Cancerous Moles - Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction:

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is commonly seen in the moles present in the skin. Skin cancer can result from a new or existing mole undergoing certain changes. Every mole is not cancerous and does not result in melanoma. Certain moles change to form cancer. Melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer.

What Is a Melanoma?

Cancerous moles, generally called melanoma, occurs in the melanocytes, the pigment-producing skin cell called melanin. Melanoma can result from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, severe sunburns, or due to indoor tanning. It can also result from abnormal changes or mutations in the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). It is an aggressive type of skin cancer that can spread to other body parts. The treatment of melanoma is often difficult as it has a high rate of spread. Early-stage diagnosis and effective treatment can increase the prognosis of melanoma.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Cancerous Mole?

Melanoma is usually seen in areas visible to sun exposure, like the face, hands, feet, neck, etc. They can also be visible in areas not exposed to sunlight, like toes, palms, scalp, or in genital areas. They are called hidden melanomas. Normal moles are uniform in color, generally black or brown. They have a distinct border that separates them from the surrounding skin tissues. They are oval or round in shape with a size generally of 6 millimeters. The first sign of melanoma is that a visible change can be observed in an existing mole, or there is a new pigmented or abnormal growth on the skin. The appearance of a cancerous mole can vary depending on the type of cancer. The following may confirm the signs and symptoms of a cancerous mole or melanoma -

• Asymmetry - Asymmetrical shapes of the moles like irregular shapes. When the mole is cut into two halves, it generally has asymmetrical or different-looking halves.

• Border - The borders of the cancerous moles are not smooth. They are generally irregularly shaped with scalloped borders.

• Color - Cancerous moles generally have an uneven distribution of colors like brown, black, grey, white, etc.

• Diameter - The diameter of the cancerous moles will be greater than a normal mole. They have a diameter above 6 millimeters.

• Evolving - A cancerous mole is constantly evolving. Changes will be seen in the moles' shape, size, color, and borders. They can also be associated with new symptoms like itching or bleeding.

What Are the Types of Cancerous Moles?

There are different types of cancerous moles. They are -

• Superficial Spreading Melanoma - It is the most common type of cancerous moles seen or melanoma. Seventy percent of melanomas are superficial spreading types. It is seen on the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. If left untreated, it can spread to the deep layers of the skin.

• Nodular Melanoma - It appears as a firm, raised growth similar to a blood blister. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the common cause of nodular melanoma.

• Lentigo Maligna Melanoma - It is a slow-growing cancer that occurs on the skin that is chronically damaged by sun exposure.

• Acral Lentiginous melanoma - A malignant melanoma that becomes aggressive with time. These melanomas are usually diagnosed at a later stage.

• Amelanotic Melanoma - It is an aggressive type of skin cancer that does not produce melanin, the pigment that gives the dark color. So amelanotic melanomas are usually light-colored or pinkish.

What Is a Hidden Cancerous Mole?

A hidden cancerous mole appears on areas without sun exposure, like the scalp, palms, or genital areas. Some of such melanomas are -

• Acral-Lentiginous Melanoma - Cancerous moles that appear under the nail like the toenail or fingernail. It can also be seen in the palms or soles. It is a rare type of melanoma.

• Mucosal Melanoma - Mucosal melanoma can be seen in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, or vaginal mucosa. They are challenging to diagnose since they can be mistakenly diagnosed as other common conditions.

• Ocular Melanoma - Ocular melanoma or melanoma seen in the eye can cause vision changes and is usually diagnosed during the eye examination.

How Can One Diagnose a Cancerous Mole?

Various tests and procedures are done to diagnose a cancerous mole. They include -

• Physical Examination - The mole's size, shape, and color are examined during the physical examination. Any abnormal changes are noted during the physical examination.

• Biopsy - During the physical examination, if any abnormalities are felt, then a biopsy is performed. During a biopsy, a tissue sample is taken from the mole and examined under the microscope for any abnormal changes in the cell.

• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) - Sentinel lymph nodes are the lymph node that are the first ones to get cancer involvement. During sentinel lymph node biopsy, a sample of tissue cells from the lymph node is taken and observed under the microscope to confirm any cancer involvement in the lymph node. A positive Sentinel lymph node biopsy result shows that cancer has spread to the adjacent lymph nodes and organs.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan - Using high X-ray beam radiation and computer technology, a cross-sectional image of the cancerous region is produced.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Using a large magnetic field, high beam radiation, and computer technology, a three-dimensional image of the body is produced to know the spread of cancer to various organs.

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan - By using a radioactive drug, the abnormal metabolic activities happening in the body can be determined.

• Blood Tests - The lactate dehydrogenase level is measured using a blood test to confirm cancer involvement.

What Is the Treatment for a Cancerous Mole?

The treatment of a cancerous mole depends on the state and stage of the spread of the cancer.

• Surgical Therapy - Cancer and adjacent normal skin are removed to prevent cancer recurrence.

• Lymphadenectomy - If the sentinel lymph node biopsy is positive, then the adjacent lymph node that is spread with cancer is removed surgically to prevent the further spread of cancer to other organs and lymph nodes.

• Immunotherapy - Immunotherapy uses our immune system to fight against cancer cells and to prevent cancer growth.

• Targeted Therapy - Targeted therapy focuses on a specific site of the cancerous area and kills the cancer cells.

• Radiation Therapy - Radiation therapy uses high beams of X-rays and photos to kill cancerous cells. Radiation therapy also focuses on the lymph nodes if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

• Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy uses high dosages of drugs to kill cancerous cells. It can be administered orally or intravenously.

Conclusion:

Cancerous moles are the most common sign of skin cancer. Skin cancers or melanomas are commonly seen in women above the age of 40 years. Cancerous moles can result from damage in the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or abnormal mutations. It can also result from severe sun exposure or sunburns. So always use sun protection factor (SPF) in the daylight, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds and lamps.