Why did the mole grow and what to do?

Healthy skin is an adornment of any person. But various growths can appear on it, most often these are nevi. Let's consider what to do in such a situation and how to recognize the pathology?

Almost everyone has birthmarks, they differ in color, size and location. In most cases, they do not interfere, and we calmly get along with such features of the skin. But this is not always correct, since under certain conditions, growths can change their color and size, that is, degenerate into malignant neoplasms.

If the nevus is not in a visible place, does not cause inconvenience and is not injured, then most often it is not paid attention to. But if any changes in its color or size appear, then this is a reason to go to the hospital.

A dermatologist can tell you why a mole has grown and what to do about it, and if necessary, give you a referral to a surgeon or cosmetologist. Although the risk of pigmented lesions transforming is low, preventive visits to the doctor will help to minimize it. In addition, timely medical attention and early diagnosis of melanoma provide a good chance of completely eliminating cancer.

Causes mole growth

There are many factors and reasons that cause the growth of melanocyte cells. It is not necessarily caused by their malignant transformation. Most often, the growth or appearance of a new nevus is associated with skin trauma, for example, during cosmetic procedures, various endocrine and hormonal factors, and many others.

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Can a mole grow?

Birthmarks are rightfully considered a natural decoration of the skin. They appear and disappear throughout our lives. Therefore, if the question arises whether a birthmark can grow in an adult, the answer is unequivocal - yes. Congenital nevi are considered less dangerous, since they rarely degenerate, unlike those that appear at an older age.

A normal pigmented neoplasm is small in size < 5 mm, its edges are even, its shape is symmetrical, and its surface is smooth. If it constantly increases in size, there is a risk of malignancy. There are a number of reasons, including physiological ones, that cause its growth:

• Traumatization - mechanical damage most often occurs with growths located on the folds and creases of the skin, in the décolleté area or straps of underwear. Due to constant friction, a thin layer of the epidermis is damaged, and when restored, a kind of callus is formed on it. This leads to its gradual increase. The main danger of this situation is that there is a risk of infection and oncology.
• Changes in hormonal levels - a sharp surge or decrease in hormones during pregnancy, puberty, menopause or when using hormonal contraceptives can provoke growth. In this case, a consultation with not only a dermatologist, but also an endocrinologist is necessary.
• Ultraviolet radiation – excessive sun exposure is a risk not only for excessive growth of nevi, but also for various skin diseases. At risk are fair-haired, brown-haired and red-haired people, as their skin does not withstand ultraviolet radiation well.

Regular self-examination and monitoring of the skin condition will help prevent the pathological process and avoid panicking if a mole grows.

The main reasons for the growth of moles:

• Mechanical impact – pigmented neoplasms increase in size and degenerate on parts of the body that are subject to regular trauma (toes, neck, waist, décolleté, inner thighs and palms).
• Trauma – any trauma to a birthmark can cause it to grow further or divide into several additional ones.
• Ultraviolet – exposure to sunlight has a negative effect on the skin. Long sunbathing leads to the appearance and modification of existing skin defects. People with light skin are at risk.
• Hormonal changes in the body - the appearance of nevi or changes in their size are very often observed during pregnancy, puberty and menopause.
• Taking hormonal drugs and contraceptives increases the number of spots with melanin cells, usually on the face. This is explained by the fact that the thin and delicate skin of the face is especially sensitive to the effects of external factors and hormonal surges.

It takes time for a mole to grow, sometimes it takes years, and in some cases even a couple of days. In any case, systematic monitoring of the skin condition will not leave any changes unnoticed. And will help prevent dangerous diseases.

Pathogenesis

A birthmark is a hyperplasia of dermal cells from the melanocytic series. Pathogenesis is associated with individual characteristics of the human body and genetic predisposition. Nevi can appear on any areas of the epidermis and mucous membranes. In most cases, they have a dark color of different shades. This is explained by the accumulation of melanin in the cell structure. The more often such a neoplasm is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, the darker it becomes. This occurs due to the activation of melanocytic cells, which increase the pigment in the presence of the pituitary hormone.

Pigment growth occurs during cell hyperplasia, i.e. during their disordered division. This is possible in the presence of provoking factors. The nevus itself does not have a tendency to dynamic growth, which is its main difference from malignant neoplasms. Many types of pigment growths are congenital and increase in parallel with the growth of the body. That is, by the age of 20-25, their growth slows down or stops altogether.

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Symptoms mole growth

There are many types of nevi (white, red, transparent, flat, convex, etc.), the appearance of which can cause alarm. Their symptoms are not accompanied by painful sensations or other signs indicating that a mole has grown. Only regular self-examination of the skin will allow you to notice a new pigmented growth. Problems arise when a birthmark is injured or when it increases sharply. In this case, you need to contact a dermatologist who will classify the damage, determine its type, and conduct diagnostics.

Let's look at the symptoms and external signs of common moles:

1. Non-hazardous (no risk of developing into melanoma)

• Flat - lentigo is formed from melanocytes in the upper layers of the skin. They are round or oval in shape, 3-5 cm in size, can be either smooth or textured, and are darker in color than freckles. They are not affected by ultraviolet radiation, do not darken, and do not increase in size. They most often appear on the face, hands, and neck.
• Convex - formed from melanocytes in the deep layers of the skin. Very often has hair, in diameter it is about 1 cm with a smooth or bumpy surface.
• Papillomatous - most often localized in the scalp, have a rough surface with irregularities, warts and grooves.
• Haloneus - a depigmented ring forms around the pigment, and its center is pressed down above the surrounding tissues.
• Mongolian spot - can reach large sizes and be localized on any part of the body. Its color varies from intense in children to pale in adults.
• Fibroepithelial - a round growth with smooth edges, pink or light brown in color.
• Hemangioma is a vascular birthmark, red or pink in color. It forms in the form of nodules, i.e. hanging nevi.

The above-described pigmented neoplasms do not cause any particular harm, do not change color with age, and do not grow.

2. Dangerous nevi (there is a risk of malignancy)

• Blue - has a blue or light blue color, and in some cases brown. Small in size up to 2 cm, rises above the surface of the skin. Most often localized on the face, limbs and buttocks.
• Borderline pigmented - can be of different shapes and colors. The distinctive feature is a concentric change in color from the periphery to the center.
• Giant pigmented - has large dimensions and uneven edges, rises above the surrounding tissues. Often there is increased hair growth on such formations.
• Dysplastic – irregular in shape with jagged edges and uneven color.
• Nevus of Ota – localized in the eye socket, cheekbones or upper jaw. May appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes.

All the above-described skin defects have features that allow them to be distinguished from each other and other skin formations. If it is difficult to make a diagnosis after a visual examination, the doctor performs a skin scraping or histology.

The removed mole has grown back

Recurrence of a melanocytic nevus after removal is a continued growth of tissues that were not completely removed. If the removed mole has grown and is benign according to histology, then recurrence is not dangerous. But if there is rapid growth of pigment and its extension beyond the scar, then re-excision with subsequent repeated histology is necessary.

The consequences of removing nevi, that is, the risk of their further growth, depend on a number of factors. It is very important to take into account the individual reactions of the body, the correctness of postoperative care and, of course, the quality of the removal procedure. Immediately after the operation, discomfort occurs, which can last from several days to a month. A crust appears at the site of excision, which cannot be touched. To prevent possible infection, the wound should be lubricated with a solution of potassium permanganate or brilliant green.

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Mole grew back after removal

Many people with pigmented skin growths face the problem of a mole growing back after removal. This happens due to an incorrectly performed procedure, i.e. incomplete removal of melanocyte cells.

Let's take a closer look at what complications, other than recurrence, may be encountered when using various removal methods:

• Laser removal – all complications are reduced to a minimum, the entire healing process takes place without consequences. If a small flat mole was treated, then after complete recovery there are not even scars left on the skin. After convex ones, there may be small depressions in the places of their removal and scars. In rare cases, a change in skin pigmentation is observed.
• Cryodestruction is one of the cheapest and most accessible methods. It is often followed by various complications. Since it is impossible to determine the depth of pigmented tissues when using liquid nitrogen, there is a risk of their incomplete removal, after which a repeat procedure will be required. Careless use of liquid nitrogen can cause tissue burns, which prolongs the healing time and disrupts the structure of healthy skin. Another disadvantage of this method is that a small lump-bump forms at the site of an incompletely removed mole, which requires additional treatment.
• Radio knife – similar in effectiveness to laser procedure. May leave small scars, but is not used to remove facial lesions.
• Surgical excision – after local anesthesia, the growth is excised with a scalpel and sutured. The procedure is followed by a healing process that takes longer than other methods. It has a number of consequences that the patient should be familiar with: subcutaneous hemorrhages, scars, keloid scars, infection of the wound and, of course, recurrence.
• Self-removal is the most dangerous method with the greatest number of dangerous consequences. When using it, it is necessary to understand that not all nevi can be removed, as there are those that cannot be touched. At home, it is very difficult to observe all hygiene standards, so the risk of infection of the wound increases significantly. Without special microscopic diagnostics, it is difficult to say how deeply the melanocyte cells have penetrated, so after self-treatment, a relapse is observed in 90% of cases. And another common phenomenon is scars.

Whether a mole will grow back after removal depends on the chosen method of treatment, the professionalism of the surgeon, and compliance with recommendations for wound care.

A hair has grown on the mole

For many people, the fact that hair has grown on a mole becomes an unpleasant phenomenon. This causes aesthetic inconvenience and can cause psychological complexes. But if a nevus covered with hair is not in a visible place and does not cause discomfort, then the question still remains: is hair growth dangerous and can it be removed?

Hairiness is a normal physiological process. It indicates that the pigmented neoplasm consists of healthy, mature melanocytes. It is benign and does not pose a threat. Some people mistakenly believe that hair on a birthmark is a sign of melanoma, but this is not true. On the contrary, the risk of transformation of a growth with hair is much lower than without it. That is, if hair grows on your moles, this is not a reason to worry. But if they spoil the appearance, they can be removed.

There are two methods used for removal:

• Periodic trimming with scissors.
• Removal.

That is, you can only remove the hair yourself by cutting it with scissors. Before doing this, the tool must be disinfected with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. In order to get rid of the problem forever, you will have to consult a dermatologist who will select the best method for removing the growth. If the hair is not the cause of discomfort or aesthetic inconvenience, then it is better not to touch it. At the same time, do not forget that hair is a clear sign of benignity.

It is contraindicated to pull out hairs with tweezers. Since there is a risk of traumatizing the hair follicle, irritating it and causing inflammation. You cannot shave hairs, since tissue damage can cause malignant degeneration. But if a hair is pulled out, it is better to consult a dermatologist, especially if pain, itching and burning appear after the procedure. Using dermatoscopy and visual examination, the doctor will prescribe treatment or removal of the neoplasm. If a situation arises when the hair itself falls out, this is not a very good symptom, since it increases the risk of degeneration into cancer. In this case, you also need to consult a dermato-oncologist.

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The mole has grown in a year

Many people have pigmented skin growths, for some they serve as an adornment, while for others, on the contrary, they cause discomfort and disgust. Even if a person was born without these special marks, they will definitely appear during life. If a mole has grown in a year, but is of normal size and does not cause painful sensations, then there is no reason to worry. The growth process is especially active in the first ten years of a person's life, during puberty and pregnancy.

The first spots with melanin cells appear at the age of one year, they are few in number and hardly noticeable. The reason for their growth is associated with the active production of hormones or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. That is, a birthmark can be a congenital defect in the development of the skin or an acquired benign neoplasm. They differ in size, color, location and depth in the layers of the skin. So, if a safe mole has grown, it has a round or oval shape, small <5 mm, and its color does not change.

A cause for concern should be the appearance of a large number of nevi in a short period of time. In this case, it is better to consult a dermatologist who will check the neoplasms for malignancy and determine their type. If there is a risk of oncology, then the threat must be eliminated at an early stage. Since without medical care, even a small, seemingly inconspicuous mole can develop into melanoma, spreading cancer cells throughout the body.

The mole darkened and grew

Many people face the problem of a mole darkening and growing. This may be due to exposure to UV radiation, hormonal imbalances or trauma. In this case, the neoplasm does not always take a malignant form. But if the growth darkens and grows in a short period of time, then you should be wary. Such abrupt changes in some cases lead to serious consequences.

A malignant tumor is melanoma, it quickly spreads throughout the body through the bloodstream. There are a number of symptoms that indicate a pathological process:

• The pigment has turned black
• Dark inclusions appeared
• The contours have changed
• The coloring has become uneven
• The size has increased

In this case, it is very important to exclude the risk of oncology. To do this, you need to contact a dermatologist who will conduct a diagnosis of the altered tissues. After a series of studies, the question of removing the growth will arise, since suspicion of malignancy is a direct indication for this procedure.

What to do if a mole grows during pregnancy

After conception, serious changes occur in the female body. Many expectant mothers complain that a mole has grown during pregnancy. Their appearance during this period is a completely normal and understandable phenomenon. In most cases, they are benign and do not cause complications. In addition to the appearance of new ones, existing ones may increase or darken during this period. All these processes are associated with increased production of melanin (a hormone of skin pigment). Just as the color of the navel, the area near the nipples or the stripe on the stomach changes, so do moles.

If the new spot does not cause painful sensations, i.e. does not itch or become inflamed, then everything is normal. This also applies to existing ones that have darkened or increased in size. But if at least one of the above symptoms occurs, then you need to see a doctor. Do not forget that there is a risk of malignancy, despite the fact that it is minimal.

Regarding any changes occurring with nevi, a pregnant woman should consult with her gynecologist. The gynecologist will give a referral to a dermatologist, who will diagnose the disturbing neoplasms and decide what to do with them next. Removing moles during pregnancy is not recommended, but it is not prohibited either. You can get rid of those growths that are subject to regular trauma, that is, are in the high-risk group for degeneration. Skin defects in the perineum and birth canal are necessarily removed, as they can be damaged and even infected during the birth process. If a malignant nevus is detected in a pregnant woman, that is, they are also removed.

What to do if a child has a mole?

The appearance of moles in children is a common phenomenon, which in most cases does not cause concern. In search of an answer to the question of why a child has a mole, you need to contact a dermatologist. The doctor will conduct diagnostics, determine the type of skin formation and the reason for its appearance (heredity, accumulation of melanocytes, unfavorable environmental factors).

Nevi can appear immediately after birth, in which case they are classified as congenital. They come in different colors, sizes, and locations. As a rule, there are a few of them, 3-10 pieces. As they grow older, they increase in size and darken, some disappear, others appear.

• Most often, children are diagnosed with pigmented growths on the head, bridge of the nose and back of the head. They are congenital in nature, as they are formed during the period of intrauterine development.
• The second most common type of birthmark is flat birthmarks. They increase in size with age but do not change color.
• Hemangiomas are extremely rare – convex neoplasms of various colors. In most cases, they grow on the face, causing aesthetic inconvenience.

Many parents raise the urgent question of removing such formations. This may be due to the risk of their degeneration into malignant tumors and the fact that they spoil the child's appearance. The same methods are used for removal as for adult patients: laser surgery, cryodestruction or electrocoagulation. The final decision and permission for removal is given by a dermatologist, based on the test results.

Complications and consequences

A birthmark, like any other skin neoplasm, is a potential risk of oncology. To prevent pathology, many owners of nevi decide to remove them. An incorrectly performed procedure threatens serious dangers. The consequences are varied, from infection to malignancy. In order to objectively assess the possible consequences of the procedure, let's consider the most common ones:

• Very often it is not possible to completely remove the growth, so repeated operations are performed. This leads to serious trauma and thinning of the skin, the appearance of scars.
• Some treatments involve the use of liquid nitrogen, which can cause a burn. In this case, the patient will have a long recovery period.
• Many procedures leave behind traces, from light, almost invisible scars to serious compactions and keloid scars.
• When using surgical removal, there is a risk of infection and bleeding.
• Attempts to independently get rid of skin features using folk methods and other home-made methods threaten the development of melanoma.

Before deciding on the removal procedure, it is necessary to weigh all the pros and cons. Since the above-described consequences can significantly complicate the situation.

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The mole has grown and itches

In some cases, unpleasant and even painful sensations appear in the nevus area. The fact that the mole has grown and itches may be due to various factors. Most often, it is irritation from tight clothing. A more serious cause of discomfort is the rapid division of its cells, which leads to a rapid increase in size and is a risk of melanoma.

There are a number of reasons that can lead to itching and growth:

• Allergic reaction.
• Various injuries and damage to the skin.
• Hormonal changes in the body or the use of hormonal drugs.
• Enhanced massage and other mechanical effects.
• Increased ultraviolet radiation.

Regardless of the cause of discomfort, you should consult a dermatologist. The doctor will prescribe adequate treatment and assess the degree of risk. If necessary, a procedure to remove the skin neoplasm will be performed.

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A mole has grown and it hurts

Melanocytic cells can manifest themselves on any part of the body, forming a nevus. Such neoplasms are most often benign, but under certain conditions they can degenerate into cancer. If you notice that a mole has grown and hurts, this may indicate the onset of a pathological process. This requires professional help from a dermatologist.

In most cases, pain occurs due to injury. But the cause may be related to the action of any other irritants, for example, increased solar radiation. If the nevus is sick, then in addition to discomfort and its accelerated growth, one can observe the appearance of asymmetry in its shape and bleeding, a change in color. In this case, the doctor prescribes removal with its subsequent diagnosis and histological analysis. Based on the results of the studies, additional treatment in the form of topical drugs or tablets may be prescribed.

If a mole has grown on the body, then in most cases it does not pose a danger. Complications arise when it degenerates into melanoma. This happens due to trauma, processes occurring in the body (changes in hormone levels), drug therapy or increased UV radiation. Some nevi are initially dangerous, so they require increased attention.

Regular self-examination of the body and monitoring of the condition of birthmarks will help prevent various life-threatening complications. At the first pathological symptoms (change in color, size, asymmetry, bleeding, etc.), you should contact a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the neoplasm, diagnose it and, if necessary, remove it, thereby preventing irreversible consequences.

Diagnostics mole growth

Moles, regardless of their origin, require medical examination, especially if they have begun to increase sharply in size, have changed color, structure or shape. Diagnostics begins with a consultation with a dermatologist. The doctor examines the growth and draws up a further research plan.

Diagnostics consists of:

• Collection of anamnesis and visual examination.
• Digital dermatoscopy.
• Laboratory research.
• Punch biopsy.

The main emphasis is on the results of dermatoscopy. It is after this that tests and biopsy can be prescribed. During the examination, the doctor evaluates the size, presence of asymmetry, structure and color. The structure has a certain classification, which allows you to get complete information about the nevus.

In order to determine how deep the melanocyte cells are, a computer epiluminescent study is conducted. The growth is illuminated in depth, determining the level of its occurrence. If there is a suspicion that it has degenerated into melanoma, then a radioisotope study (non-invasive diagnostics) is indicated. The patient needs to drink sodium diphosphate, then using contact radiometry, the isotope level in the neoplasm and healthy tissues is determined.

A thermometric method can also be used, the essence of which lies in identifying pathology using the difference in skin temperature. As a rule, healthy and affected skin have a difference of 4 degrees. Histology is of decisive diagnostic importance. To do this, the doctor removes and examines tissue under a microscope. His results confirm or refute the malignancy of the skin defect.

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Tests

Laboratory diagnostics in studying the condition of the nevus is of secondary importance. Blood and urine tests are necessary to detect oncology. Blood tests determine the level of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. Its high levels indicate the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Biochemical analysis is necessary to assess the condition of the bone marrow, kidneys and liver, which can also be affected by cancer cells.

Histological analysis is very important. To perform it, the mole is excised, the obtained tissues are processed with special histological solutions and examined under a microscope. Based on its results, it is possible to determine whether the neoplasm is benign, pre-malignant or malignant. This study can also be used to judge the presence and severity of the inflammatory process (specific and non-specific).

Instrumental diagnostics

After a visual examination and a set of laboratory tests, the patient is sent for instrumental diagnostics. Let's consider the main instrumental research methods:

1. Dermatoscopy

A simple, painless examination using a special device – a dermatoscope. Allows you to assess the stage of development of a neoplasm and identify melanoma. The method is a visual multiple increase. The procedure consists of:

• A gel is applied to the skin to increase the transparency of the dermis and prevent glare.
• Direction of special lighting.
• Examination with an optical dermatoscope and its macro photography.
• Recording the size of the nevus using a special scale on the device.
• Assessment of the condition and diagnosis.

Dermoscopy can be used to create a map of moles. This is typically done for patients with multiple skin defects that are of concern.

2. Biopsy

A biopsy is taken from the pigmented neoplasm and sent for histology. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Today, there are several types of biopsy:

• Razor - indicated for moles with a low risk of degeneration. If there is a risk of oncological transformation, the method is not used, since the thickness of the cut is insufficient to determine the degree of cancer penetration into the skin.
• Puncture – several layers of skin are taken for examination (epidermis, dermis, upper layer and fatty tissue).
• Incisional and excisional are the most invasive methods that reveal melanocytes in the deep layers of the skin. Excisional methods involve complete removal of the nevus, while incisional methods involve partial removal.

If the biopsy reveals cancer cells, nearby tissues and lymph nodes are examined. This involves fine-needle aspiration biopsy and lymph node surgery. If melanoma has spread to other organs, it must be separated from other types of cancer.

In addition to the above procedures, epiluminescent dermatoscopy, computer diagnostics, histology and other informative methods can be used.

Differential diagnosis

To determine the degree of malignancy of pigmented neoplasms and the risk of their degeneration, a whole range of different research procedures are available to doctors. Differential diagnostics is necessary to distinguish a skin growth from phenomena with similar symptoms.

Differentiation is represented by the following algorithm:

• Collection of anamnesis – the dermatologist determines when the mole appeared, whether its size and color have changed, whether there are any unpleasant or painful sensations (itching, peeling, bleeding).
• Visual examination - its condition, surrounding tissues and lymph nodes are studied.
• Laboratory tests – the patient gives blood and urine. The blood test may detect tumor markers of melanoma – protein S-100 and LDH. Histology of pigmented tissues is also performed.
• Molecular research – after studying the condition of all existing neoplasms, it is possible to identify even the smallest mole affected by melanoma (RT-PCR).
• Dermatoscopy and confocal microscopy – visual magnification and study of the structure of a neoplasm at the cellular level using infrared radiation.
• Radioisotope scanning is performed regularly to monitor the dynamics of changes.
• Computer diagnostics – MRI, CT, ultrasound and other methods to obtain additional information about the condition of the nevus and the body.

A mole is differentiated from a common wart, fibroma, basalioma and other tumor-like neoplasms. The examination largely depends on its localization.

Which doctor should I go to if a mole has grown?

The prevalence of oncological diseases is growing every day. People with various skin diseases and numerous nevi are at risk. If you belong to this category, then you should know which doctor to go to if a mole has grown.

So, if you see a suspicious pigmented growth, you should not panic. The first thing you need to do is to contact your therapist, who will give you a referral to a dermatologist. It is the dermatologist who studies and treats skin neoplasms. There are a number of symptoms that require medical diagnosis of a nevus:

• Complete color change, increased pigmentation or discoloration.
• Uneven color, redness.
• Deformation, appearance of asymmetry.
• New rapidly growing shoots appeared around the growth.
• The boundaries became unclear and blurry.
• An areola appeared, that is, a slight redness around the pigment.
• Pain, flaking, itching, bleeding, inflammation.
• Violation of integrity, formation of cracks and ulcers.

The above-described phenomena may indicate the degeneration of benign nevi into melanoma. To be on the safe side and to detect the pathological process early, it is necessary to undergo a series of examinations by a dermatologist.

The doctor will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. If the results do not reveal cancer cells, the mole is left alone. Otherwise, it is removed with subsequent histological examination of the tissues and treatment. If the skin defect is safe, but causes aesthetic inconvenience or is subject to frequent trauma, it is also removed. For this, modern and safe methods are used: laser surgery, cryodestruction, radio wave removal, excision. After the procedure, the patient is given recommendations for the recovery period. If they are followed, no scars or other defects remain at the site of the operation.

Treatment mole growth

Regardless of the location of nevi on the body, they all require careful monitoring and diagnostics. Treatment is carried out by a dermatologist if there is a risk of malignant degeneration or the mole has already taken the form of melanoma. Treatment is also necessary in case of frequent trauma or aesthetic discomfort from the nevus.

Drug therapy is not used in most cases, as it does not have a pronounced effect on the formed neoplasms. A course of medication is indicated if the skin defect has arisen against the background of other pathological conditions. In other cases, treatment involves complete removal of the mole.

What to do if a mole has grown?

Many owners of pigmented skin lesions are tormented by the question of what to do if a mole has grown? The first thing you need to do is determine how quickly the increase occurred. The faster the nevus has grown, the more serious the prognosis. In most cases, pigment spots increase gradually, by 1-2 mm per year. It is difficult to notice such changes visually, especially if the mole is in a poorly visible area. In this case, you need to contact a dermatologist who will conduct a comprehensive examination.

If it is not possible to visit a doctor at the moment or you are not sure that the nevus has grown, then it is worth answering a number of questions:

• Is there any itching, burning, cracking or peeling?
• Have the edges, color or shape changed?
• Is there swelling of the pigment itself or the skin around it?

If there are no positive answers to the above questions, then it is worthwhile to continue to monitor the condition of the growth. But if there are alarming signals, then medical help is urgently needed. This is due to the fact that growth in combination with other pathological symptoms can be a sign of degeneration. But do not panic in advance, since in some cases harmless physiological processes (pregnancy, puberty, menopause) or prolonged exposure to sunlight can provoke changes.

Medicines

Treatment with various drugs is aimed at suppressing growth and removing pigment. Most often, local drugs are used, which allow tissue destruction, have an anti-inflammatory, resolving and accelerating skin recovery effect.

Let's look at popular drugs for the destruction of moles:

• Stefalin is a herbal ointment against many types of nevi. The rich herbal composition penetrates into the deep layers of the skin, thereby removing complex neoplasms. The product is applied to the skin for 40-60 minutes once a day until the desired effect is achieved.
• Viferon is an ointment that is used in most cases to remove warts. However, according to patient reviews, the product helps remove some types of moles. The medicine contains interferon, which has protective and regenerative properties. It is used for 5-30 days until the defect completely disappears.
• Panavir is a herbal remedy in the form of a gel with antiviral properties. It is used to remove nevi of viral origin. After application to the skin, it penetrates deep into the tissue, completely destroying melanocyte cells, preventing their recurrence.
• Aldara is a cream with the active ingredient imiquimod. It is usually used to remove moles in intimate areas. The drug is applied to cleansed skin 2-3 times a week until the desired result is achieved.

The use of the above-described medications is possible only with the appropriate doctor's prescription. Their independent use can cause unpredictable consequences that will lead to malignant degeneration of the nevus.

Folk remedies

There are various methods used to remove moles. Their choice depends on the location of the pigment, its size and nature (benign/malignant). Folk treatment is a method of alternative medicine, the results of which are quite controversial.

Popular folk recipes:

• Silver nitrate or lapis is a substance used to cauterize and disinfect skin lesions. To remove nevi, it is applied to the skin 1-2 times a day until signs of pigment reduction appear. If after a month of such therapy there are no positive effects, then another method of treatment should be chosen.
• Celandine is the most popular remedy for fighting pigment growths. It has cauterizing and disinfecting properties. The plant juice is applied to the surface of the skin defect in a thin layer. The procedures are carried out until the pigment is completely lightened. Since the juice does not have sufficient viscosity, it can be mixed with Vaseline or baby cream.
• Vinegar essence - this remedy is much more effective than celandine and lapis. After applying to the skin, it causes painful sensations. According to reviews, with the help of vinegar, you can get rid of a mole within a week.
• Lemon juice – has a cauterizing effect. For removal, use undiluted, freshly squeezed juice, applying to the skin 5-6 times a day.
• Hemp oil – its action is based on removing pigment from the skin. The product is applied to the skin 3-4 times a day for a month. Since the oil does not destroy tissue, there is no pain, which allows it to be used for small children.

All the above methods are effective in 15% of cases. In addition, the use of cauterizing agents and concentrated acids threatens severe damage and infection of the skin.

Herbal treatment

Another alternative medicine option is herbal treatment. To lighten and remove nevi, you can use the following recipes:

• Pour 30 g of fresh daisy flowers with 350 ml of cold water and let it brew for 2-3 hours. The resulting infusion should be filtered and applied as a compress 2-3 times a day.
• To lighten a mole, mix lemon juice and parsley root juice in a 1:1 ratio. Apply the product at night, every other day for a month.
• Another safe option for lightening is cucumber poultices. Take a large cucumber, peel it and chop it using a blender, meat grinder or grater. Soak gauze in the resulting infusion and apply it to the neoplasm 3-5 times a day.
• During the milkweed flowering season, pick a couple of stems of the plant, wash and chop. The resulting gruel should be applied to the defect for 10-20 minutes. Perform 3-4 procedures per day and so on until the mole completely disappears.

Homeopathy

Nevi are classified as dermatological defects, for the elimination of which many different methods are used. Homeopathy is an alternative method of treatment. It is very often used for malignant degeneration of moles. All drugs are selected by a doctor after a full examination.

Most often, patients are prescribed to treat the affected area with boric alcohol and sprinkle with streptocide powder 1-2 times a day. These procedures can also be carried out after surgical treatment. The most effective drug for any type of moles is Acidum nitricum. Its use leads to a gradual reduction and drying of growths. Another remedy used to remove unwanted nevi is Psorinum. It stops the process of malignancy, eliminates itching, peeling and pain. The dosage, method of administration and duration of treatment are determined by the homeopath, individually for each patient.

Surgical treatment

In most cases, surgical methods are used to treat pigmented skin lesions. Surgical treatment is possible both for medical reasons and at the patient's request, for example, in case of cosmetic problems. As for medical indications, these are, first of all, signs of malignancy. Removal is not a serious operation, so the procedure is performed by many cosmetology centers. Its main condition is the exclusion of any malignant lesions and melanoma. If a pathological process is suspected, the procedure is performed only by a dermato-oncologist.

The main methods of surgical treatment:

• Laser excision – tissues are carefully excised using a laser. After such a procedure, no scars or marks remain on the skin.
• Surgical excision – removal is performed with a scalpel under local anesthesia. The entire procedure takes about an hour. Sutures are placed on the site of the mole. This method may leave scars and keloids. If the removal was incomplete, the growth will recur.
• Radiosurgery – high-frequency radio waves are used for treatment. The surgical site is anesthetized, and the entire procedure takes no more than 5-10 minutes. The advantage of this method is that it is contactless and prevents hemorrhages.
• Cryodestruction – the pigmented neoplasm is exposed to liquid nitrogen, which freezes the melanocyte cells. If the procedure is carried out carelessly, healthy tissues may be damaged. This method is characterized by a long recovery period and relapses.
• Electrocoagulation – using high-frequency electric current, pigment tissues are removed. The method is bloodless, but can cause thermal burns and scarring.

Each of the above methods has its advantages and disadvantages. In order to choose the most effective method of treatment, you should consult a dermatologist.

Prevention

Moles are a natural decoration of the body, but if left without due attention, they can cause many problems. Prevention is primarily aimed at preventing the development of melanoma. People with low melanin content in the skin are at risk, as it protects tissues from the destructive effects of UV radiation. Owners of a large number of various nevi should also be careful. Since their injury can also provoke a pathological process.

Let's consider the main preventive measures aimed at preventing malignant transformation of moles:

• There are many dermatological diseases that can become a provoking factor for the development of melanoma. If a rash, itching, hyperemia or peeling of unknown etiology appears on the skin, then you should consult a doctor.
• Ultraviolet radiation is especially dangerous. Limit your time in the sun, as sunburn or intense tanning can also cause cancer.
• Maintain optimal skin moisture levels. Dryness predisposes to malignant cell changes. Use special moisturizing creams and lotions. To choose them, you can consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist who will determine your skin type and advise you on the specifics of skin care.
• Various mechanical injuries, friction and other physical impact on the pigmented growth are also a risk of its malignancy. If you have moles that are often injured, they should be removed and histologically examined.
• If moles grow on your hands, it is very important to protect them from exposure to chemical irritants. Basic detergents and cleaning agents can cause itching, soreness, and an increase in the size of the nevus.

It is also necessary to undergo regular consultations with a dermatologist. Constant monitoring of the condition of moles will help prevent any pathological processes.

Forecast

Why a mole has grown and what to do is a question that will never lose its relevance. Improper care of nevi, their constant trauma and a number of other factors can cause skin cancer. Melanoma ranks 9th among cancers with a fatal outcome. The prognosis of any mole depends on the timely detection of pathological changes. As soon as you notice that the pigmented neoplasm has increased in size, changed color, or has become the cause of painful sensations, you must immediately contact a dermatologist.

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