Are the moles on your body really safe? A small "mole" is actually cancer!

Uncle Liu is 63 years old and is used to taking walks in the park after retirement. He had a mole on his body for many years, but he didn't pay much attention to it at first. But as time went by, the color of the mole began to change and became abnormally raised. Uncle Liu thought it was just a small problem, so he scratched it with his hands a few times, but it caused some bleeding and swelling around the mole. Finally, at the insistence of his family, he went to the hospital for a check-up. After seeing the mole, the doctor immediately arranged a dermoscopy, and the results showed that it was a type of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma. Fortunately, although the situation was urgent, Uncle Liu recovered smoothly after the surgical removal in the hospital.

This story tells us that although common moles may seem harmless, if they undergo abnormal changes, they may hide serious health risks. So, how should we judge whether a mole has the risk of becoming malignant? Let's hear what Zhao Yi, director of the Department of Dermatology at Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital, has to say.

1. Moles and skin cancer: Who is “playing” the transformation game?

There are more or less moles on human skin. Most of them are benign, but they may become cancerous under certain conditions. The most common skin cancers are melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Director Zhao Yi reminds everyone that if a mole suddenly changes abnormally, such as having a strange shape, a special color, or growing rapidly, you must be highly vigilant and check it as soon as possible.

2. A small "mole" turns out to be a big problem: a case that is thought-provoking

In July, a young man came to the hospital for treatment. He pointed to a strange-shaped, dark brown "mole" on his face and said it was growing bigger and bigger, affecting his appearance. After seeing the mole, the doctor immediately suspected it was melanoma and recommended a dermoscopy. The results showed that it was basal cell carcinoma.

Although the metastasis rate of basal cell carcinoma is low, the mole of this patient is located in the triangle area beside the nose, which poses certain challenges for surgical removal. In order to avoid affecting eyelid closure, insufficient blood supply and possible infection risks after surgery, the doctor team considered multiple options and finally successfully completed the operation.

3. How to identify danger signals? Beware of malignant changes in moles

So which moles may become malignant? Director Zhao Yi gave specific suggestions:

Giant mole: a mole with a diameter exceeding 6mm, or a mole that grows rapidly in a short period of time.

Dysplastic nevus: A mole that is asymmetrical in shape and has irregular borders.

Moles with uneven color: The color of the same mole is not uniform, or the color changes in a short period of time.

Mole that breaks out and bleeds: A mole that suddenly becomes itchy, painful, or ulcerated.

4. These moles are best left alone? Be alert when you see these characteristics

According to the skin layer, moles can be divided into junctional moles, intradermal moles and mixed moles; according to time, they can be divided into congenital and acquired melanocytic moles. Although most moles are normal, we cannot take their changes lightly, especially moles with the following characteristics, which need special attention:

Giant moles with a diameter of more than 6 mm

Irregularly shaped dysplastic nevus

Moles with uneven color

A mole that suddenly becomes itchy, painful, or ulcerated

5. How to protect yourself? Expert advice

To prevent moles from becoming malignant, experts have given some advice:

Regular skin checks: Especially those with a large number of moles or a family history of skin cancer should have regular checks.

Avoid excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays: Ultraviolet rays in sunlight are an important cause of malignant transformation of moles. It is recommended to use sunscreen products when engaging in outdoor activities.

Don’t pick moles at will: irritating moles will increase the risk of infection and worsen the possibility of malignant transformation.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you discover any abnormalities: Don’t think that minor problems can be delayed, as clear examinations are the key to preventing the condition from getting worse.

Although moles are common on our bodies, they are not something that can be taken lightly. Especially when they show abnormal changes, we need to be alert and seek medical attention in time. Whether for your own health or the peace of mind of your family, early prevention and inspection are always the most effective way to protect yourself. I hope this article can help you better understand the relationship between moles and skin cancer, raise your vigilance, and protect your health. Please share it with your family and friends so that more people can benefit.