Popular Science丨Can removing pigmented moles prevent melanoma?

A pigmented nevus is a benign proliferative lesion of melanocytes in the skin. It can occur at different ages, and the incidence increases with age. It often grows on the face and exposed skin. It can appear flat, raised, warty, granular, etc., and may be brown, black, or blue in color. Studies have shown that an average adult has 15 to 20 pigmented nevi on their body. In addition, ultraviolet exposure, genetic factors, and immune system status may also affect the risk of malignant transformation of pigmented nevi.

Almost everyone will have pigmented moles, and they can appear in various parts of the body. Pigmented moles generally do not require treatment. Most facial moles require treatment because they affect the appearance, and a few patients require removal for fear of malignant transformation. Everyone loves beauty. For facial moles, the evaluation of treatment effect is not only whether the mole can be completely removed, but also the cosmetic effect is the main indicator of the success of the treatment. The correct treatment method for pigmented moles needs to be comprehensively judged based on factors such as its size, location, shape, and whether there is a risk of malignant transformation.

Surgical resection

1. The most thorough treatment method, suitable for large (diameter>5mm), deep-set or pigmented nevi with the risk of malignant transformation. Pathological examination is required after surgery to clarify the nature of the nevus. After surgery, attention should be paid to wound care to prevent infection.

2. Special surgical methods: For larger pigmented nevi, methods such as fractionated excision, skin and soft tissue expansion or flap repair can be used to reduce scars.

3. For some moles that show "dangerous signals", be sure to avoid stimulation and laser mole removal. When a pigmented mole has "dangerous signals" such as asymmetric shape, irregular borders, uneven color, diameter > 5mm, rapid enlargement or obvious changes in a short period of time, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of malignant melanoma.

Precautions

Choose professional doctors and institutions: No matter which method you choose, it should be performed in a regular medical institution to avoid self-treatment.

Daily care: Avoid excessive sun exposure, friction or irritation of moles, and keep the skin clean.

Regular follow-up examinations: Even if the mole has been treated, regular follow-up examinations are required to monitor for recurrence or other complications.

01 No need to be afraid of moles

Most pigmented nevi are stable and will not worsen. We just need to observe them diligently and seek medical attention promptly if any changes occur.

02 Very dangerous operation

The so-called "mole removal" method is a very dangerous operation for real melanoma. Melanoma is still in the epidermis in the early stage and has not entered the dermis. The operation of "mole removal" is likely to turn the early stage of melanoma into the middle stage, that is, to bring melanoma into the dermis, and there is a possibility of subsequent metastasis, which is what ordinary people call systemic spread. Therefore, avoid this "mole removal" operation.

It is worth noting that for some very small moles that you want to remove for aesthetic reasons, you should go to a regular medical institution for relevant tests. After confirming that there is no risk, you can have appropriate "mole removal". If melanoma is considered, laser removal is not recommended.

Do you understand after reading the above? If you have a mole, you must go to a regular and professional medical institution for standardized examination and treatment.

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Author: Head Nurse Yuan Ting, Head Nurse Zhou Yan (Department of Thoracic Oncology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital)

Supervisor: Wang Yanli, deputy chief nurse, Feng Huijing, chief physician (Department of Thoracic Oncology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital)

Reviewer: Lu Jianyun (Director of the Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Third Hospital, Central South University, Standing Committee Member of the Dermatology Rehabilitation Committee of the Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association, and Leader of the Science Popularization Working Group)

Editor: Jia Jing (Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine)