In this post the question, what does precancerous mole mean, will get answered. We also explore precancerous moles treatment and removal. Having precancerous mole pictures helps to identify them upon sight. Read on to learn and get informed on these areas.
While moles may not mean any harm, there are times when they could be the source of melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer. Having knowledge on all matters regarding moles is therefore important in preventing and fighting cancer that is as a result of moles. Precancerous moles if treated early enough increase the chances of curtailing its long term effects. To facilitate treatment, one ought to know what to look out for and what steps to take to get rid of the precancerous cells.
Table of Contents
What Does Precancerous Mole Mean?
A person could be born with moles or they could form with time. These form due to the proliferation of melanocytes which are the pigment cells. While most moles are benign, there might be some that are not. Some may become atypical and as such be presumed to be precancerous.
To fully understand this, let us seek to answer the question: What does precancerous mole mean? Normally, a precancerous mole is one that has a high likelihood to form melanoma as opposed to normal moles. It is one that looks and feels different. It has characteristics such as:
- Appearing in adult life when one is over twenty years.
- Precancerous moles have an itchy sensation.
- Moles that could have been alright all through may start bleeding.
- A change in features such as color, size and texture.
30 percent of melanoma cases arise from existing moles. The atypical signs that are the first to be identified are the first danger signs for precancerous moles. These features prompt removal of precancerous moles and an analysis of the tissues obtained.
To minimize the chances of cancer, every precancerous mole should be removed. In case one decides to have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons, it is also important to request that a biopsy be done to be sure the mole was benign. Where a biopsy is not carried out, the cancerous cells may continue to spread even after removal.
Precancerous moles tend to be larger in size. While the normal size of a mole is that of a pencil eraser, the will normally be larger than that. They also have an irregular shape as well as uneven color tone. They can be found on any part of the body and a biopsy is the only reliable way to determine what it carries. When taken through microscopic evaluation, precancerous moles present some abnormal features but which do not meet the criteria for being declared cancerous.
If precancerous cells were to be placed in a continuum in which one end is benign and the other cancer, they would be in the middle. This means they are neither benign nor cancerous but could shift to either side. Among the things that increase the risk of precancerous moles developing into cancer are a family history of the same, being fair skinned, advancement in age and a history of sunburns. Precancerous cells should therefore undergo immediate removal to prevent them from evolving.
Precancerous Moles Treatment
Precancerous moles require immediate attention. Any precancerous moles treatment should be conducted when a change in color, size or shape is observed. The same case applies if some itching or bleeding is witnessed.
The safest way for precancerous moles treatment is to have them removed through a surgical process and by a certified doctor. The doctor should also be experienced in dealing with cancer. The tissues obtained are then sent to a pathologist for further examination.
Removal could lead to permanent scarring which may at times be more visible than the mole. After it is done, proper care of the wound that results should be done. Where too much bleeding or a regrowth of experienced after removal, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Precancerous Moles Pictures
The pictures below will help you understand well what precancerous moles are and how they look like.
Precancerous Moles Removal
Any mole that shows signs of asymmetry, blurred boarders, changing and not uniform color, increased size and any other evolving signs should
be removed. This is best done at the hospital by a specialized and certified doctor.
Before precancerous moles removal, the patient is prepared. This is done by cleansing the area to be treated. The product used for this will differ depending on the preference of the surgeon. They could use Betadine or alcohol among other cleansing agents. The area is the injected with an aesthetic and let to take effect. After the area has gone numb and blood flow to it has reduced, the removal procedure begins. The two most common forms of precancerous moles removal are as discussed below.
Removal through simple cutting with no stitches
While using this method, below is what happens
- A scalpel is used to shave of a mole slightly below the surface of the skin.
- To control bleeding, an electrical instrument is used to cauterize the area of removal. There also are solutions that serve the same purpose.
- After the procedure is done, an antibiotic is applied on the wound. It is then covered using a bandage.
- Instructions on the aftercare procedures are then given. No admission is required and a person can go home on the same day.
Excision with stitches
This method is mostly appropriate for darker and flat moles.
- The area to be worked on is mapped and cleaned. This is then sterilized.
- Using a scalpel, the surgeon cuts out the mole together with a surrounding boarder. The extent of the boarder will be determined by the concerns of the precancerous mole being removed. A larger boarder may be necessary where the mole needs to be totally excised.
- After this is done, stitches are made on the wound. The deep ones penetrate into the skin and are absorbed and do not have to be removed. Those made close to the surface are not absorbed and will have to be removed later.
Further Suggested Reading
- Natural Mole Removal with Tea Tree Oil & Apple Cider Vinegar
- Mole on Scalp – Removal of Red, Pink, Black Mole on Scalp
- Home Mole Removal – Kits, Freeze & Best Products
- Enrique Iglesias Mole Removal Plastic Surgery & Before and After
- Cancerous Moles Signs, Types & Pictures of Cancerous Moles
- Moles on Skin – Causes, Black, White & Dangerous Skin Moles
- Mole Removal Surgery Cost, Recovery, Stiches & Pain
- Laser Mole Removal Cost, Before and After, Scar & Aftercare
- Raised Mole Removal on Back, Scalp & Neck (with Pictures)
- Moles on Face – How to Get Rid & Prevent Moles on Face
- Black Moles on Back, Face and Leg (with Pictures)
- Itchy Mole on Back, Arm, Leg and Chest
- What Is a Dysplastic Mole? Severe & Mild Dysplastic Moles
- Abnormal Moles Biopsy, Results and Pictures
- Flat Mole Removal Cream at Home & Cost
- Mole Removal Cream Reviews for Face Flat Moles & Where to Buy
- Mole Removal Cost – How Much Does Cosmetic & Dermatologist Mole Removal Cost?
- Skin Colored Mole on Face, Nose & Scalp
- Mole Biopsy Results, Healing, Cost & Procedure
- Mole on Breast – Red, Black Moles and Meaning
- How to Remove Moles on Face, Neck with Iodine & Honey
- Melanoma Moles Pictures, Signs & Malignant Melanoma Moles
- White Mole on Face, Head, Back & Scalp
- What are Red Moles on Scalp, Breast, Baby & Back (with Pictures)
- Painful Mole on Back, Face, Neck & Scalp
- New Moles Appearing on Body, Face & Breast Skin
- Malignant Moles Signs & Symptoms, Treatment & Pictures
- Bleeding Mole & How to Stop Bleeding Mole on Face & Head
- Raised Mole on Face, Back, Neck (with Pictures)
- Atypical Mole Syndrome, Pictures and Biopsy Results
- Hairy Mole – Why Are Moles Hairy Tailed?
- What Causes Moles to form on Skin & Face
- Different Types of Moles on Skin & Face (with Pictures)
- What Are Moles – Pictures, Signs & How Moles Look Like