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What are the differences between black moles and melanoma?

Nov 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Morphological Appearance: Black moles usually have a regular shape, often round or oval. They have clear edges and well-defined borders, with a natural transition to the surrounding skin. Melanomas often have irregular shapes and may appear asymmetrical, with one side differing from the other. The edges are uneven and may be jagged or blurred.

Generally, the differences between common moles and melanoma can be observed in terms of appearance, color presentation, growth speed, surface characteristics, and symptom manifestation. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Appearance: Common moles usually have a regular shape, often round or oval, with clear, well-defined borders that transition naturally into the surrounding skin. Melanomas often have irregular shapes, appearing asymmetrical, with one half differing from the other. Their borders may be uneven, notched, or blurred.

2. Color Presentation: Common moles typically have a uniform color, generally black or dark brown, with consistent pigmentation throughout. Melanomas may display a mixture of colors such as black, brown, blue, red, or white, and pigmentation is often unevenly distributed.

3. Growth Speed: Common moles grow very slowly and may remain unchanged for years. They are benign skin lesions with normal cellular proliferation rates and do not rapidly increase in size over a short period. Melanomas grow quickly, especially in the early stages, and may visibly enlarge or thicken within weeks or months.

4. Surface Characteristics: The surface of common moles is usually smooth and uniform in texture. Some moles may be slightly raised but still feel flat to the touch, without ulceration, bleeding, or crusting. Melanomas may have an uneven, rough surface resembling sandpaper. Nodular elevations may be present, and ulceration is common, often leading to bleeding, crusting, and recurring lesions that are slow to heal.

5. Symptom Manifestation: Common moles typically cause no discomfort and do not produce symptoms such as pain or itching. They represent benign pigmentation without irritation to surrounding tissues or nerves. Melanomas may be accompanied by symptoms such as localized itching, pain, or swelling around the mole. When melanoma metastasizes, symptoms specific to the affected area may appear—for example, coughing or hemoptysis if it spreads to the lungs, or bone pain if it involves the skeletal system.

If you notice unusual changes in a mole on your body, such as enlargement, color change, or irregular shape, you should seek medical evaluation promptly to rule out the possibility of melanoma.

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