Cancerous Moles - Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Does Melanoma Mean?

Cancerous moles, generally called melanoma, occur in melanocytes, the pigment-producing skin cells that produce melanin. Melanoma can result from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, severe sunburns, or 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 a type of skin cancer that can occur in regions of the body exposed to sunlight, like the face, head, hands, and feet, but it may also arise in areas not directly visible, such as the scalp, hands, feet, or genitals.

Benign moles tend to be uniform in shape and color, with well-defined borders. Melanomas often appear as a new dark spot or a change in an existing mole.

• Asymmetry - Asymmetrical shapes of the moles, like irregular shapes. When a mole is cut in half, the halves are generally asymmetrical or different-looking.

• 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, such as brown, black, grey, or white.

• Diameter - The diameter of the cancerous moles will be greater than that of 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 chronically sun-damaged skin.

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 in areas without sun exposure, such as the scalp, palms, or genital areas. Some of these 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 because they can be mistaken for 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.

Who Is More at Risk for Cancerous Moles?

Some lesions do not seem to follow the ABCDE rule for identifying skin cancers. The following characteristics in moles can also be an indication of the same:

• An itchiness.

• The tendency to bleed even without trauma.

• A development of crusts or ulcerations.

• Pain or tenderness.

• A characteristic that makes it stand out from other moles on the body; this is sometimes referred to as the “ugly duckling” sign.

How Quickly Can Skin Cancer Develop?

Not all skin cancers grow at the same rate. Certain types of melanoma, for instance, can grow and metastasize quickly, whereas basal cell carcinoma grows slowly over many months or even years. It is for this reason that any skin change cannot be overlooked, irrespective of recent normal results.

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 assessed. 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 a microscope for any abnormal cell changes.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)

Sentinel lymph nodes are the first lymph nodes to receive cancer involvement. During a sentinel lymph node biopsy, a sample of lymph node tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm 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-frequency radio waves, and computer technology, a three-dimensional image of the body is produced to determine the spread of cancer to various organs.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

By using a radioactive drug, abnormal metabolic activity in the body can be detected.

Blood Tests

Lactate dehydrogenase levels are measured via blood tests to confirm cancer involvement.

What is The ABCDE Rule?

The ABCDE rule in melanoma is the diagnostic principle. The ABCDE rule is commonly used by physicians to identify potential cases of cancerous moles and dark spots on the skin.

• A (Asymmetry) - There will be no symmetry between the two sides of the mole.

• B (Border) - The edge of the spot may be irregular or jagged.

• C (Color) - A dangerous mole tends to be multi-colored rather than mono-colored; various colors such as black, brown, blue, gray, red, or white may be observed.

• D (Diameter) - A potentially dangerous spot may be bigger than six millimeters in diameter (approximately the size of a pencil tip).

• E (Evolution) - A spot that changes its shape, size, or thickness should be considered suspicious.

Keep in mind that, even though the ABCDE rule is very informative, it does not cover all cases of skin melanoma, which tend to be subtle at early stages.

What Is the Treatment for a Cancerous Mole?

The treatment of a cancerous mole depends on the stage of its spread.

• 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-energy X-rays and photons 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.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

In case you experience any of the following signs, you need to consult a doctor:

• The development of a new mole after you have become an adult.

• Sudden transformation in a mole.

• Constant itching, bleeding, or scaling.

• An ulcer that never heals.

• A mole that differs drastically from other moles.

It might be helpful to take a photo of the lesion and estimate its size before consulting the specialist.

Emergency medical care is required if a lesion becomes very painful, grows rapidly, or develops profuse bleeding or infection.

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. Always use a sun protection factor (SPF) in the daylight, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds and lamps. To get personalized advice, consult an expert specialist.

Key Takeaways

• Although most skin abnormalities are not cancers, any mole that increases in size, changes shape, or color should be seen by a dermatologist.

• The ABCDE method can be used to diagnose melanoma, but some cases of melanoma do not fit into these criteria.

• Moles that are itchy, bleed, crust, or appear different from all of your other moles should be evaluated by a doctor.

• Detection is key to treatment success, especially with melanoma.

• Monthly skin checks and sun protection can reduce late diagnoses.