Moles are small brown or black spots on the surface of the skin. Moles are formed from cells that produce dye or skin pigment called melanocytes in groups. Apart from being brown or slightly dark in color, there are also moles that are the exact same color as the skin. The shape is round, oval, prominent, or flat. The surface texture of moles also varies, some are smooth or rough, even some of them are covered with hair.
Most moles are present at birth, or only grow after birth in the first 25 years (0-25 years). The average number of moles that grow normally is 10-40 pieces.
Symptoms of Moles
Moles are not a disease that causes certain symptoms. However, moles have distinctive characteristics, namely from color, texture, shape, and size.
- Color. Most moles that grow are brown and black. However, there are also some moles whose color resembles the color of the skin, red, pink, or blue.
- Shape. Moles are generally round or oval in shape.
- Texture. If palpated, the texture of the mole can be smooth, even, rough, or prominent.
- Size. The normal diameter of a mole is no more than 6 mm. Moles that grow on newborns are usually larger, and can be scattered on the face and body.
- Location. Spread all over the body, including the armpits, scalp, eyelids, skin under the nails, to between the fingers or toes.
Causes of Moles
The growth of moles is caused by the presence of melanocytes that gather in one area on the surface of the skin. Melanocytes that do not spread to the skin surface, will then form pigments to cover the skin surface.
Some experts state that the characteristics of moles are inherited from generation to generation (genetic). If a person has many moles or has moles with certain characteristics, then his offspring can experience the same thing. However, this has not yet been proven.
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Normal moles, harmless to health. Although not dangerous, some people become insecure because they have moles whose shape is disturbing appearance. In addition, sometimes moles can also interfere with flexibility, for example when shaving (if it grows on the face) and when dressing (if it often gets stuck in clothes).
Although generally harmless, sometimes moles can develop into melanoma skin cancer. Melanoma skin cancer looks different from normal moles. Melanoma skin cancer has rough and uneven edges, is asymmetrical in shape, consists of a mixture of two or three or more colors, and is larger in diameter (more than 6 mm). This type of mole will itch and sometimes bleed.
A person with the following conditions has a greater risk of developing melanoma skin cancer:
- Has more than 50 moles.
- Frequent exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is damaging to skin tissue, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
- Have a family member with melanoma.
- Frequent use of drugs, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, and hormonal drugs. These types of drugs can lower the performance of the immune system and make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- Has a mole with an unusual shape. Please be careful if you have a mole that is larger than a normal mole with a dark brown color in the center and a lighter shade of uneven edges.
- Have had melanoma skin cancer.
- Have sensitive skin that gets sunburned easily.
Mole Diagnosis
Most moles are harmless and do not require a diagnosis. The doctor will distinguish between moles and melanoma through a physical examination of the patient's skin. If you suspect melanoma skin cancer, your doctor will perform a biopsy, which is a procedure for taking tissue samples for further investigation.
Mole Treatment
Moles do not require medical treatment. Treatment is only necessary if the mole interferes with appearance, comfort, self-confidence, or is cancerous.
Moles that only interfere with appearance, comfort, or lower self-confidence, can be disguised by using make up.
If the mole is considered to be very disturbing and cannot be disguised with make-up, There are several ways to remove moles, one of which is minor surgery. In this procedure, the dermatologist will remove the mole so that it is flush with the surface of the skin, then close the wound with this technique cauterization use heat energy.
Meanwhile, in melanoma skin cancer, treatment will be tailored to the patient's general health condition and stage of cancer.
Mole Prevention
Prevention is done to prevent the appearance of moles that are malignant or melanoma skin cancer. Some things that can be done, namely:
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight.
- Watch out for the sun between 11.00 and 00.
- If you want to leave the house, bring an umbrella and always wear sunscreen.
- If you are concerned about a new mole or notice any changes in the condition of a mole that has been growing for a long time, such as uneven color and edges, an increase in size, or itchiness, see a doctor immediately for tests to anticipate a more serious condition. .