Moles are often thought of as small black spots on the skin that are harmless, but their presence can sometimes indicate a health problem, especially in relation to skin cancer.
Let's take a look at how moles form
Moles are common skin lesions that form when there is an excessive concentration of melanocytes (the cells that produce skin color) in the skin. Most moles are benign, but some may develop into melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
According to research from Peking University Cancer Hospital, there is no correlation between the number of moles and the risk of cancer in the body. However, this does not mean that all moles are safe.
Some specific types of moles, especially those that change rapidly, have irregular edges, are uneven in color, or are more than 6 mm in diameter, require special attention, and here are some common types of moles and their characteristics:
There are three main types of nevi: junctional nevi, intradermal nevi, and mixed nevi.
Let's start with junctional nevi. These moles are usually located at the junction of the skin and dermis and are commonly found on the hands, soles of the feet, lips, and external genitalia.
They are characterized by a flat or slightly convex surface, generally around two millimeters in diameter, and a pale brown or black color. Although most junctional nevi are benign, a few may be at risk of becoming cancerous and developing into melanoma.
This is followed by intradermal nevi, which are found in the dermal layer of the skin. They are characterized by a relatively smooth surface, clear boundaries, generally more than one millimeter in diameter, and papulous growth.
Darker but relatively uniform in color, may appear light brown, dark brown, or jet black, often with hairs on the surface. Compared with junctional nevi, intradermal nevi have a lower risk of becoming cancerous and generally do not undergo malignancy.
Finally, there is the mixed nevus, which is a lesion formed by a mixture of junctional nevi and intradermal nevi. This type of nevus has the characteristics of both junctional nevi and intradermal nevi.
Often, mixed moles, although less likely to become cancerous, are still a cause for concern.
In addition to the type of mole, changes in the mole should also be noted. Seek medical attention if there are any changes in the color, shape, size, or height of the mole, or if there is an abnormality such as pain, itching, oozing, or bleeding around the mole.
The location of moles is also associated with cancer risk
The distribution of moles on the human body is related not only to the genetic factors of the individual, but also to the risk of melanoma.
Moles in specific locations may have a higher risk of developing melanoma. For example, moles on the back are associated with an increased risk of melanoma.
This may be because the back is one of the most exposed parts of the body to the sun, and long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays increases the risk of melanoma.
In addition to the back, moles on areas such as the head and neck may also be associated with the development of melanoma.
However, moles in these areas can be more difficult to self-examine, so moles in these areas may not be easy for people to notice when they change. This also underscores the importance of regular skin exams, especially for areas that are difficult to self-examine.
Modern medical research is constantly revealing the complex relationship between moles and cancer. For example, an article in the Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery discusses the research progress on the relationship between melanocytic nevi and melanoma.
The article points out that melanoma is the malignant proliferation of melanocytes, and about 26% of melanoma is directly progressed from benign melanocytic nevi.
This suggests that while not all moles will develop into cancer, some moles do present this risk.
Therefore, moles with irregular shapes and uneven colors, such as compound nevi and pigmented nevi, especially those that show changes, should be evaluated and treated by a doctor in a timely manner.
In addition to the characteristics of individual moles, people's genetic background and environmental exposures can also affect the relationship between moles and melanoma.
Some genetic factors may increase an individual's risk of developing melanoma, and sun exposure is one of the main risk factors for melanoma development.
Therefore, taking preventive measures, such as avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, getting regular skin checks, etc., is of great significance to reduce the occurrence of melanoma.
The number of moles
One study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, found a correlation between the number of moles and the risk of medical cancer.
Genetic analysis of large populations found that people with more moles had a slightly higher risk of medical cancer than those with fewer moles.
This finding has attracted a lot of attention from the scientific community, and perhaps we can use the number of moles as a new standard for cancer risk assessment.
Another study found that women with multiple moles were slightly more likely to develop breast cancer. The importance of this study lies in the fact that it offers a new perspective: to look at the relationship between hormone levels and cancer risk.
The formation of a mole is closely related to hormone levels, and changes in hormone levels are directly related to the development of breast cancer.
These findings suggest that the number of moles may be more than just a feature of the skin, but more likely a reflection of hormonal activity and genetic predisposition within the body.
For example, the formation of moles is associated with the activity of specific genes, and variations in these genes are associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer.
However, these studies also face challenges and limitations. The relationship between the number of moles and cancer risk can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetic background, environmental exposures, and lifestyle.
The strength of the association between the number of moles and specific types of cancer can vary from person to person, which means that more individualized research is needed to better understand this complex relationship.
The relationship between the number of moles and cancer risk is a multi-layered, multifactorial interaction. Future research needs to explore in more granular ways how these factors work together and how this knowledge can be used to improve cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Hopefully, with the advancement of science, we will be able to better understand how the number of moles reflects our health status, and apply this knowledge to clinical practice, providing new tools for the protection of human health.
Management of moles
In our daily skin management, the attitude towards moles should be cautious and balanced. Although most moles are benign, we also can't ignore those that may indicate skin cancer.
Therefore, it is especially important to have regular skin exams, especially for people with a family history of skin cancer.
Changes in moles can be early signs of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, a highly malignant skin tumor. According to research, there are an average of 10 to 40 moles on each person, and they are caused by an increase in melanocytes in the epidermis or dermis.
While most moles remain the same throughout their lives, some moles may have changes that can be early signs of melanoma development.
The body's immune system can sometimes be a little "tired". Just like when we usually work too long, our immune system will also be a little tired and less energetic.
This state reduces the ability of immune cells to distinguish and fight tumor cells, which increases the risk of cancer.
Especially after the age of 40, the immune system begins to age significantly, just like our body slowly ages, and the immune cells also begin to "keep up" and become less flexible.
When it comes to skin cancer, especially the type of malignant melanoma, its risk is linked to a weakened immune system. Malignant melanoma is no joke, it can pop out of a mole.
If the mole cells are stimulated, such as being exposed to the sun, or injured, or even if there is a small genetic problem, it may become dishonest and develop into melanoma.
Therefore, older people should pay more attention to the changes in their moles, especially those areas that are prone to friction or pressure, such as the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.
You should check it from time to time, and if there is anything wrong, you must find a doctor in time, and you can't be careless.
It is worth mentioning that although the incidence of melanoma accounts for only 1-3% of all malignant tumors, its incidence is increasing year by year, with about 20,000 new cases every year. This number makes us aware of the dangers of melanoma.
Unlike the trunk cutaneous melanoma in Western populations, continental melanoma is mainly found in the extremities and mucous membranes, and has little to do with ultraviolet light.
This difference means that the mature treatment system in foreign countries is not fully suitable for domestic patients, and we need to adjust and optimize it according to the actual situation.
For how to manage moles, first we need to understand the types of moles and their characteristics. Moles can be classified as junctional, intradermal, and mixed, and they vary in their malignant potential.
Junctional nevi are most susceptible to malignant transformation, while intradermal nevi are relatively stable in nature and generally do not undergo malignant transformation. Mixed nevi fall somewhere in between and have a certain tendency to become malignant.
In order to detect the malignant transformation of moles in time, we can use the ABCDE rule for self-examination. This law includes: asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, and evolution.
If a mole is abnormal in these areas, especially if the border is irregular, the color is uneven, the diameter is more than 6 mm, or there is any variation, we should be alert and consult a doctor in time.
Regular professional skin exams are also essential. Professional dermatologists can utilize a variety of tools, such as dermoscopy, to more accurately assess the condition of the mole.
If doctors suspect that a mole may be malignant, they may recommend a biopsy or other tests for further confirmation.
In the treatment of melanoma, mainland medical workers have made certain achievements. For example, for mucosal melanoma, the effectiveness of treatment has been improved through targeted drugs combined with immunotherapy, bringing new hope to patients.
In conclusion, we need to be vigilant when it comes to the management of moles, but we must not panic excessively. Through regular self-examinations and professional examinations, we can detect and treat moles that may indicate health problems.
The skin is our body's first line of defense, and to protect it is to protect ourselves.
References are as follows:
[1] Multiple moles are not necessarily associated with the risk of cancer in the body
[2] Research progress on the relationship between melanocytic nevus and melanoma
[3] PLoS Med: Girls with multiple moles may increase the risk of breast cancer
【4】Int J Cancer：色素痣的数量与癌症风险有关吗？
[5] Indiana University found that there are many moles, and the risk of breast cancer is high