sessions with an interval of one month.

Cryotherapy involves eliminating melanocytes with cold. This method is often used to remove warts.

Electrocoagulation is an effective method that involves exposing tissue to high-frequency currents. The procedure is performed under anesthesia. Surgical removal is performed quite rarely.

The radio wave microplasma method for removing tumors is a modern technique that allows you to eliminate the problem in record time.

Prevention

Specific prevention of the disease has not yet been developed, since the reasons for its development have not been clarified.

Literature and sources

General human pathology: A guide for doctors / Ed. A. I. Strukova, V. V. Serova, D. S. Sarkisova: In 2 volumes - T. 2. - M., 1990.

Strukov A.I., Serov V.V. Pathological anatomy. - M., 1995.

Novikova Z.I. Dangerous moles. - M.: Eksmo, 2013.

In this article:

A mole (nevus) is a benign neoplasm on the skin, which is caused by an accumulation of pigment cells - melanocytes. When there is an excess of melanin, the substance that gives color to the skin, dark growths form. When the production of this substance decreases, a person may develop a white birthmark.

There are several classifications of birthmarks on the body:

Depending on the depth at which they formed, they are divided into epidermal, intradermal and borderline;
Based on their appearance, they are divided into melanocytic (flat), noncellular (convex) and organoid (warty);
Also, moles vary in size and are conventionally divided into small, medium, large and giant;
Based on color, they can be divided into red (vascular), dark (pigmented, nonvascular) and white.

Places of formation of moles

Neoplasms can be congenital - appear immediately at birth, or acquired - appear during life. Most of them are formed during pregnancy, puberty, and also during menopause in women, since the formation of melanin is influenced by melanotropic hormone, the production of which increases with hormonal changes in the body.

Nevi can appear anywhere on the skin, including mucous membranes. Depending on the depth of the skin layer on which they formed, they are divided into the following types:

Epidermal - formed on the top layer of skin;
Intradermal - formed in the dermis (deeper layer of skin);
Borderline - formed at the border of the epidermis and dermis.

Appearance of moles

Moles differ from each other not only in the place of formation, but also in appearance:

Flat (melanocytic) nevi are the most common and safest type. Usually these are small, smooth, oval-shaped spots.
Noncellular (convex) dark-colored neoplasms rise above the skin and have a flat or rough surface on which hairs can grow;
Organoid (warty) nevi are black, brown or blue in color, which in appearance resemble warts - they protrude above the skin and are pedunculated. This species requires special attention, as it is more susceptible to injury than others.

Mole size

Nevi vary in size:

Those that have a diameter of up to 1.5 cm are classified as small neoplasms;
Moles with a diameter of up to 10 cm are considered medium;
Large moles have a diameter of over 10 cm;
Giant moles are very large. They can cover most of the chest, face, lower legs - that is, affect the entire anatomical region.

Giant nevi are the most dangerous - the risk of transforming into a malignant tumor reaches 50%, so such moles require mandatory consultation with a doctor.

Red (vascular) nevi

Red moles occur due to disturbances in the functioning of blood vessels - capillaries, arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels. Depending on which vessel malfunctioned, the neoplasms can be of different sizes and colors (pink, red and blue-red):

If the neoplasm appears from capillary vessels, then it is flat and rises slightly above the skin;
If the red neoplasm occurs due to a malfunction of the arteries and veins, which are located deeper in the dermis, then it rises in the form of a tubercle above the skin.

The most common types of vascular neoplasms are:

Hemangioma;
Vascular malformation (port stains and stork bites).

Hemangioma

You can often find another name for hemangioma - strawberry birthmarks. They appear in the first 2–4 weeks of a child’s life. First, light plaques or small red swellings form on the skin. Gradually, the edges of the hemangioma acquire clear outlines and turn red.

Typically, strawberry moles disappear on their own by the age of 7. The process of reverse development of hemangioma begins from the center: the color becomes more saturated cherry-red, over time the surface gradually turns pale, becomes less elastic - the hemangioma disappears.

Vascular malformation

These are congenital red moles that appear during the first weeks of a child's life. Vascular malformation causes malfunction of blood vessels, which manifests itself on the skin in the form of red growths:

Port wine stains are usually located on the face, arms and torso. At first they are pink in color, over time they darken and become a rich red or bright crimson color. If the child is nervous, crying or has a fever, the color becomes brighter and more intense. Port wine stains do not disappear with age, they only change their color and texture. In adults they are purple and the surface is more lumpy.
A stork bite is another common type of vascular harmless neoplasm on the skin of a newborn in the neck, forehead, back of the head and temples. Their formation is associated with fetal hypoxia, which leads to compression of blood vessels. These moles are red or orange-pink in color. As a rule, they are irregular in shape with unclear boundary outlines. Their sizes are also different: most often they are small specks, like a fingerprint. Such vascular neoplasms disappear without treatment in the first year of a child’s life.

Pigmented nonvascular moles

Almost every person has dark pigment changes on the skin. Unlike vascular neoplasms, which appear from abnormal malfunctions of blood vessels, this type of birthmark occurs from excess production of melanin, the coloring pigment. The color of such spots ranges from gray to brown. They can also have different surfaces (rough and smooth) and hairs. Common safe types are:

Lentigo;
Mongolian spots;
Coffee stains.

Lentigo (flat moles)

This is the most common type of pigmented neoplasm that can be found on the body of every person. Lentigo is a spot with an equal color range, ranging from light brown to brown. It appears due to increased production of melanin. The color becomes more intense when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Mongolian spots

Such neoplasms are round pigment spots of a bluish tint, which are most often located in the lumbar and sacral zone. They disappear without treatment before adolescence.

Coffee stains

These are small flat spots the color of coffee with milk. The presence of 1–2 café-au-lait-colored neoplasms is not considered pathological. If there are 3 or more spots, additional diagnostics are required, as they may be a symptom of neurobromatosis, a disease in which a tumor is formed from nerve cells.

Melanoma-dangerous moles

Some pigmented neoplasms can develop into malignant melanoma, so sometimes they are classified into a separate group - melanoma-dangerous. The most common types of melanoma-dangerous moles:

Blue nevus;
Dysplastic nevus;
Nevus Ota;
Papillomatous birthmark;
Pigmented borderline neoplasm;
Giant pigmented mole.

Blue nevus

Pigmented nevi of a blue or dark blue hue. Their diameter is up to 2 cm. They are often shaped like a hemisphere and have a smooth surface. Localized on the buttocks, face and limbs.

Mole Ota

A large pigmented neoplasm on the face that is blue-gray or dark brown in color. It doesn't go away on its own. Requires treatment.

Dysplastic nevus

Pigmented neoplasms of various shapes with a diameter of more than 1 cm. A distinctive feature is blurred outlines and reddish tints. Localized on the buttocks and chest. Passed on by inheritance.

Papilomatous nevus

A convex pigmented mole with irregular outlines and an uneven surface. Color ranges from flesh to dark brown. Most often localized on the head, the surface may be riddled with hairs.

Pigmented borderline neoplasm

The nodule is black or dark brown with a dry and smooth surface. Diameter - up to 10 mm. Pigmented borderline nevi are most often localized on the genitals, in the areas of the palms and soles, as well as on the nail beds.

Giant pigmented mole

The giant nevus has a warty, loose, heterogeneous surface from gray to black. There is dynamics in development - the nevus is growing every year.

White moles

Unlike pigmented neoplasms, which appear when there is an excess of melanin, a white birthmark is formed when the production of cells that produce melanin decreases. White moles can be of different sizes and have different surfaces (smooth or rough). Often, light-colored neoplasms are symptoms of serious diseases, but sometimes they can only be an individual feature of a person’s skin and are not dangerous to health. Therefore, white moles must be observed by doctors.

As you can see, there are different types of birthmarks. They have one thing in common - they require careful treatment and control to prevent their transformation into melanoma (cancer) - a malignant neoplasm on the skin.

They are congenital or acquired skin defects. They appear everywhere: on the body, fingers, face, etc. Moles are characterized by a variety of shapes, shades and sizes. They are often called nevi. Such neoplasms can be flat or convex, with a smooth or hairy surface.

They can be detected at birth or occur during life. The presence of an excessive number of nevi indicates the negative influence of ultraviolet radiation or a hereditary tendency to form moles.

The nevi themselves are safe for the body, but in the presence of certain negative factors they can become malignant or form into malignant neoplasms, subsequently leading to. Such nevi are called melanoma-dangerous.

Dangerous species

Oncologists identify 5 dangerous types of moles:

looks like a spot with the same color over the entire surface, which can reach an almost black tint. Such moles do not react to the influence of UV rays and do not change color, number or parameters;
- a rather dense neoplasm with a smooth, hairless coating. Such a mole is noticeably higher than the skin, does not exceed 2 cm in diameter, prefers to be located in the area of the limbs, face and buttocks;
A giant mole is considered the most dangerous formation, since in half of the cases it degenerates. Such a nevus has a heterogeneous, loose surface and increases in size every year;
Nevus of Ota is a large dark brown or blue-gray mole. Such education requires mandatory treatment;
– is considered a precancerous formation with an uneven contour. When detected, such a formation requires removal, since in most cases it undergoes malignancy.

An experienced doctor will be able to determine the danger of a nevus by its appearance.

The statistics are that most patients see an oncologist too late, when the process of malignancy has already been completed and a harmless nevus has reclassified into a cancerous tumor. The reason for this pattern is carelessness towards moles and ignorance of the main symptoms of degeneration.

Reasons for the degeneration of a mole into a malignant one

Nevi are prone to degeneration in the presence of irritating factors. To such changes Excessive ultraviolet radiation may cause, therefore it is extremely important to avoid long-term exposure to the open sun, especially between 11 and 16 hours.

This statement is confirmed by the fact that in sunny countries, where residents are exposed to ultraviolet radiation all year round, it is diagnosed much more often than in the northern regions.

Recent studies also prove the ultraviolet cause of malignancy. With every sunburn in childhood, the risk of developing a malignant nevus in adulthood increases. Various injuries to moles are no less dangerous, and if they occur, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

The genetic factor plays an important role in the malignancy of nevi. If a person at the genetic level does not have the ability to adapt to an aggressive environment, then he is considered to be at risk for malignancy of moles.

Main features

If you are the happy owner of moles, then make it a rule to periodically examine them in order to promptly identify possible degeneration. To make it easier to remember, dermatologists have come up with the following diagnostic rule, “acord,” which is used to identify the symptoms of a mole degenerating into a malignant one:

A – asymmetry. Benign nevi are distinguished by a symmetrical structure (except for congenital ones), and if a mole begins to acquire an asymmetrical shape, this can serve as a signal of the beginning of degeneration;
K – contours. If the edges of the nevus have become uneven, blurred, indistinct, then such a fact should be a cause for alarm;
O – shade. If the color of the mole has acquired any inclusions, dots or stripes, this may indicate the development of degeneration;
R – dimensions. A nevus can change its size only during adolescence in adolescents, when puberty occurs. Other cases of sudden growth of a mole require specialist intervention;
D – dynamics of pathological changes. The sudden appearance of cracks, crusts, and bleeding is evidence of malignancy of the mole.

In the photo you can compare what malignant and benign moles look like

In addition to the above, characteristic signs of a malignant mole are:

Unreasonable peeling, changes in surface texture;
Induration of the nevus against the background of its rapid growth;
It is dangerous if the mole begins to itch, there is a burning or tingling sensation;
The sudden appearance of spots around the nevus, similar to a rash of allergic origin.

If at least one sign occurs, then this already requires medical consultation and makes you think about the malignancy of the nevus. Therefore, you should not leave any changes to the mole to chance, because violating the integrity of the surface layer of the nevus is dangerous due to blood poisoning with a very unfavorable outcome.

Diagnostics

Only a doctor can independently determine the malignant nature of a mole after testing. Such a study does not cause pain and takes about 3 minutes per nevus.

The procedure is carried out with a dermatoscope - a specialized device that provides diagnostic accuracy of about 95-97%.

What to do if the nevus turns out to be malignant

If the malignancy of the mole is confirmed by specialists and the diagnostic procedures performed, then the patient is usually sent for surgery, which involves surgical removal of the mole.

Indications for removal

Not all moles need to be removed. There is a list of indications for removing nevi:

If the mole has degenerated into a malignant formation (malignant);
Large size of the nevus or its unaesthetic appearance;
The presence of permanent injury of mechanical or chemical origin. If a mole is injured by clothing, causes discomfort and pain, or bleeds, it must be removed in order to prevent blood poisoning or malignancy.

Methods

Malignant moles are removed in various ways. There are 5 main techniques most often used to remove nevi.

. This method involves eliminating the tumor by freezing it with liquid nitrogen or a mixture of carbonic acid. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes a few minutes. The disadvantage of this technique is the inability to control the degree of nitrogenous or acidic exposure.

After cryotherapy, it is impossible to obtain biomaterial for histological examination. If the nevus was large in size, then after freezing there is a possibility of scarring or cicatricial formation.

Laser treatment. It involves removing a mole using laser burning. The method has many advantages. One of them is the simultaneous sealing of blood vessels, which makes it possible to successfully apply such treatment to moles that are characterized by bleeding. There is also a minus - the impossibility of performing histology.
Radio wave therapy. This technique is acceptable for small nevi located on the surface of the skin. The procedure is carried out with a special device (Surgitron, etc.), after which a quickly healing wound is left. Radiotherapy does not damage the nevus tissue, which allows subsequent histological examination. After the procedure, there are no scars left, and the postoperative wound quickly disappears.
Electrotherapy. Such therapy involves burning out the nevus with low-frequency electricity. The procedure is very traumatic, there is a high probability of postoperative scarring, so this technique is used quite rarely. But electrocoagulation also has its advantages - the possibility of histological examination.
Surgical removal. A similar method is used to remove large moles or when melanoma has deeply grown in the tissue on which it is located. Also, a similar operation is applicable for flat nevi, tumors of a malignant nature and for malignant moles. Cancerous tumors are excised along with the surrounding skin.

If the patient wants to get rid of a nevus for aesthetic reasons, then it should be taken into account that a mole can be permanently eliminated only if it does not exceed 5 mm. If the nevus is large, a scar will remain after removal.

Survival prognosis

The survival rate is usually determined by the thickness of the malignant mole. This criterion is called the Breslow depth. The depth of penetration of the oncological process – the Clark level – is also taken into account when predicting.

If melanoma is less than 1 cm thick, the prognosis is favorable. If the thickness of the nevus exceeds 1 cm, then the prognosis is less favorable.

Prevention

Prevention of the degeneration of a benign mole into a malignant one has not been developed today, although there are several recommendations that can help prevent the process of malignancy:

Be attentive to the condition of existing moles, and if there are changes, contact an oncologist in a timely manner;
Avoid long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation (solarium, beach), use protection against UV rays;
Avoid contact with chemicals.

You should not try to cut or tear off a mole yourself. This should only be done by a specialist and using the necessary equipment.

Video about how to recognize a malignant formation on the skin, diagnosis and treatment of the tumor: