Mother stains

 Benign, troubled and malignant birthmarks

Most birthmarks are very quiet, common birthmarks, but in some cases a benign or troubled birthmark (atypical birthmark) can turn into a malignant birthmark. Moles come in different sizes, colors and shapes. Benign birthmarks (dermal naevi) are regular in color (black or brown) and shape. Troubled birthmarks are benign but are irregular in color and shape, sometimes with red discoloration at the edges.

In contrast, a malignant mole(melanoma) is often erratic, asymmetrical in shape, and irregular in color. The pigment-forming cells can be brown and black, as well as red, blue, purple, white, gray or multiple colors (melanocytic naevi). Moles very rarely develop into malignant birthmarks. Malignant birthmarks, or melanomas, can develop from unsettled but also from benign birthmarks. It is even possible for a malignant mole to develop spontaneously. A melanoma is a serious form of cancer that can move and spread.

 How do birthmarks occur?

Birthmarks can be present from birth, but these pigment cells in the skin develop mainly between the third and twentieth years of life. The amount of congenital birthmarks and the number of birthmarks that developed later may decrease after the age of 40

Hereditary predisposition plays an important role in the number of birthmarks you have. In addition, sunlight plays a major role in the formation of new birthmarks. If you were exposed to a lot of sunlight in the first 15 years of your life, you will have developed more birthmarks than if you were exposed to less sunlight.

A melanoma generally arises from a troubled mole; occasionally they may arise from common moles. Very rarely, melanomas arise spontaneously out of nowhere, without other birthmarks transforming into the melanoma. A melanoma is usually larger than an ordinary mole (dermal naevus), the shape is erratic and asymmetrical and the pigmentation is often irregular.

 Checking a birthmark

Checking (new) birthmarks on a regular basis is very wise. If there are changes in the birthmark such as an itchy birthmark, bleeding birthmark, painful birthmark or if it becomes inflamed then it may be a signal that the birthmark is developing negatively. Pay attention if a common or agitated mole:

• Getting bigger 
• Changing color or color composition 
• Changes shape (becomes asymmetrical or erratic) 
• Itches, stings or hurts 
• Scabs shows  
• Bleeding
• Painful is

In many cases, these symptoms will be based on harmless changes in the mole, but it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist if there are more than 2 of the above changes to see if a mole is malignant.

ABCD rule

Using the ABCD rule, you can check many birthmarks yourself. If three or more things apply, you may have a troubled or malignant mole. 

 Removing mother stains

A dermatologist examines whether the mole is common, unsettled or malignant. The dermatologist does this based on external features, possibly by using a dermatoscope with magnification to look at the suspected mole. If it cannot be determined from external appearance what kind of mole you have, further tissue examination is needed.

A benign mole is a normal occurrence and thus does not require treatment. However, a mole may be removed for cosmetic reasons. If malignancy is suspected, the tissue is examined. This is usually done by cutting away the mole (excision) or burning it away (electrocoagulation). Depending on the outcome of the tissue examination, further treatment will be determined.

Treatments offered by Bergman Clinics | Skin & Vascular are:

• Surgical procedure
• CO2 laser treatment

 What can you do yourself?

Hereditary predisposition largely determines whether or not you will develop melanoma. There is little you can do about it. If family members have or have had melanomas, it is advisable to keep a close eye on suspected birthmarks. Also, try to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as much as possible, especially in children, since sunlight affects the development of malignant moles.

Do you have a suspicious or painful mole?

If so, have them examined by your doctor. This way you will be able to catch them quickly, should malignant birthmarks develop on you. Removing birthmarks is best done by a dermatologist.

Want to learn more about the mole treatment options at Bergman Clinics? Feel free to call us at 088 9000 500. Our staff will be happy to answer your questions. It is also possible to schedule an appointment right away.