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Many people have small black spots on their bodies, which we usually call "moles". Moles are sometimes referred to as "rich moles" in traditional Chinese culture, symbolizing good luck and good fortune. Not all black spots are moles, and one of them can become cancerous, and that is melanoma. This issue deserves our high attention, as early recognition and treatment can significantly improve survival rates.
Learn about moles and melanoma
We need to understand what a mole is and what melanoma is. Moles are benign tumors that form as a result of a buildup of melanocytes in the skin and are usually not a health threat. Moles can be light brown, dark brown, or black, and are mostly round or oval in shape, with smooth edges and well-defined from the surrounding skin.
Melanoma is a different story in that it is a malignant tumour that is often overlooked because of its similar appearance to a mole. Melanoma is caused by abnormal growth of melanocytes and is highly aggressive and metastatic. Not only can it spread on the surface of the skin, but it can also spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system and bloodstream.
Ways to distinguish a mole from melanoma
How can you tell the difference between a mole and a melanoma? This is an important skill for everyone. Here are a few simple ways to help us identify:
Symmetry: In general, the shape of a mole is symmetrical, with the left and right sides basically the same. If you notice that a black dot is irregularly shaped, one side is large and the other is small, then be vigilant.
Edge smoothness: The edges of a mole are usually smooth and have a clear boundary with the surrounding skin. Melanoma, on the other hand, has irregular edges, jagged or indistinct edges, and may have a rough, scaly or scaly surface, and even oozing fluid and bleeding.
Color: Moles are relatively uniform in color, mostly dark brown or brownish-yellow. Melanoma, on the other hand, comes in a variety of colors and may appear as a mixture of pink, white, blue-black, and so on. Blue-black, in particular, requires special vigilance, as this can be a sign of nodular malignant melanoma.
Size: Moles are usually less than 6 mm in diameter, and melanoma tends to exceed this range. If you notice that a black spot is getting bigger and more than 6 mm in diameter, you need to go to the hospital for a check-up.
Touch: Moles generally feel the same as the surrounding skin and do not feel any particular thing. Melanoma, on the other hand, may feel itchy and painful to the touch. If ulcerative lesions appear, the itching sensation is more pronounced, accompanied by enlargement of nodules and lymph nodes.
Through these simple methods, we can preliminarily determine whether the black spots on the body are normal. The final diagnosis also needs to be examined and confirmed by a professional doctor. If you notice symptoms that are suspected of melanoma, seek medical attention promptly and without delay.
Additional symptoms and risk factors for melanoma
Melanoma is not just different from a regular mole in appearance, but it is accompanied by other additional symptoms and risk factors that we need to pay attention to. Melanoma usually grows much faster than regular moles, and they often expand rapidly in a short period of time. This property makes them easy to overlook, as we may be used to thinking that black dots don't change quickly.
Family history is also an important risk factor. If you have an immediate family member who has had skin cancer, your risk of developing melanoma increases significantly. This genetic factor cannot be ignored, and regular check-ups are the key to prevention.
The state of the immune system also plays an important role in the development of melanoma. People with weakened immune systems, such as those who have been taking immunosuppressive drugs for a long time, have a higher risk of developing melanoma. Because their bodies are less able to recognize and remove abnormal cells, they are more susceptible to malignant tumors.
Sun exposure and UV exposure are another major cause of melanoma. Long-term exposure to intense sunlight, especially in the middle of the day, increases the skin's exposure to UV rays, which in turn increases the risk of melanoma. Sun protection is especially important here, not only in summer but also in winter, using sunscreen, wearing sun-protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun.
Treatment for melanoma
When melanoma is diagnosed, prompt treatment is key. Melanoma detected early can usually be cured by surgical removal. The surgery at this stage is relatively simple, the resection area is small, and the postoperative recovery is quicker. If the melanoma has metastasized to distant sites, it can be much more difficult to treat. Palliative surgery or bulking-reducing surgery should be considered to reduce symptoms and control progression.
For patients with lymph node metastases, lymph node dissection is necessary. Depending on the specific site of melanoma, selective lymph node removal can effectively reduce the chance of tumor spread. After surgery, patients need close follow-up and regular examinations to detect and manage new metastases in a timely manner.
Immunotherapy is an important area of melanoma treatment. Using the patient's own tumor cells to make a vaccine and then injecting it into the patient's body, the immune system can stimulate the immune system's ability to recognize and attack the tumor cells. BCG vaccination, transfer factors, and Chinese herbal medicines have also been used to improve patients' immunity and enhance the body's ability to fight tumors. These methods have shown some effectiveness in clinical practice and have helped prolong survival in many patients.
Lifestyle changes are also an important part of adjuvant therapy. Moderate physical activity not only helps to strengthen the physique, but also reduces psychological stress during treatment. Developing new hobbies and participating in social activities can help patients maintain a positive mindset and improve their quality of life. Establishing healthy eating habits, getting enough nutrients, and boosting the function of the immune system are also important parts of restoring health.
Reminders & Suggestions
Through the previous sections, we learned about the severity of melanoma and how to tell if it differs from a common mole. Self-examination is an effective method of prevention and early detection, and by observing the shape, edge, color, size, and touch of a black spot, you can initially determine whether it is normal or not. The final diagnosis must be examined and confirmed by a medical professional.
If you notice symptoms of suspected melanoma on your body, don't delay and go to the hospital for a check-up as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can greatly reduce the risk of exacerbation and improve treatment outcomes. Health issues cannot be ignored, especially when it comes to malignant tumors, and timely action is required.
In your daily life, paying attention to sun protection, reducing UV exposure, getting regular skin check-ups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are all important measures to prevent melanoma. Social and family support is also an integral part of the patient's recovery process. The care and encouragement of family and friends can help patients get through this difficult time and rebuild their confidence.
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!