Is there a relationship between moles and skin cancer?

Most people can find moles on their bodies, but the size and number vary. Moles can be divided into flat moles, freckle-like moles, hairy moles, and animal skin-like moles. Medically, they are pigmented moles and benign tumors of the melanocyte system. They usually do not or rarely undergo malignant changes and cause skin cancer. However, it should be noted that benign tumors have the possibility of malignant changes, and moles are no exception. However, the possibility of their transformation into tumors is only about one in a million.

Generally speaking, in pathological diagnosis, junctional nevi are more common in moles that cause malignant transformation, while intradermal nevi are less likely to become malignant. Moles in areas that are susceptible to friction and stimulation, such as the palms, soles, face, and neck, should be carefully observed, because friction and stimulation are one of the reasons that cause moles to become cancerous. If a mole is found to have the following conditions, it should be found in a hospital as soon as possible for a clear diagnosis to prevent the occurrence of skin cancer.

① Rapidly increase in size in a short period of time, and the color becomes darker or uneven;

②Ulceration, bleeding, and scab;

③ Red halo or satellite nevus appears around the mole;

④Sudden onset of obvious itching or tingling.

When encountering the above situation, the doctor will usually remove the mole together with the surrounding and deep tissues, and send the specimen for pathological examination. If it is indeed cancerous, further comprehensive treatment is required.

Tips:

If your mole has hair on its surface, you can be more assured, because hairy moles are mostly benign.