Moles are actually benign tumours that cause changes in skin colour or structure. There are congenital moles, but they can also develop at later stages in life.
The most common type, the one that people usually call ‘moles’ are pigmented, darker in colour. We also call these melanocytic moles, as they originate from the cells that produce pigments (melanocytes). However, there are moles that are light in colour, or follow the colour of the skin.
Most people have a few moles on their body. Moles have sharp contours, their colour and surface differs from the surrounding skin area (they can be black, brown or blue). Their size varies, they can be flat or protruding, or they may have a hair sticking out of them.
Their importance lies in the fact that for the common observer, the normal, harmless moles are indistinguishable from the so-called atypical, abnormal moles. The size, colouration or structure of atypical moles becomes more and more irregular, so they need more attention, regular examinations and in some cases, they need to be removed surgically. For this, you need a practised dermatologist, a specialist skilled in treating skin tumours and the necessary technological background to carry out the tests.
All three requirements are fulfilled at our clinic. The examinations are performed by experienced and dedicated dermato-oncologists, who regularly take part in upskilling courses and Hungarian and international professional fora. Thanks to our up-to-date equipment, we are able to provide highly efficient care to our patients: we have performed thousands of examinations since 2006 with our high-end FotoFinder machines, the leading imaging device in the world.
The computer dermatoscopy and its evaluation is conducted at the same place, in our clinic – and with the utmost precision. You receive the medical documents right away, and have the opportunity to consult with our oncologist.
If the colour, shape, size or structure (e.g. loss of homogeneity, uniformity of surface) of the mole changes, and you experience subjective symptoms (meaning that the mole aches, itches, exfoliates, bleeds or becomes sensitive) you should immediately consult a physician. Some moles are not conspicuous, they may even be skin-coloured. These may be so-called amelanocytic moles that do not contain pigments, or they may be pink, or seem like strange scars – yet they are all diagnosed as melanoma. Patients need to check themselves regularly and with great care, and consult a physician if they discover the slightest change.
At the earliest stages, melanoma appears not as the frightening, large, bleeding black tumour that most patients have heard of – it can be very unremarkable. This is why a practised, experienced specialist is needed, because an early diagnose can save the life of the patient.
Melanoma malignum is one of the most aggressive malignant tumours that is prone to metastasis. This tumour grows from the melanocytic cells of the skin. Melanoma can grow on the unaffected skin (‘de novo’), however, in most cases, it starts its life as a mole. As a result, it is very important to screen the groups most at risk.
The most vulnerable are those with a very fair skin, who never get a tan on the sun, but always get sunburnt.
Those people who have a lot of moles, or have irregular moles are also at greater risk. They may notice that one of their moles is not like the others. This is the odd one out, or the ‘ugly duckling’.
Those who spend more time on the sun are also more vulnerable, meaning that people who work or play sports outside, or take medicines that make them photosensitive are also at risk. We must also stress the risk that melanoma poses to children.
You should also take extra care if you have a family history with melanoma magnum, or more moles than usual, or notice an atypical mole on your skin.
As the amount of UV radiation increases, people receive a larger UV-load, so we recommend that everyone take part in a screening at least once. Also, the prevalence of melanoma has seen a steady increase – more than threefold in the last ten years. This means that it is one of the most common malignant tumours now.
Don’t forget that an early diagnosis can save your life. You should consult an experienced and practised specialist, and ask for a screening appointment.
If you have more questions, or would like to assess your health and your moles, contact our clinic, so our dermato-oncologists can provide help as soon as possible.