Why does a mole grow and what to do?

Absolutely everyone has moles: some people just have more of them, while others have several. There is nothing strange about the appearance of such pigment spots. A mole grows slowly, proportionally to the growth of the body, without causing discomfort or unpleasant sensations. But if the growth of a mole has sharply accelerated, it has changed its color, or has begun to remind of itself with tingling or pain - this is already a reason to worry.

Why does a mole grow and what to do? Much is known and nothing is known about moles: this is the opinion expressed by one of the domestic dermatologists. Indeed, there are many beliefs and even superstitions around the notorious spot. Grandmothers and grandfathers are absolutely sure: it is absolutely forbidden to touch birthmarks. Surgeons insist: the sooner the mole is removed, the better. Who is right?

We hope that our article will help you get answers to the most common questions regarding this topic.

Causes mole growth

As a rule, as a person grows, so do the moles on his body. Moreover, their number increases.

An increase in the size of a birthmark proportionally to the size of the body is considered normal. The number of birthmarks increases depending on the presence of favorable factors:

• infectious skin diseases, inflammatory elements on the skin surface;
• hormonal changes, both physiological and pathological (for example, the period of puberty, the period of bearing a child, menopause, etc.);
• excessive ultraviolet radiation;
• regular mechanical damage to the skin and birthmarks (from clothing, razors, accessories, etc.).

The growth of a mole is considered relatively safe when the spot increases by up to 2 mm per year. If the size increases sharply or too quickly, then one can suspect the onset of a pathological process. In addition to size, such processes are accompanied by compaction of the formation, color change, sometimes there is a sensation of itching or tingling, bleeding or peeling.

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Pathogenesis

To date, the pathogenesis of mole growth has not been fully determined. Only theoretically, a number of possible exogenous and internal causes stimulating a mole to appear and grow are identified.

Many scientists do not deny the genetically determined appearance of moles. In addition, the level of melanin production - a pigment substance produced by melanocytes - is controlled by melanostimulating hormone. Disruption of this control can occur in diseases of the central nervous system or liver, in disorders of the ovaries, adrenal glands and thyroid gland.

However, the majority of moles grow as a result of excessive UV radiation and a breakdown in the antioxidant protection of the skin. For example, ultraviolet radiation directly stimulates the production of melanin by melanocyte cells. Moreover, the more intense the radiation and the longer the stay under UV, the more melanin is produced. If irradiation occurs against the background of weak antioxidant protection of the skin, then the growth of a mole is almost guaranteed.

In addition, the following factors increase the skin’s vulnerability:

• decreased synthesis of glucocorticoids;
• inflammatory diseases of the skin;
• suppression of hyaluronic acid synthesis;
• frequent or incorrect peeling procedures;
• laser and photoprovoking procedures;
• natural aging of the skin;
• injuries, skin burns;
• hormonal disorders and shifts;
• the influence of certain medications (oral contraceptives, chemotherapy drugs, etc.);
• liver dysfunction.

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Symptoms mole growth

Moles are never the same. They can vary in color (from beige to dark brown), convexity (flat, convex, hanging), location and shape.

A mole growth of 2 mm per year without changing color and without causing any discomfort can be considered normal. The first signs of abnormal mole growth, which require special attention, are usually the following:

• The appearance of asymmetry.

Normally, a birthmark is symmetrical. If the shape of the spot does not correspond to this sign, it is better to consult a doctor.

• Borders and edges.

Normally, a mole is clearly defined, not blurred, and without jagged edges.

• Color shades.

The color of the formation is normally always uniform and homogeneous. Pathology may include blackening, reddening of the mole, the appearance of dots, veins, etc. in its structure.

• Diameter of the mole.

Spots of significant diameter are always more prone to degeneration. Formations with intensive growth are especially dangerous.

• Development of a mole in dynamics.

With age, moles on the skin can both appear and disappear. And this will not always be considered a sign of illness. What should alert you:

• rapid increase in the size or number of moles;
• a feeling of itching, tingling, or pain in the mole;
• superficial peeling;
• bleeding, cracks appearing.

The most common questions related to mole growth

• My child has moles growing on his body. Is this normal?

Sometimes a child can be born with existing birthmarks. This most often happens to children with light skin or premature babies. There is nothing to worry about: moreover, it is believed that congenital nevi are less likely to degenerate into a cancerous tumor than those that appear in adulthood.

If birthmarks appear in a child with age, then you should simply observe them and follow some precautions to avoid complications. Most birthmarks are genetically determined, and there is no need to be afraid of them. It is good if such a child is periodically examined by a dermatologist.

• I have dark moles and even a few red ones. I recently noticed that the red mole is growing. Is it dangerous?

A red spot is most often not a mole, but a hemangioma - a cluster of vessels. Usually, such formations are not touched at first, but their growth is observed dynamically. The fact is that sometimes hemangiomas can even disappear on their own.

In any case, if a red mole is growing, it is better to see a surgeon or dermatologist.

• During pregnancy, many moles appeared, and one mole grows and itches. Should I worry about this?

Indeed, pregnant women very often experience increased growth of moles and the appearance of new ones. This is due to a radical hormonal restructuring within the body, because the amount of certain hormones increases thousands (!) of times. The situation can be further aggravated if the woman has problems with the thyroid gland.

The growth of a mole in a pregnant woman is not always a disease. But if the formation itches, or other pathological changes appear, which we wrote about above, then a doctor's consultation should be not only mandatory, but also urgent.

• What to do if a hanging mole grows on a stalk?

The growth of a hanging mole is no different from the growth of any other birthmark. If the growth is insignificant and there are no other signs of degeneration, then there is no need to panic. Otherwise, the doctor's intervention is mandatory.

• Recently I noticed that a black mole is growing on my body. However, all the other moles are lighter. What could it be?

A black mole contains more pigment and is therefore considered more dangerous in terms of cancerous degeneration. The owner of such a formation must carefully observe and record any slightest change in the spot. And it is even better if a doctor does this.

• New moles are constantly growing. Is this considered normal?

As we have already said, the growth of a mole can be associated with many reasons. Therefore, the appearance of new pigmented formations is quite understandable and is considered a normal variant. Some people have thousands of moles on their body, and they are quite healthy. Another issue is that a person with a large number of birthmarks is more susceptible to the development of cancerous tumors. For this reason, such people are advised to regularly visit a dermatologist for diagnosis.

• If a raised mole grows, but its color does not change, should you panic?

If the growth of a mole is intense, exceeding 2 mm per year, then it is really worth panicking. More precisely, do not panic, but consult a doctor for advice and diagnosis. If the increase is small, and there are no other negative signs, then there is most likely no reason to panic. For more accurate information, you should still see a doctor.

• A flat mole is growing in diameter: is it possible to remove a flat mole? And should it be done?

A flat mole is removed in the same way as other, for example, convex, formations. If the spot bothers you, then it is certainly desirable to get rid of it. And the sooner this is done, the better.

• I have never had many moles on my body. But I heard that moles grow the most during pregnancy. Does this happen to all women?

This happens to the vast majority of women, depending on their genetic predisposition. That is, some may develop several additional formations, while others may develop several dozen. Both cases are normal.

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Complications and consequences

The main complication of a birthmark is its degeneration, or malignancy. But not all birthmarks degenerate. Most often, nevi with a diameter of more than 20 mm degenerate into cancerous tumors. The percentage of malignancy is approximately 5 to 15%.

Birthmarks located in the facial area are especially at risk, as are people with a large number of pigmented lesions on the body (more than 2 dozen).

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Diagnostics mole growth

How is mole growth diagnosed?

First of all, the doctor will examine the disturbing birthmark and make certain conclusions: whether the formation differs from other similar pigment spots, whether there are signs of malignant degeneration.

The next step is instrumental diagnostics, the most informative representative of which is dermatoscopy.

Dermatoscopy is used to visualize structural changes in the skin. The procedure is performed using a dermatoscope, which consists of a magnifying glass, a light emitter, a transparent plate, and a special gel-like substance that is applied to the skin where it comes into contact with the device. This reflects light from the rough surface of the skin. A dermatoscope allows you to distinguish benign moles from malignant cancerous neoplasms. This procedure is a good alternative to a skin biopsy, which involves removing a tissue element from a suspicious nevus.

The tests are carried out after the birthmark is removed. The birthmark is sent for histological analysis, which can confirm or refute suspicions of malignancy.

Differential diagnostics are carried out with cancerous tumors, melanomas, papillomas, hemangiomas.

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Treatment mole growth

What to do if a mole is growing? If you notice a gradually growing mole, you should follow these recommendations:

• pay attention to the symmetry of the neoplasm;
• make sure the edges of the stain are smooth;
• observe the color change;
• periodically monitor the growth of the mole in millimeters, carefully recording the figures;
• Having the above observations in hand, you should visit a doctor.

Which doctor should I see if a mole is growing? You can see a dermatologist, an oncologist, a surgeon: all these specialists can help with the problem and stop the mole from growing.

Is it possible to remove a growing mole?

Removal of growing moles can be done in different ways, more or less effective. If the question is whether to remove a birthmark or not, then the answer from specialists is unambiguous: of course, remove it.

Let us list the main removal methods that are practiced in most medical institutions.

• The method of cauterization with liquid nitrogen is not the most effective method, because in most cases only the protruding surface of the formation is removed, while the tissues located deeper remain.
• The cryodestruction method is freezing of the mole, similar to cauterization. After cryodestruction, there is also a risk of relapse.
• Electrocoagulation method – the use of electric current in combination with local anesthesia. Before the advent of laser technology, the latter method was considered the most effective.
• Surgical treatment – removal of pigmented neoplasm with a scalpel. It is used for large or deep moles that cannot be removed in any other way. The method is traumatic but effective. A small scar remains at the site of the intervention.
• The laser method is currently considered the most acceptable for high-quality removal of moles. The depth of penetration of the laser beam is determined by the doctor: it is easy to control so that the formation is completely removed. At the same time, healthy tissues are practically not affected, and a small trace remains at the site of the birthmark, like from a burn, which over time becomes almost invisible.

Advantages of laser removal:

• the method is absolutely bloodless;
• after removal, scar tissue does not form;
• healthy surrounding tissues are not damaged;
• the risk of complications developing is extremely minimal;
• the operation takes place quickly, within 10-15 minutes;
• Removal can be performed in any area of the body.

Disadvantages of laser procedure:

• It is impossible to remove large moles.

The doctor decides which method to choose. However, the patient's opinion should also be taken into account. The size of the birthmark, its condition, the patient's condition in general, the depth of the birthmark's growth, as well as some other individual characteristics should be taken into account.

What if a mole grows back after removal?

Sometimes a mole grows again, in the same place. This can happen if the neoplasm is removed incorrectly or incompletely. That is why when choosing a method for removing a mole, you need to check with your doctor whether there is a risk of relapse. If there is such a risk, then it makes sense to choose another method, including surgery.

In addition to choosing the right removal method, it is also important to choose the right specialist who will perform the procedure. It is unacceptable to remove moles in beauty salons, from people who do not have qualifications or even medical education. You should not use peeling, photodestruction, or laser skin resurfacing to get rid of a growing mole. All these procedures are aimed only at superficial effects, which sooner or later only worsens the situation with birthmarks.

Will medication help if a mole is growing?

Some doctors prescribe medications when a benign mole grows: mainly, these are vitamin preparations that contain substances important for the body (vitamins, amino acids, etc.). The essence of their prescription is that often the mass appearance and growth of moles can be provoked by a deficiency of certain substances in a person. The use of such therapeutic and prophylactic drugs is justified in most cases. But it should be noted: the formations that have already appeared will not disappear after taking the drug. Treatment will only help prevent the growth and increase in the number of pigment spots.

• AEvit is a combination of vitamins A and E in one preparation. AEvit is taken for up to one and a half months, 1 capsule per day with food.
• Vitamin C is an extremely important vitamin for the body. It is taken at 0.05-1 g per day.
• Methionine is an essential amino acid that is needed, first of all, to normalize liver function. Methionine is prescribed orally, approximately 1 g up to 4 times a day half an hour before meals. Treatment should be continued for up to 1 month, or in short 10-day courses.
• Riboflavin is a vitamin product, a regulator of oxidation and reduction processes. Tablets are taken for one and a half months, 0.005-0.01 g up to 3 times a day.
• Skinoren is an anti-pigment cream that suppresses the growth of abnormal melanocytes. It is used as an external agent, lightly rubbing into the pigment spot area twice a day.
• Folic acid is a vitamin substance that belongs to the B vitamins. It actively participates in metabolic processes, as well as in the production of amino acids. The drug is used in an amount of 20 to 50 mg per day. During pregnancy, the dosage of the drug is determined by the doctor.

Folk remedies and growth of moles

Treatment with herbs and other folk remedies is very popular: preparations prepared in a folk way are usually available and have few side effects. However, can such remedies be used for active growth of moles?

Frankly speaking, if there is a risk of degeneration of a birthmark, any delay can cost serious consequences. Therefore, doctors definitely do not recommend taking risks, but immediately removing the neoplasm.

Only in extremely rare cases, when the birthmark is small, shallow and 100% benign, is it permissible to use folk remedies, but only after consulting a doctor.

• Fresh celandine juice is applied to the mole in the morning and evening until the formation falls off on its own.
• Cut a raw potato and rub the stain with a clean cut, then throw the potato away.
• Grind a clove of garlic, pour vinegar over it and knead the dough with the addition of flour. Put a flat cake of this dough on the birthmark, fix it with a plaster and do not remove it for 2-3 days. If there is no effect after the first procedure, it can be repeated.
• Freshly picked iris leaves are applied under the bandage.
• Apply grated rose hip flowers several times a day.
• Place a drop of vinegar essence on the birthmark once a day.

You need to be extremely careful with folk methods of mole removal. It is better if the treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

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Homeopathy for Growing Mole

Homeopathic treatment of birthmarks is not very common, as there are not many drugs that can help in this matter. One of the representatives of such homeopathic remedies is Acidum nitricum - nitric acid, which is active against erosive, ulcerative skin lesions, cracks, warts, rashes and benign formations.

The drug is prescribed individually. The most commonly used homeopathic treatment regimen is: up to 10 drops of the drug twice a day before meals.

Prevention

To avoid worrying about the growth of a mole and the increase in the number of birthmarks, it is recommended to listen to such advice.

• Carefully observe the condition of "old" moles, record any changes in color, shape, structure, etc. Any suspicion should be a reason to consult a doctor.
• Sunbathe correctly: do not stay in the sun for too long, avoid being in the sun from 10:00 to 16:00. If possible, wear closed clothing during the active sun phase, be sure to use a hat (for example, a Panama hat). Do not neglect sunscreens with a high protection factor.
• Try to avoid wearing clothes with tight straps, elastic bands and straps that could injure existing moles.
• Be careful when taking a shower or bath. Avoid hard washcloths that can injure and irritate your skin. Be especially careful when shaving so as not to damage protruding moles.
• Try to treat any illnesses in a timely manner, including infectious, viral, as well as diseases of internal organs and the endocrine system. During pregnancy, monitor your hormonal background and regularly consult a doctor.

Forecast

The prognosis of an intensively growing pigmented formation on the skin depends on the time of detection and the degree of progression of degeneration. If you contact a doctor in a timely manner, most moles can be removed before a dangerous stage develops.

Deeply located birthmarks at the stage of malignant transformation can be treated surgically in the absence of spread to the lymphatic system, as well as to other tissues and organs.

A benign formation can be observed without taking drastic measures to remove it. The main thing is to regularly visit a doctor who will assess the growth of the mole and, at the slightest suspicion, prescribe the necessary treatment. If a mole grows, then there is no need to panic. But this circumstance should not be ignored either: in case of timely seeking medical help, the prognosis can be considered favorable.

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