What is the difference between skin cancer and white mole

Almost everyone has moles on their bodies. Most moles do not require special treatment. For those that are unsightly, we can use laser, freezing and other methods to remove them. But some people worry that moles may turn into cancer. Let's ask experts to explain the difference between skin cancer and white moles.

From the perspective of dermatology, pigmented nevus is a very common benign skin tumor, which can be divided into many types.
From the perspective of tissue morphology, pigmented nevi can be divided into junctional nevi, mixed nevi and intradermal nevi. Junctional nevi are usually flat on the skin surface, and pathologically, the nevus cell nests are limited to the epidermis. Mixed nevi can be slightly raised on the skin surface, and its nevus cell nests involve both the epidermis and dermis. Intradermal nevi are raised spherical tumors, sometimes with hair growth, and their nevus cell nests are all in the dermis. Some junctional nevi may be transformed into mixed nevi and intradermal nevi as the body develops, that is, pigmented nevi can change from small spots to larger and raised ones.
From the time of occurrence, pigmented nevi can be divided into congenital pigmented nevi and acquired pigmented nevi. Congenital pigmented nevi occur at birth or shortly after birth, and generally grow larger as the body develops. Some congenital pigmented nevi are very large and have hair growing on the surface, which are called hair epidermal nevi, and larger ones are called animal skin nevi. Congenital pigmented nevi with larger areas have a certain chance of malignant transformation, and active treatment is recommended. Acquired pigmented nevi refer to pigmented nevi that occur in adults. At the beginning, they are mostly flat on the surface of the skin. Some of them gradually bulge and even grow into intradermal nevi with hair growth. Most acquired pigmented nevi are benign, but special attention should be paid to pigmented nevi that grow suddenly and change obviously, as well as pigmented nevi on friction sites such as hands and feet.
Generally speaking, the occurrence of pigmented moles is related to race and genetics, and Caucasians have more pigmented moles than Asians and blacks. Recent studies have shown that light intensity and frequency are also related to the occurrence of pigmented moles.
Most moles are benign and have no effect on human health. Many people worry about moles becoming malignant, which is not groundless. On the one hand, some moles are easily confused with some skin malignancies and are often misdiagnosed. On the other hand, some moles do have a certain relationship with the occurrence of melanoma, so we should pay necessary attention to moles and ask dermatologists to identify them when necessary.
Experts say that the cancer rate of pigmented nevi is very low. If you find that the color or shape of the mole has changed, or if you feel pain, you must go to a regular hospital. Acting rashly on your own will not only increase the scar, but improper treatment will also increase the chance of malignant transformation of the skin lesions.