As a fair haired person am at risk to Melanoma…indeed have undergone several operations to deal with this deadly disease, and seem continually on the knife’s edge to literally avoid any mestastisis: which is this disease has a huge propensity to initiate once it penetrates the lymph system!
What to Watch with Moles! The risk of melanoma development is multi-dependent to numerous factors: race, family history, over exposure to sunlight, BUT also the number of moles actually on the surface of ones skin is a surprising indicator as to personal risk. For example the numbers are significant: someone who has more than 50 moles is two to four times more at risk for melanoma in their lifetime! Normally the number quotient should be somewhere from 10 to 40, and the moles located almost at random. The colors can be brown, black or even blue! The actual number of moles seems to be governed by race and age. With the tendency for persons of lighter skin to have more moles and hence more risk.
Key to moles as a starting statement is whether they are growing or changing...if not the risk is extremely low that that mole is a cause of concern. What to Watch with Moles!
Doctors call moles Nevi…let us get that out of the way! Usually the result of a normal process caused by a specific location concentration of pigment cells call melanocytes. Let us classify the different types: 1) Common moles are about 5 millimeters in diameter and have distinct edges and a solid color often in areas that are exposed to sunlight. 2) Atypical moles have blurry edges and vary in color. The presence of these is an increase risk for skin cancer. 3) Congential moles are present at birth...birthmarks are often the reference. There is a heightened risk to these of malignancy in adolescence and later. 4) Acquired Moles develop because of sun exposure.
The list of surgical procedures is: Excision, i.e. cutting out and stitching wound..Shave removal …use of scalpel and self evident…Freezing..the use of liquid nitrogen a good way but if there is any doubt about the mole there is nothing to send to the lab! and finally Laser..for flat moles using short bursts of light.
The most important lesson is now…and that is the risk of developing melanoma from the condition of the mole. !) Asymmetry …non cancerous means consistent appearance 2) Border of a benign mole is clear not ragged or irregular. 3) Color should be consistent 4) Diameter larger than a pencil eraser are more at risk to serious cancer. 5) Elevation and Evolution meaning raised or starts changing over a set period of time then beware. All this thanks to Dr Mercola and the ABCDEs of moles which is what these different numbers stand for – What to Watch with Moles!
