A mole on the labia

Many people have intimate moles, but how safe are they? Let's consider what types of nevi there are, the reasons for their appearance, signs of malignancy, and treatment methods.

Every person has moles on their body. Some have small and barely noticeable moles, so they do not cause problems, while others have large moles that require special care. A mole on the labia is, at first glance, a woman's highlight, but it can cause many problems and inconveniences. Such a formation does not always look aesthetically pleasing, but the most dangerous thing is that it can degenerate into a malignant tumor. All nevi must be monitored in order not to miss this process.

Birthmarks are an excess accumulation of melanin, which is responsible for the color of the skin. They can be of different sizes and colors: from small spots to large dark bumps. Nevi can be congenital and acquired, which in turn are divided into benign and malignant. Their size depends on the depth at which the base is located. Benign: flat or slightly convex. Pigmented lesions on the genitals most often have a normal structure. But if their size has increased, their shape or color has changed, then you should immediately contact a dermatologist.

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Causes labia moles

As a rule, birthmarks appear due to certain processes occurring in the body. The reasons may be related to both congenital and acquired factors. That is, a mole on the labia does not appear on its own, something must provoke its appearance.

The main causes of nevi:

• Genetic predisposition – pigmented neoplasms are formed during the period of intrauterine development of the fetus.
• Hormonal changes – changes in hormone levels in women during puberty, when taking birth control pills, or during pregnancy.
• Ultraviolet radiation - its excessive exposure promotes increased production of melanin, which provokes the appearance of nevi on different parts of the body or the growth of existing ones.
• Diseases of the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract or liver also affect the appearance of skin neoplasms.

Moles on the labia must be distinguished from condylomas and warts, which can be a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease. Nevi that are regularly injured can provoke an oncological process. For example, convex or hanging growths cling to clothing or are injured during intimacy.

In most cases, such pigmented formations are benign, but under the influence of a number of factors they can degenerate into melanoma. If a mole has increased sharply in size, its color or shape has changed, pain, cracks have appeared, or an inflammatory process has begun, then it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. In this case, surgical intervention is indicated to prevent their malignancy.

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Pathogenesis

A birthmark on the labia is a benign neoplasm formed in utero or in the extrauterine period. Its characteristic feature is the presence of nevus cells. Pathogenesis is associated with a violation of the migration of melanoblasts into the basal layers of the epidermis from the neuroectodermal tube. Because of this, some cells remain in the dermis, without reaching the epidermis. The cells that make up the birthmark are atypical, damaged, rounded, that is, they are not full-fledged melanocytes. They do not fit tightly to each other, and their cytoplasm still contains pigment.

Congenital nevi are characterized by slow growth, which stops altogether during puberty. About 90% of people have congenital nevi, the same number of women have moles on the labia. Congenital growths are less likely to become malignant, but acquired ones are a rare phenomenon that is subject to malignant degeneration. Most often, this occurs due to skin trauma.

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Symptoms labia moles

Nevi in the intimate area, like many other skin neoplasms, are asymptomatic. That is, their appearance is not accompanied by an increase in body temperature, headaches or body aches. Symptoms can be noticed during regular examination of the skin. But there are a number of signs indicating the degeneration of a pigmented formation, let's consider them:

• Increase in size
• Discomfort, pain, burning and itching in the area of the growth
• Color change
• The appearance of roughness, bumps, peeling
• Blurred contour
• Bleeding and sputum on the surface of the nevus

Moles contain melanocytes, which are cells that can transform into melanoma. Regular examination of the body will help to identify the slightest changes occurring with the skin. The appearance of the above symptoms is a reason to immediately consult a doctor.

Hanging moles on the labia

Papillomas or hanging moles on the labia are neoplasms of flesh or pale pink color, 1 mm in size. The warty growth grows quickly and can take the form of cauliflower. The papilloma virus can be acquired through personal hygiene items or through sexual intercourse. Infection occurs due to contact of damaged epidermis and mucous membranes with objects that have the virus.

The main causes of hanging moles:

• Hormonal imbalance in the body (pregnancy)
• Papilloma virus
• Age-related characteristics of the body (puberty, old age)
• Decreased protective properties of the immune system
• Endocrine diseases
• Abortion
• Promiscuous sexual relations and frequent change of partners
• Vitamin and mineral deficiency in the body
• Regular stress and neuroses

There are no serious diseases that would provoke the appearance of this form of growths. But this does not mean that they are safe for humans. Papillomas on the labia can cause cancer. Their growth causes a number of complications: injury and bleeding from pathological areas, discomfort during sex, and an obstacle to the normal birth process. Neoplasms cause psychological discomfort, provoke psychosis and depression.

Hanging moles on the labia require treatment, which begins with a visit to the gynecologist. The doctor examines the affected surfaces and takes tests to determine HIV infection and the papilloma virus. Based on the diagnostic results, surgical removal is performed.

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Mole on the labia majora

Every person's body has pigmented neoplasms that can serve as both decoration and cause aesthetic discomfort. A mole on the labia majora can be either the first or the second, depending on its type and size. Let's consider the main types of nevi that can appear on the labia majora:

• Congenital – are laid down during the period of intrauterine development of the fetus, appear in the first year of the child's life. They can be small (less than 1.5 cm) and large (from 1.5 cm and more). They require medical supervision, as they can develop into melanoma.
• Hanging and warty - cause inconvenience, which is associated with frequent trauma. This can lead to their transformation into a malignant form. As a rule, they arise due to the human papilloma virus. In order to prevent this process, such moles are removed by various surgical methods and sent for histological analysis.
• Flat pigment spots – in most cases, do not pose a threat. But a woman needs to monitor their condition. If any changes appear, for example, a mole begins to grow, change color or peel, then it is worth contacting a gynecologist or dermatovenerologist.

It is dangerous to remove pigmented lesions on the labia majora on your own, as this can lead to serious complications.

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Black mole on labia

There are many pigmented formations that differ in their location, size and, of course, color. A black mole on the labia is a rarity that requires special attention. Such nevi are characterized by a regular round shape and uniform color. They usually appear in childhood, and during puberty they can darken even more and increase in size.

There are three main types of formations associated with black pigmentation:

• Melaniform nevus is a harmless formation, round or oval in shape, less than 5 mm. It has a smooth or dome-shaped surface and distinct edges.
• Dysplastic nevus – its size is more than 5 mm, its shape is not clear and its borders are asymmetrical. In most cases, it has several additional shades and swelling in the center. If there are several such neoplasms on the labia and body, they need to be monitored, as they can degenerate into melanoma.
• Melanoma is a rapidly developing malignant tumor. It arises from melanocytes, looks like a normal birthmark, but quickly transforms. The main symptoms of malignancy are: change in its size, asymmetry, inclusion of several colors, soreness, bleeding.

Black moles themselves are harmless, but if signs of changes appear, you should consult a gynecologist or dermatovenerologist.

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First signs

A mole on the labia has no symptoms that would indicate its appearance. Only regular self-examinations will allow you to detect neoplasms. Nevi left unattended can be subject to regular trauma, which entails a number of negative consequences.

The first signs of mole mutation:

• Discoloration, appearance of new pigment
• The size of the growth exceeds 5 mm
• The boundaries are asymmetrical and deformed.
• The structure of the pigment spot, its texture or shape is disrupted
• The surface of the mole becomes rough, dry, cracks and discharge appear
• Touching the nevus causes painful sensations

The appearance of the above-described symptoms is a signal to immediately consult a doctor to diagnose the altered neoplasm and prevent its malignant transformation.

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Complications and consequences

Intimate moles are not only a kind of body decoration, but also a risk zone. This is due to the possibility of their transformation into oncology. Negative consequences arise if the pigmented growth is often injured, for example, during intimacy, hygiene procedures, wearing tight underwear or when trying to remove it yourself. Any damage causes capillary bleeding, which without antiseptic treatment entails complications.

If a mole was touched or torn off, the first thing to do is to stop the bleeding. A cotton swab or bandage will do for this purpose. Treat the wound with chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. If a hanging mole came off, it should be sent for examination, placing it in a saline solution. And be sure to contact a gynecologist or dermatovenerologist, who will examine the affected area and, if necessary, remove the remains of the growth.

To avoid serious consequences, it is recommended to follow these rules:

• If a mole itches or scratches, you should not cauterize it with alcohol; you should see a doctor.
• If the nevus has changed in size and shape, then its surgical removal is indicated, which is performed by a surgeon.
• If the neoplasm becomes inflamed, changes color, or begins to bleed, then this is a reason to immediately contact an oncologist.

If a mole that was not malignant was injured, it is not dangerous. Serious consequences occur when melanomas are damaged. Residual melanin from the wound can enter the blood and spread throughout the body, which will lead to skin cancer.

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Complications

A mole on the labia, like other skin neoplasms, requires special attention. This is due to the risk of its malignancy. Complications arise from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, trauma and unsuccessful attempts at self-treatment. The very fact of the appearance of a nevus does not pose a danger. You should be wary if the following changes occur:

• Color and size have changed
• Painful sensations appeared
• The skin on or near the nevus has begun to peel and crack
• Itching and burning appeared in the affected area

According to medical statistics, about 50% of genital moles develop into melanoma, i.e. an oncological disease. The risk increases significantly if birthmarks are subject to trauma.

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Diagnostics labia moles

The International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, classifies birthmarks on the genitals as Class 2 "Neoplasms". Let's look at the ICD 10 code and the main categories included in it:

D10-D36 Benign neoplasms

D22 Melaniform nevus:

• D22.0 Melaniform nevus of lip
• D22.1 Melaniform nevus of eyelid, including palpebral commissure
• D22.2 Melaniform nevus of ear and external auditory canal
• D22.3 Melaniform nevus of other and unspecified parts of face
• D22.4 Melaniform nevus of scalp and neck
• D22.5 Melaniform nevus of trunk
• D22.6 Melaniform nevus of upper limb, including shoulder girdle
• D22.7 Melaniform nevus of lower limb, including hip region
• D22.9 Melaniform nevus, unspecified

When making a diagnosis, the dermatologist uses the above-described classifier. This is necessary when there are indications for surgical intervention and nevus removal.

Nevi of any size and location require special attention and regular examinations, this is due to the risk of their degeneration. Diagnostics is based on the patient's complaints and anamnesis. The dermatologist determines the age of the mole (congenital, acquired), the presence of changes (color, size, etc.), whether diagnostic measures or treatment were carried out earlier.

Let's look at the main diagnostic methods used in the study of skin growths:

• Analysis from the pigment surface - the main indication for its implementation is bleeding or damage. The collected material is studied under a microscope. This allows you to determine the type of nevus and the likelihood of its transformation into melanoma.
• Fluorescence microscopy – using a dermatoscope, not only the skin of the growth is taken for examination, but also some healthy tissue.
• Computer diagnostics – the mole is compared with existing samples, a diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed.

The main tasks of diagnostics are to identify the type of nevus and options for removal, and to prevent its transformation into melanoma.

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Tests

Laboratory diagnostics of skin growths on the genitals, as well as on other parts of the body, is carried out by a dermatologist or dermatovenerologist. The tests allow you to find out about the condition of the nevus and the risk of its degeneration. The patient will have to take a test for tumor markers. Blood is taken from a vein for the study. This allows you to identify substances formed during the transformation of the pigment. Based on its results, additional tests are prescribed.

A dermatoscope examination is mandatory. A special oil is applied to the mole and it is examined using a special optical device with illumination. This analysis does not damage the skin, but is very accurate, as it determines the structure of the nevus and the condition of the deep layers of the dermis.

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Instrumental diagnostics

To determine the type of nevus, special attention is paid to instrumental diagnostics. This method analyzes the diameter, shape, color, localization of the neoplasm, and the presence of additional growths. Let's consider the main instrumental methods:

• Histology

The surgeon disinfects the skin, applies a local anesthetic and excises the nevus. The removed materials are sent to the laboratory for examination. This allows skin cancer to be detected at the early stages and its treatment to begin. Histology is performed by referral from a doctor or at the patient's personal request. The procedure is performed only in medical institutions or laboratories.

• Biopsy

Morphological diagnostics of skin diseases is carried out when malignant processes are suspected. For biopsy, tissue samples are taken, the removal of which will not cause significant cosmetic or functional inconveniences. Excision is carried out with a scalpel or electrosurgical method. Small nevi are removed completely, and large ones are partially removed with a piece of healthy tissue.

Despite the informative nature of the above procedures, their main drawback is trauma to the mole, which can cause the onset of a malignant process.

Differential diagnosis

When a patient consults a dermatologist with a mole on the labia, the doctor's main task is to differentiate the skin growth from pathological formations. To do this, the general condition of the skin, the presence of malformations of the dermis and its appendages, the number of nevi and their type are analyzed. Differential diagnostics is complicated by the fact that today there are about 24 tumor lesions of the dermis that accumulate pigment.

A mole is compared to a common wart, halonevus, nevus of Ota, papilloma, condyloma, basalioma, spindle cell (epithelioid) nevus, fibroma and other neoplasms. Many types of moles imitate a tumor. For example, congenital growths can have an asymmetrical shape or be large. But melanoma can also develop from them.

Treatment labia moles

If a mole on the labia is the cause of discomfort, both physiological and aesthetic, then you need to see a dermatovenerologist or gynecologist. Treatment depends on the results of diagnostics (examination with a dermatoscope, histology, biopsy). As a rule, the following methods are used for therapy: surgical, radio wave and laser.

Let's look at the main treatment methods:

• Cryodestruction – the growth is treated with liquid nitrogen, which causes it to die. A thin film forms at the site of the wound, under which healthy epidermis is formed. The main advantage of this method is that it does not leave scars, does not affect healthy tissues and does not cause pain.
• Electrocoagulation – removal occurs with the effect of high temperatures. Using a special instrument, the doctor cauterizes the growth. There is no bleeding during the procedure, but only small formations can be removed, as it causes painful sensations.
• Laser removal is a popular method that involves the use of laser beams on any part of the body. The radiation penetrates deep into the skin, leaving no scars or burns. It is not used to treat large pigmented growths.
• Radiosurgery – the affected area is exposed to a radioactive directed beam. The radiation removes the mole, but a radiation burn remains at the site of its application, which turns into a scar. The procedure does not cause bleeding, has disinfectant properties. Suitable for removing small nevi.

If there are large moles on the surface of the genitals, they are removed only surgically. This procedure is painful, so it is carried out under anesthesia and lasts about an hour. For small skin growths, the radio wave method or electrocoagulation is most often used.

Medicines

It is possible and necessary to treat a mole on the labia, but many patients refuse to do this, resorting to more radical methods. Medicines do not act as quickly as laser or cryodestruction, but they allow you to achieve the desired results. For treatment, special ointments, tonics and solutions are used, which in most cases act the same. Medicines have the following properties:

• Destructuring of the epidermis
• Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action
• Antimicrobial and regenerating effect
• Absorbing and normalizing properties of skin relief

Let's look at a number of drugs used to treat intimate moles:

1. Solcoderm

A medicinal product for external use that causes mummification and devitalization of altered tissues. Available as a solution in 0.2 ml ampoules.

• Indications for use: treatment of benign superficial changes in the skin, nevi, plantar warts, genital warts, seborrheic keratosis and actinokeratosis
• The treatment is carried out by a doctor or medical personnel; it is not recommended to apply the solution to the skin on your own. A special applicator (tube) is included with the ampoules. With its help, the solution is applied directly to the affected area, having previously treated the skin with alcohol. After applying the solution, it is necessary to wait for it to dry. After 3-5 minutes, the treated area will turn yellow or whitish-gray. If this does not happen, then the procedure is repeated. No more than 4-5 nevi with a total area of 4-5 cm can be treated at a time. A couple of procedures, which are carried out at intervals of 4 weeks, are enough to completely remove the growth.
• Side effects occur when the solution gets on the mucous membranes. Temporary redness or the appearance of an ischemic ring around the treated area is possible. These reactions do not require elimination. But if pronounced skin reactions appear that do not go away on their own, then steroid or anesthetic ointments are used. Careless use of the product can cause skin burns. If it gets into the eyes or on the mucous membranes, they are washed with a 1% sodium bicarbonate solution or clean water.
• Solcoderm is contraindicated in: malignant skin lesions prone to metastasis, for the removal of freckles and keloid scars, with increased formation of scar tissue. The solution is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as there is a risk of developing serious side effects.
• In case of overdose, i.e. when applying a large amount of solution to healthy tissue, ulcers and burns may develop. Standard therapy for such injuries is indicated for their treatment.

2. Stefanin

Herbal ointment for removing moles, warts and papillomas. The preparation contains a collection of herbal inflorescences and roots, due to which high penetrating ability is determined. Before applying the product to the skin, the bottle with the ointment must be shaken well. The preparation is applied to moles 30-60 minutes before bedtime, since after the procedure, the treated area is contraindicated to be wet for 4 hours. The procedure is carried out once a day until the defect is completely removed.

3. Verrucacid

A medicine with a high concentration of phenol, which causes coagulation of protein structures of the skin. Applications cauterize the skin, causing the growth to peel off. Since the drug has a strong coagulating effect, this provokes the destruction of viral cells. The medicine is used to remove papillomas, pointed condylomas, keratomas, warts, that is, skin defects that can be confused with a nevus. The solution is applied using applications. As a rule, 5 procedures are required to completely remove the defect.

Side effects are manifested in the form of allergic reactions and slight swelling at the site of application. If the drug comes into contact with healthy tissue, a burn is possible. It is contraindicated for use to remove pigmented nevi, growths on mucous membranes, in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, for the treatment of children and extensive skin lesions. In case of overdose, a tissue burn develops, for the treatment of which symptomatic therapy is indicated.

4. Aldara

A topical immunomodulator with the active ingredient imiquimod. After applying a single dose of cream to the skin, it is quickly absorbed, and a small amount of it enters the systemic bloodstream, and is excreted by the kidneys without delay.

• Indications for use: treatment of papillomas and genital warts on the external genitalia and in the perianal area in adult patients. Contraindicated for use in case of intolerance to the components and for the treatment of patients under 18 years of age.
• The cream is applied in a thin layer to the cleaned surface of the growth until it is completely absorbed. The procedure is carried out 3 times a week, preferably before bedtime, since the medicine cannot be washed off for 6-10 hours. The product cannot be applied under a bandage and used for longer than 16 weeks.
• External use does not cause systemic overdose, as Aldara has low absorption. Use during pregnancy is not recommended, but is possible only if the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risks to the fetus.
• Side effects are rare. Patients may experience allergic reactions, skin burning and itching. To eliminate local manifestations, the cream should be washed off with soap and water and therapy should be continued.

All medications are used only as prescribed by a doctor. A dermatologist selects the most effective and safe remedy and gives recommendations for its use.

Folk remedies

An alternative to classical medicine is folk treatment. It is used for many problems, including moles on the labia. Let's look at popular recipes used to treat nevi:

• Apply honey to the pigmented formation daily, this will help to discolor it. Onion juice has the same properties. Only when using it, you need to be careful, as you can get a burn of the mucous membrane.
• Castor oil is effective not only for moles, but also for papillomas. Apply the oil to your skin every morning and evening. The desired effect occurs after a month of regular procedures.
• Mix 100 ml of apple cider vinegar with 5 drops of lemon essential oil. The mixture should be applied to the nevus twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bed.
• Peel the black radish and grind it into a pulp. Apply the resulting product to the skin 3-4 times a day until the defect completely disappears.
• Grind 1-2 cloves of garlic, mix with a spoon of vinegar and flour. The result should be a stiff dough. Take a bandage and make a hole in it the size of the mole, this will protect healthy tissue. Stick the bandage to the skin, and apply the dough to the mole, sealing it with another bandage on top. Remove the bandage after 1-2 days.
• Grate a sour apple on a fine grater and mix with honey 1:1. Spread the mole with this mixture well and cover it with a plaster, leaving it overnight. The procedure should be carried out for three days.

It is not recommended to use the above recipes without consulting a doctor. Since careless handling or accidental injury to intimate nevi can lead to serious consequences.

Herbal treatment

There are many methods used to remove moles on different parts of the body, but special attention should be paid to herbal treatment. Let's look at effective herbal treatment recipes:

• During the dandelion flowering season, dig up the plant root. It must be thoroughly washed and crushed into a pulp. Apply the resulting solution as a compress to the nevus for 1-2 hours. With regular procedures, after 7-10 days it will begin to dry out and fall off.
• Celandine juice is the most popular remedy for treating pigmented neoplasms. Cut the stem of the plant and apply the juice to the growth; during the procedure, it is recommended to tie the nevus with a thread and tighten it as it dries. With proper and careful use of this method, even large moles will disappear within a month.
• Grind fresh milkweed grass and apply it as a compress to the affected area. The plant juice that is released when the stem is cut can be applied to the formation. 3-4 procedures are carried out for treatment.
• Grape and grapefruit seed extracts are suitable for bleaching flat moles. Apply the mixture of extracts to the pigment 1-2 times a day for a week.

Herbal treatment, as well as alternative medicine methods, must be agreed upon with your doctor.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of nevus is the most common method, which does not require special equipment, but has good results. Surgical treatment is very often used to remove convex and hanging moles on the labia. The procedure is carried out for large pigmented neoplasms.

The excision is performed using a scalpel. The doctor makes a border incision with the capture of healthy skin and the superficial layer of tissue. The mole itself is excised, and the resulting wound is sutured with a cosmetic suture. The removed tissues are sent for histology. The whole point of the method is to get rid of the defect in one procedure, preventing its malignant degeneration.

There are a number of indications for surgery:

• Large nevi
• Presence or suspicion of an oncological process
• The growth broke into several pieces
• Frequent trauma
• Cosmetic problems

Surgical treatment has no contraindications, but it will not be performed if the patient has genital herpes, infectious or inflammatory diseases. Despite the safety and effectiveness of the surgical method, it has disadvantages:

• Risk of keloid and scar formation
• Long period of rehabilitation
• After the procedure, it is contraindicated to be in the sun.
• Use of anesthesia: local for adults, general for children

After the procedure, the patient is given recommendations for wound care. The skin should be treated with hydrogen peroxide daily and antibiotic ointment should be applied under the bandage or plaster. The procedures should be performed until the wound is completely healed. If the doctor's recommendations are not followed, complications may arise: infection, the appearance of new pigment spots, scars and keloid scars.

Prevention

Today, there are no methods that would help protect the skin from the appearance of moles. Prevention of nevi is aimed at preventing their transformation into melanoma. Let's consider its basic rules:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Places with large nevi should not be sunbathed. Therefore, if you have moles on your labia, avoid sunbathing naked or relaxing on nudist beaches.
• Special creams and lotions protect the skin from sunburn, but do not reduce the risk of developing melanoma.
• If you notice even the slightest changes in the pigmented neoplasm, you should consult a doctor.

Do not self-medicate or try to remove, rip off or cut off a mole under any circumstances. In addition to bleeding, this will entail a number of other negative consequences.

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Forecast

A mole on the labia, with the right approach to its treatment and compliance with all medical recommendations, has a positive prognosis. If it has become malignant, that is, degenerated into melanoma, then the prognosis depends on the timely diagnosis of changes. In this case, the survival rate is determined by the thickness of the tumor and the number of layers affected by the oncological process. Thin melanomas respond well to treatment, as do malignant moles with a deep structure.