Mole mapping and its importance in melanoma.

All people have a variable number of normal moles. Some are present from birth, and are called congenital, and others appear throughout life, acquired nevi. These are the most common moles.

• Nevus mapping is the best way to monitor nevi and monitor for possible changes or the appearance of new elements suspected of melanoma.
• It is only indicated if there is a risk of melanoma (people with many acquired moles, with giant congenital nevi, with relatives with melanoma, with fair skin and blue eyes ...).
• It is essential to observe suspicious signs early and indicate the removal of any of them.

What moles can be dangerous and in which people?

Having moles is not in itself dangerous, but it can increase the risk of developing (a life-threatening skin cancer that may initially look like a simple mole) in some people: those with many acquired moles, those with large congenital nevi giant, those who have had cases of melanoma in close relatives, those who have been sunburned in their youth, those with fair skin and blue eyes, and those with moles of unusual shape, size or color that we call atypical or dysplastic.

What is a nevus mapping?

Currently, the best way to monitor a person's nevi and monitor for changes or the appearance of new elements suspected of melanoma is to map nevi. It consists of photographing and locating all the nevi of the skin on a body map, and also taking images of some of them with an epiluminescence microscope or digital dermatoscope, a technology that allows us to see certain data of the structure of the nevi that can orient towards its possible benignity or malignancy.

As the images of these body maps and individual nevi can be compared over time, they are essential to observe early signs of suspicion, and indicate the removal of any of them.

What people need it?

Not all people have to control their nevi with these devices. Although anyone can request it, it is really only indicated for people at risk of melanoma that we have mentioned.

Regarding what number of moles is considered normal, we can say that having more than 50 nevi in ​​adulthood increases the risk of suffering from melanoma 3.7 times more than the normal population. If you have more than 100 nevi, the risk increases to 7.6 times.

Atypical nevus

Regarding the atypical or dysplastic nevus, their characteristics are the following: they are larger than the common nevus, between 5 and 15 mm in maximum diameter, they have irregular edges, their color is somewhat more irregular, and many are shaped like a fried egg, with a darker center and a lighter edge. Individuals with dysplastic nevi have a risk between 7 and 27 times greater than the general population of developing melanoma. This risk is increased if there is a family history of melanoma.

If certain moles are at risk of being melanomas at some point, why not remove all of them?

This is a frequently asked question when talking about nevi and melanoma, but removing all of them would not completely eliminate the risk. Melanoma can appear on a previous nevus, but also on an area of ​​the skin where there was none. CHECK YOURSELF ON TIME, A HEALTH INSURANCE

In a matter of health, time matters, so if you have any suspicions, do not hesitate to consult the doctor who will best guide you and advise you on the steps to take. In the case of melanoma, having a HEALTH INSURANCE such as MAPFRE gives a lot of peace of mind as it includes a complete Preventive Medicine Program aimed at taking care of your health (consultation, examination and tests by a specialist who will offer you an assessment of your state of health and recommendations to take care of yourself). .