Moles: when and why you should show them to a doctor

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Mole (scientifically known as nevi) are usually harmless. However, there is a type that requires the attention of an oncologist: they have a high risk of developing into cancer. We tell you how to distinguish such a mole, and how serious it is.

Signs of suspicious nevi

Here is a convenient verification algorithm offered by the American Cancer Society:

A – asymmetry. To determine asymmetry, you need to draw an imaginary axis through the middle of the mole. A “good” nevus will be divided by this axis into two symmetrical parts;

K – edge. In a safe mole, it is smooth and even;

C – color. The color should be uniform. If, for example, black dots appear on a light-colored mole, it needs to be checked;

P – size. The larger the nevus, the higher the likelihood of its transformation into melanoma;

D – dynamics. Any changes in the mole should alert you: the appearance of crusts, cracks, peeling, bleeding, increase in size, etc.

If you have even one of the five signs, be sure to consult an oncologist.

How dangerous is it?

Every year in Ukraine, about 1,100 people die from melanoma – and this number is constantly increasing. The same increase is observed in almost all countries of the Western world – where light-skinned people mainly live.

In the early stages, melanoma is treated well – usually a small operation is enough, after which you can forget about your disease forever. But if you delay the diagnosis, the chances of metastasis will increase dramatically. Moreover, they can be in large numbers and in different organs – and this is already very serious. If they appear, surgical treatment will not be enough, you will have to undergo courses of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, etc.