On a calm afternoon, Uncle Li was pruning his cherished chrysanthemums in the garden. Suddenly, his granddaughter Xiaoli pointed to a mole next to his ear and asked, "Grandpa, is this mole big again?" Uncle Li smiled and waved his hand, but he didn't care. A few weeks later, he noticed that the mole had not only grown larger, but also started to itch. This time, he decided to go to the hospital for a check-up. The results of the examination showed that this seemingly ordinary mole turned out to be early stage skin cancer. Fortunately, due to timely detection, Uncle Li's condition was effectively controlled.
This story reminds us that every mole on the body can carry important health information. In particular, moles that grow in certain parts of the mole need to be of great concern. This article will delve into the potential links between moles in these areas and cancer, as well as provide practical recommendations for self-examination.
Moles in three areas: When the alarm bells go off
1. Facial moles: In the face of risks, they should not be ignored
The face is one of the most exposed areas to the sun, and UV rays are a major cause of skin cancer. In particular, moles on the wings of the nose and cheeks are more susceptible to direct sunlight and have a relatively high probability of mutation. When moles on the face appear enlarged, darkened, or irregularly shaped, they should be examined by a doctor. For example, it has been shown that moles in specific areas of the face have a higher risk of malignant transformation than other areas.
2. Torso moles: hidden in secrecy, not visible
The torso, especially the back and chest, is often covered with clothing and is not easily spotted. However, the changes in moles in these areas should not be ignored either. Because the skin in the trunk area is relatively thin, once a mole begins to malignantly transform, it can quickly affect the deep tissues. It is important to note that mole changes in these areas may not be noticeable, so regular full-body check-ups are especially important.
3. Moles of the limbs: dynamic changes, frequent alarms
Moles on the limbs, especially on the arms and calves, are more important to watch out for due to regular movement and rubbing. Asymmetry, blurred edges, and uneven color of moles on the extremities can be a precursor to skin cancer. Studies have shown that the chances of malignant changes in moles at specific locations on the limbs should not be underestimated.
Through the above analysis, we can see that moles in different parts of the body carry different health risks. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people, it is necessary to maintain a high degree of vigilance for moles in these areas.
"Self-inspection can't be ignored: the first line of defense to detect mole changes"
Moles are prevalent on our bodies. Most of the time, they are harmless, but certain changes may indicate a risk of skin cancer, particularly malignant melanoma. Timely detection of these changes is key to preventing skin cancer from developing. Here are some ways and points to self-check for moles:
Self-test of the rule:
It is recommended to perform a full body self-exam once a month to examine all parts of the body, including the back, scalp and soles of the feet, using a mirror.
Keep a note of the location and appearance of each mole so you can compare whether it has changed.
ABCDE Rule:
Asymmetry: If one half of the mole is different from the other, be alarmed.
Border: Moles with indistinct or irregular edges to look out for.
Color: The mole should be evenly colored. Multiple colors or color changes are warning signs.
Diameter: Moles larger than 6 mm in diameter (roughly the size of an eraser) require special attention.
Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or height of a mole should not be overlooked.
Other key points:
Newly growing moles or fast-growing moles are also a cause for concern.
Moles that are bleeding, itching, or painful should be alarmed.
The color of the mole changes from brown to black or heterochromatic such as red, blue and white.
"Professional diagnosis: when mole changes cause concern"
If you notice any worrisome mole changes during the self-exam, you should seek the help of a medical professional as soon as possible. Here are the recommendations of a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment:
Initial diagnosis:
The dermatologist will examine the appearance of the mole and may use a magnifying glass and a special light source for a more detailed examination.
The doctor will ask about the history and changes of the mole, how quickly it grows, how it changes color, etc.
Biopsy:
If a mole is suspected to be malignant, your doctor will recommend a biopsy. This is done by minor surgery to remove all or part of the mole for laboratory analysis.
A biopsy can determine if the mole is a malignant melanoma or another type of skin cancer.
Treatment Options:
If malignant is diagnosed, treatment may include surgery to remove the mole and its surrounding tissue.
In some cases, further treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, may be needed.
Your doctor will also recommend regular follow-up check-ups to monitor your skin for other changes.
Prevention & Routine Care:
In addition to monitoring and treating existing moles, doctors will also recommend preventive measures such as using sunscreen regularly and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, including a healthy diet and moderate physical activity, can also help reduce the risk of skin cancer.
With these methods and recommendations, we can better manage our skin health, identify potential risks in a timely manner, and take appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment are key in the fight against skin cancer.