Moles, or nevi, are benign skin lesions composed of clusters of melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin . Almost everyone has moles, which usually appear during childhood and adolescence, though some may be present at birth.

Characteristics of Moles:

  • Appearance: Moles are typically small spots or raised nodules, colored brown, black, pink, or even blue. They can have a smooth or rough texture and sometimes have hair.
  • Size and Shape: Common moles are usually symmetrical, with uniform borders and a size smaller than 6 mm.
  • Changes: Moles can change over time. However, any change in size, shape, color, borders, or the appearance of symptoms (itching, bleeding) should be evaluated by a dermatologist. The “ABCDE” criteria are used for mole screening:
    • Asymmetry
    • Borders (irregular)
    • Colour (multiple or uneven shades)
    • Diameter (larger than 6 mm)
    • Evolving (changes over time)

Types of Moles:

  • Acquired Moles: These are moles that appear after birth, typically during childhood and adolescence.
  • Congenital Moles: These are moles that are present at birth or appear within the first year of life.
  • Dysplastic Nevi: These are benign moles that, however, resemble melanoma and carry a higher risk of evolving into it. They are usually asymmetrical, with irregular borders and uneven color, which is why they are characterized as atypical.

The majority of moles are harmless, but it is crucial to have regular check-ups with a dermatologist, especially for individuals with a large number of moles or a family history of skin cancer.

Digital Dermoscopy (Mole Mapping)

Digital dermoscopy is a specialized, non-invasive diagnostic method used for the detailed examination of moles and other skin lesions. It is an evolution of classic dermoscopy and involves using a digital dermatoscope—a special camera that magnifies the image of the moles up to 120 times and displays it on a computer screen.

The procedure, often referred to as mole mapping, is as follows:

  1. Recording: The dermatologist photographs all the moles on the body, by area.
  2. Detailed Examination: Each suspicious or atypical mole is examined individually with the digital dermatoscope, allowing the doctor to see its deep structure and characteristics that are not visible to the naked eye.
  3. Storage: The images are stored in special software, creating a digital file for each patient.
  4. Comparison: In future examinations, the software automatically compares the new images with the older ones, accurately identifying even the most subtle changes (e.g., in size, shape, or color).

Advantages:

  • Early Diagnosis: It is the most reliable method for the early detection of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Early diagnosis makes melanoma 100% curable.
  • Avoidance of Unnecessary Procedures: It helps to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, thus reducing the number of unnecessary surgical removals.
  • Painless and Safe: The examination is completely painless, non-invasive, and does not use radiation.
  • Reliable Monitoring: It allows for the systematic long-term monitoring of moles, which is vital for individuals with many moles, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma.

It is recommended to repeat the procedure at least once a year, especially for individuals in high-risk groups.