Damaged a mole - got cancer. Oncologist debunks melanoma myths

Photo: vecteezy.com

Myth #1

A large number of moles on the body indicates a predisposition to melanoma.

Partially true. A large number of moles on the skin is indeed one of the significant risk factors. As a rule, those who have more than 100 moles on their body should be concerned. In this case, the probability of developing the disease increases by 5-7 times, so the condition of the skin must be monitored especially carefully.

Myth #2

It's better not to touch moles at all - any damage to them is mortally dangerous.

False. Moles can and should be removed if there are indications for it. These are divided into two types: aesthetic (when a mole simply bothers the patient or is visually unappealing) and medical (when a doctor sees suspicious signs). If pathology is suspected, removing the mole is necessary precisely to rule out or timely stop melanoma.

Household trauma to a mole (for example, if you touch it with clothing) does not provoke melanoma. Its removal by a doctor is also safe: the procedure carries no risks if performed professionally, and the removed tissues are sent for histology.

Myth #3

It is undesirable to remove moles in summer.

False. Seasonality plays no role in this case; patient health always comes first. If a mole causes suspicion in a doctor, it should be removed immediately – be it in July or January.

If you decide to remove a mole in summer, the standard recommendation is: as soon as the protective crust disappears, this area should be protected with sunscreen just like the rest of the skin.

Myth #4

The darker the mole, the more dangerous it is.

Not entirely true. Indeed, melanoma, as a rule, has a darker shade than ordinary moles, the color of which varies from light to dark brown. However, this is not the main criterion. The intensity of the color only indicates the depth of pigment in the skin layers.

Myth #5

Large moles can be covered with a plaster in the sun.

False. The entire body should be protected from the sun. It is enough to simply apply a good quality sunscreen evenly to exposed areas of the skin, without making a special emphasis on moles.

Myth #6

A new mole appeared – it's definitely cancer.

False. A new mole is just a new mole. Their appearance throughout life is absolutely normal. The peak of nevus formation usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 40, but after 50 years, this process sharply declines.

Myth #7

Melanoma only threatens light-skinned people.

False. People with light hair and skin (first and second phototypes) are indeed in an increased risk group because they burn easily in the sun. However, melanoma can develop in a person with absolutely any skin phototype, including dark-skinned individuals.

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