Malignant birthmarks on the body: how to distinguish what to do, remove

Malignant birthmarks - in medicine they are called melanomas - are oncologic neoplasms on the skin that develop from the cells of the birthmark forming a pigment (melanocytes). If a mole accelerates its growth, changes color or bleeds - these are symptoms that require compulsory medical advice. After a timely diagnosed melanoma significantly improves the prognosis of the disease.

[1], [2], [3]

Causes of the malignant moles

An ordinary harmless birthmark can become malignant, if a person often likes to sunbathe for a long time. And not only under the sun, but also in the solarium. The influence of ultraviolet rays leads to the degeneration of pigment cells, which accelerate their growth and reproduction, involving the coming healthy tissues in the process.

A malignant mole can also appear on the hereditary chain. So, if a family member has previously been diagnosed with melanoma, then other members of the family have a risk of developing a pigmentary tumor. In addition, those at whom on a body there is a considerable quantity of birthmarks, or birthmarks of the considerable sizes are subject to risk.

An additional impetus to malignancy can be trauma and damage to the skin of an ordinary birthmark, rubbing it against clothing, etc.

What are the dangerous birthmarks?

Malignant birthmark is one of the most unfavorable tumors that can affect a person of any age and sex. It is a tumor with a high mortality rate, beginning its development with melanocytes of the epidermal layer of the skin. Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of oncopathology, because even an insignificantly small malignant birthmark can in a short time give a large number of metastases to various organs: the respiratory system, the bone system, the brain.

If the disease is found in time, then the patient has a chance of recovery. An unfortunate birthmark is removed. If the tumor has time to send its daughter cells (metastases) to other organs, the prognosis of the disease becomes extremely unfavorable.

Malignant birthmark is detected less often than skin cancer. However, in recent decades, this pathology has arisen more and more often.

Pathogenesis

Fertilization of the birthmark occurs against the background of the rapid growth of melanocytes, which are introduced into the nearest tissues, and also spread through blood and lymph. The tumor increases both on the surface of the skin and deep into tissues, gradually penetrating into the new adjacent and underlying layers.

The depth of the lesion is classified by physicians according to the degrees of invasion. The higher the degree of germination (VI-V degree), the worse the prognosis.

Malignant birthmark differs early and rapid spread of metastases. The first nearby lymph nodes are affected, which increase and become dense and elastic, with no signs of pain.

After lymph nodes, metastases often get into the skin, close to the main focus. They have the appearance of small dark dots localized around the melanoma. Sometimes the malignant area swells and becomes cyanotic red.

By the circulatory system, metastases can get into almost any organ. Most often they are found in the lungs, adrenal glands, liver, brain.

[4], [5], [6]

Symptoms of the malignant moles

Malignant birthmark at the beginning of its development looks like a normal nevus. The rate of its growth increases, in the future there may appear ulcers, peeling, bleeding. The dimensions of education can range from a barely perceptible pea to large-caliber knots.

Melanoma has an elastic consistency, its density is moderate. The cover of the birthmark is basically flat, in rare cases with small tubercles and outgrowths resembling cauliflower.

Doctors-oncologists distinguish three signs that allow one to suspect a malignant birthmark:

• dark color;
• glossy surface;
• presence of decomposition processes in the tumor.

These symptoms are explained by the fact that inside the birthmark there are malignant changes: excessive accumulation of pigment, damage to the structure of the epidermis, damage to blood vessels and tissue trophism.

Sometimes the accumulation of pigment occurs only in one part of the tumor. In this case, the mole itself is light, but has dark inclusions or middle parts.

The processes of decomposition are not immediately apparent. Over time, the birthmark becomes easily vulnerable, often bleeds, ulcers and crusts form on the surface.

What are the appearance of malignant moles? How to distinguish a malignant birthmark from benign? There are several distinctive features:

• the malignant birthmark is asymmetrical or blurred (with a benign boundary and the shape is clear);
• the edges of the malignant mole are uneven, torn or cloudy;
• the color of the melanoma is dark or interspersed (benign mole is light or brown, homogeneous);
• The malignant birthmark has a large size and rapid growth;
• Characteristic for malignant degeneration are crusts, peeling, bleeding, ulcers on the surface.

The clinical picture may differ, since there are different types of malignant moles:

• Surface-spreading melanoma looks like a black or brown patch, up to 3 mm in circumference. It gradually increases and becomes rounded - oval, or irregularly shaped. The surface acquires a smooth glossy appearance, becomes dense.
• Malignant lentigo is an uneven plaque with slow growth and uneven coloring. On the surface you can observe both light and dark inclusions, up to black color. A characteristic feature is the presence of nodules and papillomas with significant hyperkeratosis or elements of atrophy.
• The nodular appearance of a malignant mole often arises from a normal pigmented spot. When malignant moles occur, it darkens, the surface becomes bumpy, compacted, perfectly smooth. Sometimes a number of small black nodules appear - the so-called "screenings" of melanoma. On top of the birthmark may form ulcers or crusts.

Complications and consequences

What are the consequences of a malignant birthmark? The main complication of melanoma is the active spread of the tumor throughout the body. Metastases are formed relatively quickly, and they represent the greatest danger to the health and life of the patient.

Such complications as secondary malignant neoplasms, with melanoma are very common. Elements of the tumor can spread with a stream of blood or lymph, stopping in other organs and germinating in them. More often such objects become lungs, a liver, bones, a brain, integuments.

Some future mothers are interested in the question: can a malignant birthmark affect the fetus if it was diagnosed already during pregnancy? Scientists investigated this issue at the end of the last century and came to the conclusion that metastases can penetrate the placenta, but this happens very rarely. Single cases have been described only with the disseminated form of malignant pigmentary tumor (with chaotic and mass spread of metastases).

No less problem is the treatment of a malignant birthmark during pregnancy, because chemotherapy and radiotherapy can have a very negative impact on the development of the fetus. In such a situation, the doctor decides on the therapeutic measures, taking as a basis all the pros and cons.

[7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

Diagnostics of the malignant moles

Patients with suspected melanoma often complain of changes taking place in the birthmark. Basically these are the following symptoms:

• allocation of blood;
• itching, discomfort;
• growth of a birthmark;
• change in color and appearance.

The doctor in this case asks the following questions:

• When did a suspicious mole appear?
• For what period of time have the changes occurred?
• Was the trauma of the birthmark, or the impact of other factors?
• Whether treated rodinka, and in what ways?

After a survey and examination of the birthmark, the doctor appoints other necessary studies.

• Analyzes of blood and urine for diagnostic purposes with malignant moles are not informative. Such studies are relevant only for determining the general state of the body, which is especially important for metastasizing tumor elements.
• Instrumental diagnostics is used to monitor the effectiveness of the selected therapy, or to detect a possible recurrence of the neoplasm:
  • X-ray of the lungs - helps to diagnose metastases;
  • method of computed tomography - detects metastases in the lungs, lymph nodes, etc .;
  • dermatoscopy - a method that allows you to accurately consider the skin problem, which is especially important in the early stages of the development of a malignant birthmark.
• Biopsy of melanoma is prescribed in cases when it is impossible to establish a different diagnosis in another way, as well as after surgical removal of the birthmark, to clarify its structure. The biopsy is directly related to a radical operation to remove a malignant birthmark.

[13], [14], [15], [16]

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is applied to the pigmentary basalioma, seborrheic keratosis, hemangioma, granuloma, angiofibroma, histiocytoma.

Treatment of the malignant moles

Therapeutic measures should be carried out immediately after the diagnosis, since melanomas tend to spread rapidly and actively throughout the body.

The first and the main method of treatment is the surgical removal of a malignant mole. This method is indicated for malignant pigmented formations of the first and second stages of development. To avoid the re-emergence of the tumor, the surgeon removes not only the mole, but also the subcutaneous fat, and the underlying fascia. The operation ends with skin plasty. The material withdrawn during the procedure is sent for histological and cytological examination.

Can there be consequences after removal of a malignant mole? Consequences occur with incomplete or delayed removal of the tumor, which leads to its re-growth, or to the appearance of metastases. Therefore, removal should be done only in a medical institution, from a qualified specialist.

In any case, the lack of adequate treatment is guaranteed to lead to an aggravation of the situation and, in time, to premature death.

Effective in malignant moles and chemotherapy. Medications are actively used in common forms of melanoma, as well as in conjunction with a surgical operation.

In the case of common moles, the most effective treatment regimens are:

• Imidazolecarboxamide 250 mg per m², once a day for 5 days;
• Lomustine 100 mg per m² + Vincristine 1.2 mg per m² on the first, eighth and fifteenth days, and in combination with Dactinomycin 500 μg three times a week, in the amount of six doses;
• Vinblastine 6 mg per m² by intravenous route. On the 1st day together with Cisplatinum 120 mg per m 2, as well as with Bleomycetin 10 mg on the first and fifth days.

Time intervals between chemotherapy courses - 1 month.

Radiation therapy for malignant moles is rarely used, due to their weak sensitivity to ionizing rays.

Alternative treatment of malignant moles

Unfortunately, many patients do not rush to go to the doctor, but are treated independently by all sorts of alternative methods. Alternative treatment for melanoma is not officially welcomed, since herbal and other treatments can take a precious time when the disease is still treatable. The lost time can cost the person not only health, but also life.

Nevertheless, prescriptions from malignant pigmentary tumors exist. True, there is no reliable information on their effectiveness.

• Mix in equal parts leaves of nettle, angelica, coriander and hyssop. Pour 1 tbsp. L. Collect 200 ml of boiling water and insist before cooling. Take 400-600 ml of the drink a day.
• Take a tincture of rhizomes aconite three times a day, 60 minutes before meals. Scheme of treatment: the first day - 1 drop, increasing the dose daily by 1 drop, bringing to 20 drops. Further, the amount of the drug is lowered, again bringing to 1 drop.
• Take half an hour before meals, 100 ml of decoction from the grass of sweet clover, elderberry, wintergreen, centipedes, mumps, duckweed, peel, taken in equal parts.
• Prepare tar tar: tar mix with vaseline in equal parts. Lubricate the affected area several times a day.
• Squeeze fresh celandine juice, mix with Vaseline 1: 4. Used for compresses.

It is not recommended to resort to alternative methods of treatment without consulting an oncologist.

[17], [18],

Homeopathy with malignant moles

As an auxiliary treatment for malignant birthmarks often use homeopathy. Many experts believe that the correct use of such drugs can improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of relapse in the future.

The choice of the optimal homeopathic remedy is carried out individually, depending on the characteristics of the tumor and the patient's condition. Since the treatment with homeopathy requires the accuracy of dosages, self-treatment is not welcome.

• Homeopathic preparations of antihomotoxic action:
  • Lymphomyositis;
  • Galium-Hel;
  • Engistol.
• Preparations-catalysts for metabolic processes:
  • Ubihinon compositum;
  • Coenzyme compositum.
• Homeopathic preparations of organotropic action:
  • Kutis compositum;
  • Psorinocheel.
• Means that accelerate the detoxification of the body:
  • Gepar compositum;
  • Hepel.
• Drugs, the action of which is aimed at activation of immune forces and stimulation of connective tissue processes:
  • Echinacea compositum;
  • Tonzilla compositum.

Prevention

In order to prevent the birth of a normal birthmark in malignant melanoma, it is necessary to exclude as much as possible the effect of factors that stimulate malignancy. To do this, follow these recommendations:

• to control the growth and appearance of moles on the body, and at the slightest suspicion to consult a doctor;
• avoid maternity injuries, chemical or mechanical damage;
• Do not abuse sunburn, before and after taking sun baths, use appropriate cosmetic protective equipment;
• Do not try to remove your birth marks yourself, do not scratch or damage your birthmarks.

Most experts agree that the best prevention of the degeneration of a mole is its removal. It is important to take into account an important point: removal must be carried out by a competent qualified specialist in the conditions of a medical institution, but not in beauty salons and other similar establishments.

Turning to incompetent healers, you can lose not only your health, but also life.

[19], [20], [21], [22], [23]

Forecast

More than half of the patients can observe a 5-year period of recovery. Such positive results are explained by the timely and early detection of the tumor.

If malignancy is detected in later stages, the prognosis worsens, especially when metastases spread.

If treatment was started on time and no metastases were detected, then the size and depth of tumor penetration play a decisive role in the prognosis. It is noted that in female patients treatment is more effective than that of the male sex.

All patients who underwent treatment are subject to compulsory medical examination. Regularly conducted examinations of skin, remaining benign moles, lymph nodes.

With proper and adequate treatment, malignant moles do not recur.

[24], [25], [26], [27],