Everyone has a mole! Beware of those inconspicuous "black moles" on your body, which may hide the risk of cancer

Mr. Li, who suffers from colorectal cancer, recently went to the radiotherapy department of Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine) for a follow-up visit with deputy chief physician Liu Wei as required.

During the consultation, Dr. Liu Wei accidentally discovered a black mole on Mr. Li's arm, which was very different from ordinary moles. After Dr. Liu Wei's persuasion, Mr. Li underwent a melanoma removal surgery, and the pathological results showed that it was a melanoma. Mr. Li held Dr. Liu Wei's hand and was so grateful that he couldn't speak for a long time.

Melanoma accounts for a certain proportion of skin malignancies and has a high mortality rate, so it is important to have a deep understanding of it.

1. What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a highly malignant tumor that develops from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. It often occurs on the skin, such as the face, hands, and feet, which are often exposed to the sun. It can also be seen in mucous membranes and internal organs, accounting for about 3% of all tumors.

It tends to occur in older people, with a higher incidence in Caucasians and a lower incidence in dark-skinned Asians and Africans. In addition, the mortality rate of male patients is generally higher than that of female patients.

2. What are the symptoms of melanoma?

Symptoms of melanoma include: changes in skin pigmented moles, skin lumps, itching, bleeding, ulcers, etc. These changes may include irregularities in the size, shape, and color of the mole.

As melanoma develops, the tumor destroys the surrounding normal tissue structure and forms an ulcer. The ulcer is usually located in the center of the mole, with irregular edges and may be covered with pus or necrotic tissue at the bottom.

3. What are the causes of melanoma?

1. Ultraviolet rays

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays is one of the main risk factors for melanoma.

2. Pigmented nevus

Some pigmented moles may transform into malignant melanoma. The larger the moles and the more they there are, the greater the chance of malignancy.

3. Genetic background

Malignant melanoma has a genetic susceptibility, and people with a family history have a significantly higher risk of developing the disease than those without a family history.

4. External stimulation

Adverse stimulation to the skin may cause the malignant transformation of pigmented nevi, such as improper laser burning, repeated friction, etc.

4. How to prevent the occurrence of melanoma?

1. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight

Avoid being outdoors during bright sunlight hours (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), especially during the summer and at high altitudes. When outdoors, wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (also called a broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher) on exposed areas to protect against multiple types of UV rays.

2. Perform regular skin self-examination

Check your skin regularly, especially for changes in moles or melanoma. If you notice anything unusual, such as a new mole, a change in color, shape, or size, or symptoms such as itching, pain, or bleeding, see your doctor for evaluation.

3. Avoid irritation or infection of the primary site

Avoid long-term chronic stimulation of primary pigmented nevi. Actively treat when infection occurs at the primary nevus site.

4. Develop a healthy lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps maintain the function of the immune system and overall health. A balanced diet, moderate exercise, adequate sleep and reduced mental stress all have a positive impact on maintaining physical health and immunity.

Experts advise

Liu Wei, deputy chief physician of the Radiotherapy Department, reminded: Melanoma is a highly malignant tumor with strong invasiveness and metastasis. Once the disease develops to the middle and late stages, the difficulty of treatment will increase significantly, and the patient's five-year survival rate will also drop significantly. Therefore, to improve the treatment effect, the key lies in early detection and early treatment.

Let us work together to enhance our knowledge and awareness of melanoma, incorporate the concept of early detection and early treatment into our daily lives, and build a strong line of defense for our own health.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Tang Siqin, Department of Radiation Oncology, Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

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(Edited by YT)