White birthmark

A pigmentless nevus, or, in common people, a white mole, is a small round or oval spot with clearly defined boundaries. White mole, in contrast to other types of birthmarks, is formed due to not increased, and a lower content of melanocytes in the skin.

A non-pigmentation spot is considered one of the types of benign neoplasms. It does not disappear by itself, but as a rule, it does not bring any special discomfort.

Causes of the white mole

White moles are a consequence of the decreased activity of skin cells responsible for the production of pigment - melanin. Such formations usually differ in size and shape, since they can be large, small, even, or ellipsoidal.

In children, the appearance of pigmentless moles is most often congenital, which is associated with a malfunction in the process of moving melanoblasts even in the intrauterine period.

The appearance of white spots in adult patients can speak of a dermatological disease - vitiligo. Another name for the disease is achromia, the causes of which may be as follows:

• prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;
• neuroendocrine disorders (diseases of endocrine glands);
• pathology of the autonomic nervous system;
• mental trauma, stress;
• autoimmune diseases.

A huge role in the development of the disease is played by frequent stresses, toxic substances, mechanical damage to the skin, as well as a lack of vitamins and trace elements in the skin layers.

If initially the dark mole became white, then the cause of this can be as a violation of pigmentation in melanocytes, and malignization of the birthmark, that is, its degeneration into a malignant tumor.

In the case when the lightening of the birthmark is accompanied by its rapid growth, the appearance of unpleasant sensations (pain, burning) or changes in shape, it is necessary to consult a doctor - surgeon or dermatologist.

[1], [2], [3]

Pathogenesis

Melanin - a dark pigment of the skin - is formed in the cells-melanocytes from a special amino acid - tyrosine. Tyrosine enters the human body with food and is produced by the liver from phenylalanine. This transformation can occur only with the participation of tyrosinase, an enzyme containing copper, and facilitating the conversion of the amino acid into melanin.

In the formation of melanin, the following stages are distinguished:

• melanocyte preparation from the nearest cells for the production of the tyrosinase enzyme;
• conversion of tyrosine to melanin;
• transport assimilation of melanin in cellular structures.

The amount of melanin, assimilated by cells, can depend on the organism itself, on race, on the frequency and power of solar radiation.

Failures in the function of melanocytes, or their destruction, can lead to a decrease in the level of melanin in the epidermal cells, which is the trigger for the appearance of white moles.

[4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10]

Symptoms of the white mole

The white birthmark differs markedly from the ordinary birthmark, and has the following symptoms:

• the surface of the birthmark is not rigid, supple;
• the shade of the spot may be lighter than the surrounding skin;
• The outlines of education are equal, clearly limited;
• there are no signs of surrounding inflammation.

Often the protruding white mole in appearance may resemble a flat wart, or be similar to a raspberry berry - for example, this is how white dangling moles look. Neoplasm can be either single, or multiple on the body.

The size of the birthmark is from 2 mm to 20 mm. Upon closer examination, a capillary network or small brown dots can be found inside it.

The first signs are the appearance of a small spot on the skin, which gradually becomes discolored. The rate of growth of a mole may depend on the individual characteristics of the organism and on the degree of pigmental metabolism disorders.

White moles on the skin most often occur on the neck, in the armpits, on the external genitalia, on the chest. Less often they can be found on the abdomen or limbs.

White moles in a child may appear from birth, or from 2-3 months of age and up to 10 years. Usually these are benign formations that do not pose a danger to the baby. Congenital birthmarks over the years can grow in diameter, as the body grows. If there are no other signs of malignancy, then this is a variant of the norm and does not require any treatment.

Complications and consequences

The only possible dangerous consequence of a white birthmark is her malignancy. This complication is rare, but it must be remembered. This is especially true for those patients who are at risk:

• owners of congenital large white moles;
• persons who have moles after 60 years;
• Owners of white spots more than 30 mm in diameter;
• Owners of multiple white birthmarks (several dozen or more).

Also, moles are considered risk factors, which are constantly exposed to trauma or contact with clothing elements, or the periodic appearance of new formations on the body.

For example, if a white mole is covered with a crust or bleeds, and this is not a consequence of her recent injury

[11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18]

Diagnostics of the white mole

Before proceeding with the diagnosis, the doctor, first of all, will ask the patient about the time of the birth of the birthmark, about possible modifications to it, about other signs that may disturb the patient.

On examination, the doctor should pay attention to the appearance, shape, diameter of the birthmark, and also to the features of its development or location.

In most cases, additional diagnostic methods may be required to establish a final diagnosis.

• Analyzes are prescribed to refute the transformation of the birthmark in melanoma. With the development of a cancerous tumor in the patient's blood, it is possible to detect specific oncomarkers - TA90 and SU100.

The doctor also takes a smear from the surface of the tumor. This analysis is especially relevant in the presence of bleeding, treacle excretions or ulcers on the surface of the birthmark. The material taken during the procedure is subjected to a thorough examination, which helps to determine the nature and degree of danger of the birthmark.

• Instrumental diagnostics includes, first of all, luminescent microscopy - this is the examination of the birthmark under multiple magnification, directly on the patient's body. Previously, a special oily liquid is applied to the stain, which potentiates the pigment reflection. The method of luminescence microscopy is considered one of the most accurate and comfortable procedures for the patient.

In addition to microscopy, computer studies can be assigned - layered examination of the birthmark with the help of a monitor, followed by preservation of the image on the film.

In addition to the above, the diagnostic method is the direct removal of the birthmark. After the operation, the birthmark is necessarily sent for histology - this is done in order to determine with 100% the malignancy or good quality of the process.

[19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24]

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is performed with an ordinary wart, a syringoma, a warty nevus, a basal cell, a molluscum contagiosum, a papular syphilide, gonorrheal keratosis, follicular dyskeratosis, fibroma.

[25], [26], [27], [28], [29], [30]

Treatment of the white mole

To prescribe any medication from white moles is practically inadvisable, since it is impossible to slow down or block the development of a benign tumor. The only effective treatment is the removal of a birthmark by surgery or other available methods.

Can I remove a white mole? And how is this best done?

Before deciding to remove the birthmark, for starters it makes sense to consult a doctor and go through the necessary diagnostics. This is done in order to know exactly what kind of neoplasm to deal with. If the doctor recognizes the removal of a white mole possible, then one can use one of the proposed methods.

1. The method of surgical operation is the removal of the tumor with the help of a scalpel. This operation is especially common in small hospitals and clinics, in which there is no necessary equipment for other resection methods. In some cases, the operation can be shown for other reasons - for example, when removing a large birthmark.

During the operation, in most cases, a local type of anesthesia is used. Small white moles are removed completely, and large neoplasms sometimes have to be excised in parts.

1. The cryodestructive method is the disposal of a white mole with the help of freezing liquid nitrogen or carbonic acid. The technique is quite effective and painless, does not require anesthesia. However, sometimes it is not possible to remove the stain by cryodestruction in one procedure. We have to hold repeated sessions.
2. The method of electrocoagulation is the removal of a tumor with an electron knife or an electrocoagulator. The procedure may entail some discomfort for the patient, as it is painful and requires local anesthesia. Electrocoagulation is used only to remove small white moles.
3. The laser method of removal is the most common way to get rid of a hated neoplasm. Laser radiation can accurately outline the boundaries of the tumor, virtually without affecting the surrounding tissue. No scars or burns occur. Laser removal can be applied to small birthmarks.

1. The method of radiosurgery is the use of the Surgitron apparatus (radio knife), with which it is possible to remove the tumor with a bundle of directed radio waves. Such a method is relevant if it is reliably confirmed the good quality of the white mole. The radio-knife is effective, safe, but not used to remove large-diameter nevuses.

Alternative treatment of white moles

Treatment with herbs and other alternative means should be used very carefully so as not to harm and provoke the malignancy of the mole. The ideal option is a traditional treatment in a medical center by a specialist, with the obligatory histological examination of a remote birthmark.

The proposed alternative recipes are undesirable without prior consultation with the doctor.

• Take fresh celandine juice, distribute the surface of the white mole and cover with a bandage or plaster. The procedure is repeated 3 times a day until the nevus falls away.
• Lubricate the birthmark firstly with juice of garlic, and immediately after that - lemon juice. The procedure is repeated 3 times a day for 7-10 days.
• Lubricate the stain with the juice of immature figs, once a day.
• Prepare a mixture of grated chalk and hemp oil (proportion 1: 4). The prepared mixture is lubricated with a birthmark several times a day for 7-110 days.
• Prepare a tincture with two cloves of garlic for 200 ml of apple cider vinegar (insist 14 days). The resulting medicine is used for compresses overnight.
• Mix equal parts of honey and castor oil. The resulting mass is applied for 10 minutes to the birthmark twice a day, after which it is washed with water.

It is also recommended to carry out treatment for cleaning the liver: this helps to establish the process of pigmentation.

[31], [32]

Prevention

Specific methods of preventing the onset and malignancy of white moles do not exist. Nevertheless, it is recommended that people who are addicted to pigmental disorders should adhere to the following rules:

• Do not allow prolonged exposure to the sun, especially at noon, when solar radiation is most active;
• do not use the solarium;
• do not rely on cosmetic products to protect the skin: these drugs protect against sunburn, but do not prevent melanoma;
• When new moles appear, or when changing the appearance of birthmarks, you should consult a specialist.

Also, one should not unnecessarily touch the mole, especially press on it or specifically damage it with chemical means. If you frequently injure your education with clothing or accessories, you should visit a doctor and discuss with him the possibility of removing a birthmark.

[33], [34], [35]

Forecast

The prognosis can be favorable if the patient regularly pays attention to the condition, color, form of moles, fixes possible changes and promptly consults a doctor. In most cases, a white mole exists on the skin for a long time without disturbing its owner.

[36], [37], [38]