Black moles are an accumulation of a special substance, melanin, the amount of which affects the saturation and shade of the pigment spot.
The appearance of a black mole often indicates health problems, so experts recommend examining your body from time to time for the presence of such spots.
ICD-10 code
Q82.5 Congenital non-neoplastic nevus
Causes of a black mole
Most often, a black mole appears in place of a nevus of a different (usually brown) color. This can happen for several reasons:
- Ultra-violet rays- everyone knows where it is long time exposure to the sun is harmful to skin health. Remember that black moles contain a large number of melanocytes. They are the ones that degenerate into malignant tumor cells.
- Changes in hormonal levels - as a rule, black moles appear on the body during puberty or during pregnancy, during menopause.
- Trauma to the mole - even if the nevus constantly rubs against clothing, this can lead to its darkening.
Are black moles dangerous?
When pigment matter accumulates in maximum quantity, the nevus may darken to black. Of course, a black mole always looks very unpleasant and dangerous, but this does not mean that it is degenerating or has already degenerated into a malignant tumor. If the size of the nevus does not exceed 4 mm, its surface is even and smooth, and its shape is correct, then most likely there is no need to fear a serious illness.
As a rule, black moles are congenital pigment spots. They often appear in children under 16 years of age and are not a pathology. If a black nevus appears on the body of an adult, it is necessary to show it to a doctor.
The mole has turned black
Black moles may appear on human body all life. This process is influenced by changes that occur on the skin, as well as external factors. Such changes may not always be dangerous to your health. Sometimes changes in appearance moles are considered normal.
It is worth remembering that if a mole turns black very quickly and begins to change its shape, size, surface, then you need to visit a doctor as quickly as possible. Even if the nevus has dried up and fallen off over time, this does not mean that the danger of getting cancer has passed.
Red mole turned black
If the black nevus appeared on its own during adolescence, there is no need to panic. It is much more dangerous if a red mole turns black in a short period of time. This change may indicate that you are developing melanoma.
Please note that a red mole may not turn black immediately. In some patients, black pigment spots first appear inside the mole, which indicates an unfavorable process occurring in the body.
Symptoms of a black mole
Not always, if a mole turns black, it means you are developing skin cancer. Such pigmentation may be associated with changes in your hormonal levels. It is worth understanding that new nevi appear constantly, regardless of the age and health of the patient.
It is considered normal if the pigmentation that appears in a certain place on the skin does not change over time. If a child has a age spot black in color, it should grow with the baby throughout his life. If you notice that the nevus is growing too quickly, or its surface or shape is changing, this may indicate the development of melanoma.
Dangerous is the fact that the darkening of a black mole may not be noticeable at first, but then patches of gray or red appear on it. If moles darken, they should be addressed Special attention for the following symptoms:
- Itchy skin.
- Peeling of the nevus or the skin around it.
- Bleeding mole.
Red and black mole
A red-black mole appears on the human body quite rarely. Despite its unpleasant appearance, it does not always indicate the development of skin cancer. Such nevi can be of different varieties, which differ from each other in location, cause of appearance and other factors:
- Nodular appearance - appears, as a rule, in the place where blood vessel“comes out” to the surface of the skin.
- In the form of a bump - they protrude above the skin.
- In the form of an asterisk - if blood vessels extend from the nevus.
- Flat - have the shape of a plaque, often interspersed with a black tint.
Black raised mole
Convex black moles in their properties are not much different from flat ones, but their condition needs to be monitored more carefully. The fact is that such nevi are very often damaged by clothing or household items, which can lead to the development of skin cancer.
There is an opinion among doctors that black convex moles are less likely to degenerate into malignant tumors, since people observe them much more often than ordinary nevi.
Typically, raised black birthmarks are larger in size, so they attract much more harmful ultraviolet rays. Statistics show that in 40% of cases it is trauma or deformation of a convex mole that leads to melanoma.
Flat black mole
People usually pay little attention to a flat black mole, since it looks harmless in appearance. But this does not mean that you do not need to go for regular examinations to specialists, especially if such nevi often come into contact with clothing.
But you should understand that any mole can begin to darken for one reason or another. If this happens, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo the appropriate tests.
Black hanging moles
Hanging neoplasms usually darken after injury, so you need to be extremely careful and careful if such nevi are on your body. This happens if, after a tear, blood stops flowing to the edge of the mole.
Blackened over time hanging mole It may dry out and fall off on its own. But you shouldn’t delay and it’s better to contact a specialist in advance who will remove the nevus.
Complications and consequences
The appearance of even black moles on the human body is considered normal, especially if you are often exposed to sunlight. But, if such a nevus begins to appear on the stomach or back, which are usually hidden under clothing, you need to think about possible consequences and consult a doctor.
The most dangerous thing is that any mole that begins to turn black may turn out to be a malignant tumor.
Black mole fell off
Many people start to worry when moles turn black. It often happens that darkened nevi (especially hanging nevi) fall off over time, so patients decide not to go to the doctor. If a black mole falls off, this does not mean that the danger has passed. It often happens that nevi come off, but the development of a malignant neoplasm does not stop.
Tumor symptoms may not appear for a long time, therefore, a fallen off mole should be immediately submitted for histological analysis. With its help, it will be possible to determine whether there are atypical cells in it.
Crust on a black mole
If you notice that a black mole has crusted over, started to itch or peel, you should immediately consult a doctor. The fact is that these symptoms are the main signs of the degeneration of a nevus into a malignant tumor. The crust on a mole can be of different shades. What can different colors mean?
- A brown crust usually indicates that the nevus has been scratched or injured.
- A black crust often appears at the site of a removed mole. This is normal as the wound begins to heal.
- A dark-colored crust may appear after going to a solarium or sauna.
Regardless of what color the crust appears on the mole, whether it is dangerous or safe is decided only by a qualified doctor.
Black mole itches
Black moles often start to itch. There are several reasons for this:
- Irritation of the skin around the nevus from external factors– in order for a mole to stop itching, you just need to give up uncomfortable clothes.
- Cell division that occurs inside a mole is more serious reason, which indicates that the nevus has begun to actively grow.
What to do in this case? If you just feel unpleasant itching, you can relieve it with a sterile bandage soaked in weak solution vinegar. Your dermatologist may also suggest various ointments or creams.
Diagnosis of a black mole
How exactly is a black mole diagnosed? The first method is visual. The doctor examines the nevus, after which he can tell whether it looks like a malignant tumor.
The second way is to use a special tool - a dermatoscope. With its help, you can enlarge the image of a mole up to twenty times and examine it very carefully.
After removal of a black mole, a histological analysis is also performed, which helps to understand whether it was melanoma.
Analyzes
The main test that is prescribed if there is concern about a malignant tumor at the site of a black mole is histological analysis. With its help, you can examine the tissue obtained after removing a mole to determine what type of neoplasm it is and what its main characteristics are.
Histological analysis begins with a visual assessment of the biopsy specimen. The resulting material is then processed through biopsy to obtain a paraffin block. This block is cut into very thin plates, which are then painted with various dyes. Next, the materials come under a microscope.
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Instrumental diagnostics
Instrumental diagnosis of a black mole is carried out using a dermatoscope and is called dermatoscopy. This method is non-invasive. Thanks to a dermatoscope, you can magnify any area of the skin twenty times, which allows you to examine even the deep layers of the epidermis and nevi.
Should I worry if I have a black mole on my body? Moles are formed as a result of the accumulation pigment cells- melanocytes containing melanin. This substance is responsible for the color of hair and eyes, and it also gives a characteristic shade to age spots. With a small amount of melanin, moles on the body have a light brown color, while large amounts of this substance give the pigment spot a dark brown or black color. Black mole, considered one of the species benign neoplasms skin, indicates the accumulation of excess melanin.
Scientific research has confirmed that most congenital pigment clusters that are dark blue or black are not considered dangerous. The danger comes from dark spots that appear in adulthood, or a sharp change in the shade and structure of existing ones.
Why do moles change color?
Most often, such changes are harmless. A black mole on the back or any other part of the body can appear under the influence of many factors. First of all, this is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. The shade of a birthmark depends on the amount of melanin, which can increase under the influence of solar radiation. If moles on the body are in open places, over time black spots may form on them - accumulations of melanin. Therefore, they should be protected from exposure to sunlight. This is especially true for dark colored spots. They contain an excess amount of melanin, which only increases when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
In order to avoid the appearance of a dark spot when going outside in sunny weather, you must follow basic precautions. It is recommended to sunbathe during periods of least solar activity - in the morning or evening. Do not cover nevi on the body with adhesive tape. This contributes to the greenhouse effect, which can lead to darkening and infection of the spot. You should not visit the solarium often. You should go on vacation to places that have a climate suitable for your skin type. People with fair skin are advised to avoid visiting sea beaches and choose shady areas for relaxation. Constant exposure to ultraviolet rays and injury to the nevus are the main causes of malignant degeneration.
A mole on your back may change color when changing hormonal levels body, for example, during puberty, pregnancy and menopause in women. This phenomenon is not considered hazardous to health. You should consult a doctor if, along with a change in color, there is a sharp increase in size, change in shape and structure.
When black spots become dangerous
During a person’s life, against the background of natural changes in the body, new nevi may appear, and at the same time, changes in existing ones are possible. When should you be concerned?
A black mole that appears on the skin suddenly, for no apparent reason, should cause concern. It may be the first sign of melanoma - skin cancer. Any dark spot that appears on the body should be a reason to visit a dermatologist. You should be wary if the appearance of a dark mole is accompanied by itching, peeling, ulceration and other signs of malignant degeneration.
Every nevus present on human skin can sooner or later become dangerous. Blackheads are not dangerous if they appeared long ago or are congenital. A warning sign is a sudden darkening of existing light brown spots.
Complete darkening of the nevus does not occur immediately. First, black dots appear on its surface. These inclusions can be gray or red. Gradually, the appearance of the mole begins to change, the number of dark spots increases, and the spot becomes black. Such changes are considered a sign of increased melanin production. An excess of this substance in the body is dangerous; it can lead to malignant degeneration of the nevus.
Similar neoplasms in children should not be ignored. The mole must be shown to a doctor. Black spots on a child’s body may be the first symptom dangerous disease- melanomas. Darkening of the tumor can occur when it is injured. When hanging nevi are torn, their blood supply stops, which leads to a change in color. An injured mole will disappear over time, but you shouldn’t wait for it to happen. The doctor will choose safe way getting rid of blackened spots. It is also necessary to visit a doctor in cases where the mole has already fallen off. Hanging tumors can be a sign of a dangerous disease.
Thus, black moles on the body can be dangerous or harmless. If signs of danger from a pigment spot appear, you should consult a dermatologist. Black nevi on the body significantly increase the risk of developing malignant neoplasms, rapid color changes are considered especially dangerous. When found dark spots on the body, do not panic and demand their immediate removal. In some cases, black moles are considered normal and do not require treatment.
Nevus removal
Don't try to get rid of pigment spots on your own!
After the examination, the doctor selects the best way removal of formation. When it comes to malignantly degenerating moles, removal should be carried out exclusively surgically. After the operation, a course of chemotherapy and treatment is carried out hormonal drugs, increasing activity immune system. Common moles can be deleted by any means. For example, cryodestruction helps well - removal of benign neoplasms by exposure to low temperatures. Laser and radio wave treatments are considered no less effective.
The pigmentation of a birthmark (nevus) depends on the degree of melanin concentration. Red formations are practically harmless and harmless to health. Brown color nevus in most cases indicates mechanical damage. Darker shades are acquired after exposure to excessive amounts of ultraviolet radiation. The appearance of a black mole indicates internal problems of the body. The presence of many such pathological formations is serious reason to go to the doctor.
Reasons for appearance
An existing mole may change its original color to black under the influence of certain stimulating factors. This transformation is facilitated by the body's response - an excessive concentration of active melanin in organic cells skin.
Key factors influencing the occurrence and growth of dark pigmentation:
- Ultraviolet radiation. Prolonged exposure to the sun provokes the degeneration of melanin components into malignancy- melanoma.
- Fluctuations in hormonal levels. Physical changes body (pubertal development of a teenager, pregnancy, childbirth or PMS) under the influence of hormones - favorable period for the development of black nevus.
- Frequent physical damage to a brown mole leads to its darkening.
Skin formations on the legs (hanging) most often begin to turn black after an injury. An accidental tear of the leg prevents the full flow of blood into the neoplasm, which causes partial cell death. It manifests itself in the form of coloring in darker shades.
A black raised mole is practically no different from flat spots, but requires careful care and observation. The structure of the nevus is often subjected to mechanical damage clothing, shoes or friction. Harmful effects makes the stain more susceptible to irritating factors environment. Medical studies confirm that trauma to moles in 40% of cases is a stimulating cause of the formation of cancer cells.
Dangerous symptoms
Cluster maximum concentration tint substance is characterized by gradual coloring of the mole. The process begins with blackening of the center of the neoplasm, then the pigment spot spreads throughout the entire volume. Of course, a small black mole, resembling a dot, up to 4 mm in diameter, with a smooth surface does not look aesthetically pleasing, but it does not pose the risk of degenerating into cancer.
If a black mole or a small black spot appears on a mole, do not fall into premature panic. The process of formation of nevi in a newborn child begins from the moment of birth and ends by the age of 17. Therefore, it is believed that the resulting moles are benign. The influence of external irritating factors on the skin often causes the appearance of birthmarks on the body throughout life.
Rapid pigmentation with simultaneous growth of the rim and modification of the shape of the nevus requires immediate consultation with a dermatologist. Spontaneous drying and falling off of moles is a reason to consult a doctor. If an adult has many blackening spots on his skin, he also needs urgent consultation with a dermatologist and therapist.
Dangerous symptoms of malignant black moles:
- The surface of the skin pattern is smoothed, stretched, smooth.
- asymmetry, visible signs increase in size.
- Constant itching, sometimes internal burning in and around the spots.
- Scaly peeling of the nevus area, loss of hair growing from the formation.
- Bleeding.
- Availability additional education in the form of nodules on the surface.
If a mole begins to itch and pain appears in the area of the nevus, the doctor may suspect the onset of cellular transformation. Itching indicates the process of cell division and active growth. The growth of a mole from a centimeter or more indicates an unnatural pathology.
Frequent exposure to direct sunlight and visiting a solarium contribute to the proliferation of birthmarks. Appearance large quantity pinpoint spots of a characteristic blackened hue are a signal of existing problems in the body.
Each of the nevi can be a sign of progression of malignancy.
Particular attention should be paid to existing black moles in small child. Even a suddenly fallen nevus does not guarantee the absence of internal processes of malignant etiology. Since cancer symptoms are often hidden, the dried formation must be submitted for histological examination to determine possible pathologies.
Removal
The procedure for removing nevi is determined by medical necessity and is prescribed by a doctor. One of the significant reasons for prompt removal of a mole is its permanent damage. This occurs when the formation is localized on the leg, back, face, and side parts of the body. Areas of the shoulders and neck are subject to friction, which greatly irritates the organic tissue surface of the moles present there. The secretion of sweat glands often becomes a source of pain in the area of spots under the arms. Therefore, removing the pathological formation is a way to eliminate discomfort.
The operation is performed by a qualified specialist. Black moles on the back are removed using a radio knife or electrocoagulation. The procedure is practically painless, does not require significant preparation and is performed under local anesthesia. Term postoperative period no more than two weeks. It is better to remove a black mole on the leg with a laser. 
After these manipulations there is no skin defects in the form of scars or scars.
Independent removal of a mole is fraught with the introduction of infection into the wound with the subsequent development of malignant symptoms.
In case of positive histology, the patient goes under the supervision of an oncodermatologist, and removal is prescribed urgently. After a successful operation, the patient undergoes chemotherapy courses. Timely detection danger signs malignant tumor is the key to successful recovery.
Conclusion
As a rule, if one birthmark has turned black, the situation is not dangerous. Healthy image life, absence bad habits, avoiding excessive sun exposure and timely passage medical examination will significantly reduce the risk of developing melanoma.
Every person who cares about his health and appearance carefully notes any changes occurring in his body. In particular, on our skin Various rashes may appear, among which black moles are often found.
In most cases, such a formation is present on the human body throughout life, but after several decades it changes its color and becomes incredibly dark or almost black. At the same time, there are situations when a black mole appears on the skin in adulthood, and in this case it is the most "suspicious" and requires special treatment.
Reasons for the appearance of black moles on the human body
First, let's figure out what a mole or nevus is. This formation is an accumulation of a certain amount of melanin, which looks like a dark spot on the surface of the skin custom size and shapes.
Its color directly depends on the amount of melanin accumulated underneath it.
This is why the nevus turns black when the concentration of melanin reaches its maximum. This phenomenon can be extremely dangerous for the life and health of a person at any age, since it often indicates the development of melanoma, or skin cancer. At the same time, a small black mole is not always a sign of cancer.
If the spot on a person’s body has a regular round shape, a smooth surface and a diameter not exceeding 4 millimeters, and it itself formed on the person’s body before puberty, most likely there is nothing to worry about. Such a nevus is completely normal, and the reasons for its appearance are the individual characteristics of the body of a girl or boy.
Even this science education subsequently it may darken and become almost black.
As a rule, the following reasons lead to this:
- frequent exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation, for example, during tanning;
- changes in hormonal levels in women. Especially often, such phenomena can be observed during the period of waiting for a baby and during menopause;
- mechanical impact on the nevus from the outside - excessive compression, friction, as well as violation of the integrity of the mole.
Is the appearance of new black moles on the body or the darkening of old ones dangerous?
It should be remembered that any black mole, regardless of whether it is flat or convex, appears on the human body after the end of puberty, is a reason for an unscheduled visit to a dermatologist. Normally, this should not happen, and such a neoplasm must be examined by a qualified specialist to determine what exactly it is.
If you have had a nevus for quite a long time, but it suddenly began to darken, you should monitor changes in your skin.
You should definitely consult a doctor if, in addition to blackening, you notice at least one of the following symptoms:
In general, according to the general opinion of experts, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as you notice that certain changes have occurred in your body. At the same time, you should not panic, because the appearance of dark spots on the body does not in all cases indicate such a terrible disease as cancer.
If this is really the case, modern medicine will most likely help you recover completely and live a completely normal and fulfilling life, but there is no need to postpone your visit to the doctor. Only timely diagnosis and immediate initiation of treatment can stop the development of cancer and save a person’s life.
Removing black moles
In all cases, before removing a mole, you will have to undergo a complete medical examination. If the tumor causes serious suspicion among doctors, it is in most cases removed by surgery, after which the material taken during the procedure is sent for biopsy. This study allows you to understand whether there are cancer cells in the patient’s body, and whether he needs to undergo chemotherapy and other cancer treatment methods.
Remember that trying to remove black moles on your own, especially big size, can be very dangerous to your health and vital functions. Often, after such experiments, the oncology developing in the body is “masked,” as a result of which it becomes very difficult to diagnose.
The main factors in the transition of moles to melanoma-hazardous ones are:
- Radiation
- Chemical exposure
- Cauterization or other cosmetic procedures
A biopsy, a partial removal of tissue from a mole, can lead to a transition to melanoma. As a result of friction and injury, it may transform into a formation.
Causes of moles and spots
The reasons for the formation of black moles can be different. Nevi can occur in humans under the influence of hormones called melatropins. They can be present in certain quantities in different parts bodies.
They begin to develop in the lower parts of the epidermis, and flat ones are formed in upper layers. Moles can most often occur due to genetic predisposition person. Birthmarks in infants appeared in the same places where the mother has black moles. They can appear both in infancy and adolescence.
Also one of common factors the occurrence of moles is considered hormonal disorder in organism. Changes in hormones can cause moles. Some factors causing stains cannot be influenced by humans. Many people lead an unhealthy lifestyle, which can cause complications.
Frequent exposure to sunlight or tanning beds can lead to melanoma. Ultraviolet rays stimulate the formation of moles and tumors. The sun's rays are the most dangerous, especially for people with fair skin and people with many moles.
Treatment of moles involves eliminating them with modern methods. After they are removed, they may appear again, so doctors do not recommend eliminating them. There are some factors in which you should consult a doctor: Damage to tissue integrity.
- Spots change their size, shape, color, structure, density
- Painful sensations
- Discharge or fluid
If the nevi are very small or there are many of them on the face and body, then they are not touched. For any specific case, only a professional specialist can give advice.
Treatment of spots
First, a person must take tests, after which the doctor will be able to prescribe medicinal preparations for removing moles and spots. Most often a mole is removed surgical method with a local.
Many people have moles on their bodies, but this is not a cause for concern. In many cases, subject to certain rules and a correct lifestyle, these formations will not lead to serious consequences.
But, if a person experiences one of the above factors of change in formation, it is recommended to urgently consult a doctor who will recommend a specific method of removal.
At large cluster pigment substance, the mole turns out to be dark-black. Benign formations include those whose size is more than 4 mm, its appearance is usually round in shape, and the surface is smooth.
Black moles are not considered a pathology, even if there are many of these spots on the body. The appearance of a nevus at an older age, or if they change color - turn red, turn black, grow - all these are symptoms of melanoma. A slight impact by squeezing, rubbing or breaking the integrity of cuts can lead to complications.
A black mole must be constantly observed; if it has dried up and fallen off, this does not mean that the danger no longer exists. Once a mole has formed in a person, it should not change in the future.
While watching the video you will learn about which moles are dangerous.
If you have questions or complications, you should consult your doctor for advice! The spot or spot that appears from birth should change in size according to the development of the child.
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