How to tell if a mole is cancerous
Written by:Having moles on the skin is something physiological normal. It is not serious but when changes in them (shape, color or diameter) occur, you should seek the advice of a medical specialist in dermatology, in order to quickly analyze and detect the possible presence of melanoma.
Melanoma skin cancer arising from a mole
Melanoma is a like a mole malignant tumor that appears on the skin. It is a type of cancer that can occur at any age but, if detected early, can be cured completely. However, the fact that he had a melanoma force the patient to control skin for life, to detect possible recurrence as well as a possible second melanoma.
Signs and diagnosis of melanoma
A melanoma may appear as a light spot on healthy skin or can develop from a mole that already existed. Such a stain can grow and increase in size, change its color and shape, and even thicken. Diagnosis is based on physical examination, and a skin biopsy, since blood tests do not allow to detect.
How to identify a suspect mole melanoma
A mole begins to be suspicious when changes appearance. Thus, new spots around the original (satellite lesions) appear. Occasional scabs will also form and disappear again form on the surface of the stain. Keep in mind that bleeding is a late sign in melanoma.
Parts of the body more prone to suffer from melanoma
Prone to melanoma moles can be located anywhere in the body, including genitals or under fingernails. However, there are common areas that require special attention:- Legs, in the case of women- Back, in the case of men and women- Face in elderly
When to See a dermatologist: diagnostic test A, B, CD, E
To find out if you should go to the specialist 's office in Dermatology , the patient the following questions should be. If the answer is "yes" to any of these criteria, the physician must examine the moon:
A = Asymmetry. The mole has strange and asymmetrically.B = Border. The edge of the mole is uneven, geographical map.C = Color. The mole has several colors (shades of pink brown, reddish brown or blackish, usually).D = Dimension. The spot is larger than 6 mm in diameter (this rule applies for lunar not birth).E = Evolution. The size of the mole has increased in size or changing appearance
Sun exposure and melanoma - related
Repeated sun exposure, especially one that causes serious sunburn during childhood and adolescence is the most dangerous, at double the risk of melanoma. In fact, two out of three melanomas are associated with excessive exposure to the sun.Moreover, exposure to artificial UV light (sunlamps or sun), also doubles the risk of melanoma.
People at higher risk for melanoma
Some people are at higher risk of developing melanoma:- People with light skin and hair suffer sunburn easily.- People who work outdoors, exposed to the sun for long periods.- People using UV lamps unprotected skin.- People who have many moles with more than 5mm diameter (recommended to note that not all moles become cancer). risk factor have> 50-100 moles are considered.- People with a family history of melanoma. 10% of the cases, approximately, is due to genetic causes.
It is recommended to monitor moles regularly. If changes in shape, color, size, edge or feeling are detected, consult with the expert in dermatology.
Edited by Patricia Crespo Pujante
