Be careful if you grow this after the age of 20

With the popularity of the movie "If You Are the One 2", the term malignant melanoma has attracted widespread attention. Melanoma usually develops from a mole. Pigmented nevi are commonly known as black moles and freckles. The surface of a benign mole is very smooth, most of them are round or oval, and smaller than an ordinary eraser. Most moles appear before the age of 20. It is very abnormal to have a mole after the age of 20.

Beware of moles becoming malignant after the age of 20

Dysplastic nevus, also known as atypical nevus, can develop into a tumor and is a precancerous lesion. The so-called precancerous lesions refer to lesions in which human tissues are different from normal tissues, but cannot be diagnosed as tumors based on criteria such as atypia. Precancerous lesions may develop into tumors over time.

Dysplastic nevi can be found in sun-exposed areas or areas covered by clothing. Atypical moles are usually larger in diameter (larger than 1/4 inch, 1 inch = 2.54 cm), irregular in shape, with notched edges, or lighter in color than other parts of the mole.

Atypical moles have various shapes and can be parallel to the skin surface or raised above the skin surface. The surface of the mole can be smooth or rough. A typical dysplastic nevus is a mixture of pink, red, black, and brown.

How to check moles on your body?

Mole examination should be done after bathing while the skin is wet. For men, the back is a common location for moles, and for women it is the lower thighs. However, you should check all moles or suspicious patches on your body every month, from your forehead to your feet, paying special attention to hidden areas such as the webs between your fingers, the groin, the soles of your feet, and the curves of your knees. The scalp and neck are also areas that require special attention. You can do this in front of a full-length mirror or ask someone you trust for help.

Quick Facts: What is malignant melanoma?

Malignant melanoma is a tumor that arises from melanocytes in the skin and other organs. Primary melanomas are caused by the proliferation of melanocytes in the epidermis, and appear as densely pigmented nodules that gradually increase in size and may be surrounded by a red halo. Although its incidence rate is lower than that of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, it is more malignant, metastasizes early, and has a high mortality rate, so early diagnosis and early treatment are very important. Except for cases of secondary canceration caused by giant congenital nevus, which are more common in children, malignant melanoma mostly occurs.