Why is borderline nevus dangerous? What does a borderline nevus look like and why does it appear? Borderline nevus on the palm

A pigmented nevus is most often a congenital benign formation that occurs as a result of cell pigmentation and is located on the surface of the skin.

Blue nevus is one of the types of pigmented moles

What is a nevus?

In popular parlance, a nevus is called a mole or birthmark. Today it is almost impossible to meet a person who does not have pigmented moles. Statistics show that about 20 pigment formations can be counted on the body of each person.

A nevus is a cluster of nevus cells in which there is a dense concentration of the melanin pigment. The cells accumulate in the upper layer of the dermis.

Externally, such a formation can take the form of a spot, wart, papule, or the shape of a small nodule. The color of moles is determined by the level of pigment content and can be either light or dark black shades.

Nevi can be congenital or acquired. The main danger that moles can hide is the risk of developing skin cancer. Unlike men, in women nevi can form on the mucous membranes. It is curious that people with light hair and skin are more susceptible than others to the appearance of moles on the body.

Birthmark is one of the names for pigmented nevus

Reasons for the formation of moles

Most often, the first manifestations of melanin can be seen in the appearance of moles in a child. Nevi that originate from childhood do not pose a health risk in the future.

Experts identify a number of reasons why moles appear:

• genetic inheritance;
• adverse effects of ultraviolet rays;
• disruptions in the hormonal system;
• presence of sexually transmitted diseases;
• there are chronic diseases of the urinary and female reproductive system;
• a diet containing many foods with dyes, preservatives and GMOs;
• taking hormonal medications during pregnancy.

Regarding the process of nevus formation itself, it should be noted that this occurs through uncontrolled cell division. When they are produced in excess, the formation of a new formation begins. What distinguishes nevi from cancer cells is that they are not prone to intensive growth.

The urinary system and its disorders are responsible for the appearance of spots

Types of pigmented nevus formations

Age spots and moles can appear in a variety of ways. They are classified based on the cause of their appearance, size, color, and type of outer surface. Let's look at the most common ones.

Borderline pigmented nevus can be congenital or acquired during life. It is formed in the upper layer of the epidermis, therefore it belongs to the category of the initial stage of the appearance of nevi. Often this type begins to manifest itself in adolescence or adolescence, affecting the palm or foot area.

Externally it is a flat pigmented formation. Borderline pigmented nevus affects only one area on the body, but there are also cases of multiple nevus.

For a long time, the area of ​​pigmentation may remain small – up to 3 mm. But it happens that the spot begins to grow rapidly, increasing in a couple of years to 6 mm. In this case, you need to consult an oncologist.

• A borderline pigmented nevus can transform into a dysplastic nevus - the initial form of skin cancer development. This may be indicated by signs such as the appearance of cracks, erosions, or blurring of the boundaries of the spot. Specialists carry out diagnosis through a dermatological examination or dermatoscopy. Patients who have a borderline pigmented nevus on their body are prescribed observation by a dermatologist so as not to miss the beginning of the process of transformation into a malignant tumor.
• Dysplastic pigmented nevus. Refers to acquired skin formations. The spot is easy to recognize: it has an irregular shape, rises above the surface of the epidermis, and the shade can be reddish-brown or dark red. The diameter of the nevus is larger than that of congenital types - about 12-13 mm. Most often, the pigmented area is localized in the chest, buttocks and scalp. It is prone to transformation into a malignant tumor (melanoma).
• Intradermal pigmented nevus. It has the shape of a rounded nodule or popula. Typically, the neoplasm is light brown in color; dots or small spider veins of a brown hue may also appear. The most common areas where the spots are located are the neck or face. When people reach the age of 30, this area will become covered with warts.
• Giant pigmented nevus. This type belongs to the category of congenital nevi. Children are often born with spots on their skin. The cause of this nevus is the process of differentiation of melanoblast bodies. Activation of these cells occurs between 10 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. Giant pigmented nevus is rare: it appears only once in 500 thousand newborns and accounts for only 2%. As the child grows, the pigment spot increases in size.

A giant pigmented nevus can be enormous in size and overgrown with hair.

A giant pigmented nevus has a characteristic bumpy surface. Some areas of the formation may become overgrown with hair. This nevus usually has a gray or black tint and is distinguished by its location in the transformation of a malignant tumor, which requires immediate treatment.

For location, a giant pigmented nevus rarely chooses the area of ​​the face, legs or buttocks on the body. The slightest damage to the pigmented area can lead to further complications and its transformation into skin cancer.

Mixed pigmented nevus. Sometimes another name for this nevus is used - dermoepideral. Since a characteristic feature of this type is the presence of melanocytes both in the epidermis and in the dermis. In other words, this pigment formation represents a symbiosis of borderline and intradermal nevi. In appearance it resembles a wart.

The surface of the spot most often has a smooth structure, which is overgrown with hair in rare cases. The location is usually on the extremities, trunk or scalp. A signal that the nevus has begun to transform into the next form is a change in shade - the color ceases to be uniform.

Blue nevus. A fairly common type of nevus. It can be identified by a number of signs:

• forms in the form of a nodule;
• there is no hair on the smooth surface;
• can take on various shades from light gray to black;
• area of ​​occurrence - hands, feet or buttocks;
• has a small area - up to 1 mm.

It is distinguished by a slow rate of growth across the skin. Most often it is removed surgically.

Pigmented nevus of the conjunctiva. Such neoplasms do not pose any particular danger. They can occur on the mucous membrane of the eye and are then easy to notice. But sometimes the pigment spot is located on the choroid of the eyeball, so only an ophthalmologist can detect it.

There are two types of ocular nevi:

• stationary (remain unchanged);
• progressive (dynamic).

Borderline pigmented nevus requires regular examination by a dermatologist

Possible complications

You always need to be on guard with springs and pigment formations. The possibility cannot be ruled out that the skin lesion will transform into a malignant tumor. The risk group includes the category of people with congenital pigment spots of a large area, as well as those who have many moles and they began to appear in adulthood.

A skin pigmented nevus can indicate a threat with the following symptoms:

• intensive growth of moles;
• the mole takes on a different shape or color;
• the occurrence of itching, burning and other unpleasant physical sensations;
• moisture appears on the affected area.

With the help of these signs, the body sends signals about obvious disturbances in functioning, so it is better to seek advice from a dermatologist.

How are nevi treated?

Medical treatment of moles is carried out when there is a risk of degeneration into melanoma or the neoplasm rapidly increases in size. Pigment spots are also removed if they cause obvious discomfort to a person: they are located in inconvenient places or are subject to frequent injuries.

Pigmented formations are removed by two main methods: surgical or minimally invasive.

Surgery is only required for malignant moles

Surgery to remove moles is required only if the formation is malignant. After surgery, a scar or scar may remain on the skin.

Minimally invasive methods are relevant when a mole has formed on a visible area of ​​the body, and it is important to maintain an attractive appearance. Most often, removal is carried out using a laser or a special radio knife. Cryodestruction technology can also be used, which is the treatment of benign tumors by freezing. As a result of this therapy, the pigmented tissue dies, and below (under the crust) a young and healthy epidermis begins to form.

Preventative measures for skin cancer

Today, experts emphasize that the activity of sunlight has increased, which negatively affects the skin. Therefore, to avoid burns and the development of skin cancer, you should follow simple rules.

Prevention of melanoma includes a number of precautions:

• do not be in the sun between 11.00 and 16.00;
• do not overuse trips to the solarium;
• In summer, give preference to clothes made from natural fibers with long sleeves.

Quite often, people who have pigmented areas on their body do not feel the slightest discomfort from their presence. Sometimes original spots in some places serve as a distinctive feature of the genus or an attractive decoration. The alarm should be sounded when obvious painful signs, itching or blood appear. In this case, it is better not to hesitate, but to begin treatment.

A borderline pigmented nevus is a pigmented nodule about a centimeter in size, the color of which can be either very light or very dark. A borderline nevus can occur anywhere in the body; most often its appearance is characterized by singularity.

Borderline pigmented nevus is mainly innate character. In rare cases, it can occur in childhood, during puberty, and even later. This type of nevus can degenerate into a malignant neoplasm, so dermatologists tend to classify it as a nevi with a risk of developing melanoma.

Symptoms of borderline pigmented nevus

Borderline pigmented nevus is a flattened node with a dry and smooth surface, sometimes characterized by relief. Its distinctive feature is the absence of hair growth in the area where it is located. The size of a nevus can range from a few millimeters to 5 centimeters, but in most cases it does not exceed a centimeter.

Borderline nevus can even be located on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands, where other types of nevus are almost never found.

Borderline pigmented nevus is mainly congenital. In rare cases, it can occur in childhood, during puberty, and even later. This type of nevus can degenerate into a malignant neoplasm, so dermatologists tend to classify it as a nevi with a risk of developing melanoma.

A variant of borderline nevus is cockade nevus, which is characterized by a gradual increase in the level of pigmentation along the periphery of its formation, due to which after some time it acquires the appearance of concentric rings with varying degrees of color saturation.

A change in the shade of a borderline pigmented nevus, its strong increase, the appearance of cracks, bumps or erosions on its surface, the appearance of redness around the formation, blurry boundaries - all this indicates a malignant transformation and requires an immediate visit to a medical specialist.

Diagnosis of borderline pigmented nevus

Borderline pigmented nevus can be diagnosed during dermatological examination and dermatoscopy. One of the additional diagnostic techniques is siascopy. If there is a suspicion of malignancy of the formation, consultation with an oncologist is necessary.

A biopsy from the area where the formation is located is generally not performed, since such an injury can trigger the onset of malignant degeneration. Histological examination carried out after removal of the nevus using radio wave or surgical methods.

IMPORTANT: A change in the shade of a borderline pigmented nevus, its strong enlargement, the appearance of cracks, bumps or erosions on its surface, the appearance of redness around the formation, blurry boundaries - all this indicates a malignant transformation and requires an immediate visit to a medical specialist.

Treatment of borderline pigmented nevus

Patients suffering from borderline pigmented nevus are recommended to be monitored by a dermatologist. In a benign course, nevus does not need urgent removal, but it must be remembered that this type of nevus is a formation that can provoke the appearance of melanoma, so it would be best to remove the nevus.

The indication for treatment of nevus using surgical techniques is permanent danger of his injury, especially when localized in the area of ​​the palms or soles of the feet.

Removal of borderline pigmented nevus

Removal of a borderline pigmented nevus can be performed using laser machine, surgical scalpel or radio wave apparatus. Destruction with cold or electrical coagulation of the formation are undesirable methods of solving the problem, since experts tend to believe that such techniques can lead to melanoma development in the place where the nevus was located before removal.

Removing moles using a laser does not leave behind any aesthetic defect, but it can be used in situations where histological examination is not required. Removal of a nevus using a radiosurgical knife is mainly performed when the size no more than 5 millimeters. Both techniques do not require the application of suture material, provided the formation is small.

If signs of malignant degeneration of the formation are detected, urgent surgical excision and subsequent histological examination of the material removed during the operation are required.

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In some cases, a mole can even become a kind of decoration, a highlight of its wearer. However, these neoplasms should not be taken lightly, because some of them carry a potential risk to the health of their owner.

Sometimes a small (usually no more than a centimeter in diameter) round pigmented mole appears on the surface of a person’s skin, having a gray, brown or black color. In medicine, such a spot is called a “borderline nevus.” The name of the mole is due to its location between the epidermis and dermis. Borderline nevus is a subtype of such a benign formation on the skin as melanocytic nevus.

This neoplasm most often appears in infancy or childhood; in addition, it can also be congenital. The carrier of such a mole can be a representative of any gender. As for the localization of the border nevus, there is no particular preference for this phenomenon, but most often such neoplasms can be found on the palm or leg, and they are also found on the surface of the genital organs. The surface of this mole is smooth and characterized by the absence of hair on it.

One of the varieties of this skin formation is the cockade nevus, so named due to its distinctive feature - the appearance of rings with enhanced pigmentation on the edge of the mole.

A border nevus consists of melanin-producing cells - melanocytes - and is a benign neoplasm. However, despite the fact that in most cases such moles do not undergo any changes during the life of their owner, monitoring them will not be superfluous. This is because borderline nevus is classified by specialists as melanoma-hazardous, that is, there is a possibility that the neoplasm will develop into a rather dangerous pathology - melanoma. This malignant tumor poses a serious threat to human life and health, so you should be careful about the appearance of the borderline nevus and, if you have the slightest doubt, consult a doctor.

Signs such as the growth of a nevus or a change in its color should alert you. Possible pathological processes may be indicated by neoplasms, cracks or erosions that appear on the surface. It is worth contacting a dermatologist if the boundaries of the spot become blurred or there is redness around them.

All of the listed signs may indicate that a border nevus is transforming into a dysplastic nevus,
likely to provoke the development of a malignant neoplasm.

In addition, borderline nevus damaged by mechanical impact requires close attention.

Since the issue of determining the type of mole is quite important, you should not diagnose it yourself. To do this, you should consult a dermatologist. The question of visiting this specialist is especially acute when the tumor changes.

As a rule, methods such as dermatoscopy and skiascopy will help the doctor diagnose borderline nevus. In the first case, using a device similar to a microscope, which allows you to magnify the image many times, a detailed examination of the mole is carried out. Skiascopy is carried out using a scanner, which is used to study the composition and structure of cells, as well as to identify possible damage.

As a rule, if the patient has a borderline nevus, histology of the mole is not performed. This is due to the high probability of malignancy of the neoplasm when it is mechanically damaged.

Owners of a borderline nevus naturally have a question: is it necessary to remove such a mole? There is no clear answer to this question, since it is decided individually. Most often, if such a formation is benign, there is no question of removal, however, since a borderline nevus is melanoma-dangerous, in some cases doctors still recommend getting rid of the mole. First of all, naturally, the nevus is removed if any alarming changes appear, as well as if there is mechanical damage to the mole. It is recommended to remove the mole from areas of the skin that are susceptible to trauma.

Methods for removing border nevus include the following methods:

• surgical (the neoplasm is excised with a scalpel);
• laser;
• radio wave.

The last two methods are preferable in cases where the tumor is small in size and does not require subsequent histological examination. The advantages of such procedures are the absence of cosmetic defects and the need for sutures. Surgical excision is most often used when signs of pathological changes in the nevus are detected.

Despite the fact that the presence of a borderline nevus on the body is not a reason to immediately panic, the owner of such “decoration” should understand that one should treat the mole carefully and, if necessary, do not delay a visit to the dermatologist.

A borderline nevus is very similar to a dark-colored spot that appears on the top layer of the skin. It is completely flat and does not rise above the surface. In origin it refers to a change in skin color. It contains cells that contain quite a lot of melanin. As a result of this, it did not come out, but lingered between the layers of skin. Very often such nevi are called birthmarks. They can appear on the human body at birth or subsequently. If there are a lot of them or they appear in large numbers, you need to consult a doctor. Usually this type of formation is benign, but other pathologies also occur. What does a borderline nevus look like?

Why do they appear on the body?

Special cells that produce melanin are called melanocytes. These are what borderline birthmarks are made of. They appear in the neural fold and move into the skin. Some of them appear on various mucous membranes, which is why you can determine the color of a person’s eyes. Others concentrate in the skin, then it becomes a certain shade.

In nature, there are cells that are created without a process and pigment does not come out of them. Therefore, it is removed from certain areas of the skin and pigment spots form.

All spots that appear on the body and are pigmented can be divided into several groups:

1. Border group. They occur during division and reproduction, but if there is a delay between the layers of the skin.
2. Mixed group. In this case, the cells are located in a deep layer, which is called the basal layer.
3. Intradermal spots that fall deep into the dermis.

It was noticed that if the cells penetrate very deeply, the birthmark will become more convex. Why does this happen and how is it characterized?

Signs of birthmarks

Many types of moles can appear on the human body during life.

Borderline ones can be distinguished by characteristic features:

• when examining a borderline nevus, it becomes clearly noticeable that it is located above the surface of the skin. But in their shape they do not protrude above it, but look like spots. Sometimes they may resemble small elevations;
• Most often, borderline nevus occurs on the limbs, trunk, and face. It is also found on the genitals. It can develop into a large pigment spot on any surface except the palms, soles and organs of the reproductive system. Some experts are of the opinion that their rebirth is impossible while in these places;
• The appearance of several pigment spots with such signs at once occurs during the period of reaching biological puberty. Sometimes they begin to rise above the surface of the skin;
• when touched, the stain is smooth and dry;
• formations can be from 1 millimeter to several centimeters. But when the size reaches 1 cm, a diagnosis of the formation of an atypical mole is made;
• border nevus has a characteristic difference in the form of the absence of hair, even the smallest one;
• the color ranges from a yellowish tint to dark brown. This is due to the amount of melanin that is present in them. They usually have light shades.
• if the shade is dark, then the cockade type of nevus is diagnosed. The color will be quite deep, and the growth may resemble a ring shape.

You don't need to make a diagnosis yourself. It is important to contact a specialist who will accurately determine the type of tumor.

Similarities with other moles

How will a border nevus be similar to other moles? Pigment spots or moles appear on the patient’s skin; they can all differ in the nature of their formation or have common properties.

Doctors pay attention to the following similarities:

1. In terms of external characteristics, they can resemble freckles, which sometimes appear in entire patches.
2. They may resemble a benign tumor, which is formed from cells of vascular tissue. It will be soft when touched.
3. A dark brown keratoma that appears in older people. They are rough, and the secretions of the sebaceous glands are noticeable on their surface.

In order to determine the type of tumor, you need to visit a doctor. The danger lies in the possibility of rebirth. Melanoma sometimes develops at the site of a borderline nevus.

Wherein:

• the patient does not experience any pain;
• The color of the mole may change;
• it will change its contours;
• the surface will become rough to the touch.

These symptoms can be called mild, and with a long delay in receiving medical care, the disease will progress.

This process can occur under certain conditions. Most often this is an injury to the border nevus. Especially if it is located on the palms and soles. In these places there is a possibility of injury due to incorrectly selected or uncomfortable shoes. Therefore, it is recommended to remove stains in advance.

Establishing diagnosis

The diagnosis is made when visiting a dermatologist.

What will the doctor do:

1. The patient's entire body is examined. The doctor must find out how many birthmarks there are. If necessary, a dermatoscope is used.
2. If possible, modern spectrophotometric intracutaneous analysis can be used.
3. Carrying out a biopsy is inappropriate; this examination method can provoke the process of degeneration of the nevus into a malignant formation.

A specialist examines the mole under a microscope. This type of diagnosis helps to identify the type of formation, detect its core, and accurately determine its shape. Sometimes pathology occurs, and the congenital spot will have a loose structure or they will be scattered in the upper layer of the skin.

In order to prevent complications, you need to:

• monitor the appearance of new spots on the body. If they arise, consult a specialist;
• on the recommendation of a doctor, remove any nevi that appear. In this case, modern methods are used, but sometimes it remains advisable to use conventional surgery.

You should only contact experienced specialists and medical institutions. You can only resort to the services of beauty salons if you have full confidence in their professionalism.

A borderline nevus occurs due to the activity of melanin. What this is foreseen is unknown. A benign formation located between the epidermis and dermis, which explains its name. It belongs to the category of moles with a high risk of degeneration into melanoma, and therefore requires regular examination by a dermatologist (once every six months). It is asymptomatic and imperceptible. Treat with surgical excision, laser or radiotherapy. Avoiding direct exposure of ultraviolet rays to the area of ​​the junctional nevus is the main preventive action.

Borderline nevus is a neoplasm that has a significant risk of degeneration into a cancerous form.

What is a border nevus called?

The name "borderline nevus" comes from its location. The localization between the epidermis and dermis leads to the term "intermarginal". Cells with a high content of melanin pigment move to the basal layer of the epidermis to form a borderline mole. They do not have processes in their structure, so they do not transfer melanin to nearby cells.

Benign formation with a high risk of developing into melanoma (every 3rd case). Often, moles are dark in color, ranging from gray (light brown) to black. The diameter does not exceed 1 cm, growth is possible at a rate of 1 mm/year. On average it is 20-50 mm, the edges are smooth. The shape is round or deformed. Smooth surface without hair. The high pigment content and location provoke this color. A borderline pigmented nevus appears on the body in any area, often located on the feet, palms or mucous membranes. It mainly appears in the first months of life, is not dangerous, but requires increased attention and control. They grow in different quantities: from one to several. May develop into nodular seals. In medicine it is called “functional nevus”.

Why does it occur?

Formed due to a violation of the formation of melanoblasts. The activity of the melanin pigment may be due to:

• changes in hormonal levels;
• exposure to ultraviolet rays;
• the presence of infections;
• genealogical factor;
• oncology;
• the effect of synthetic drugs;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system.

A junctional mole often begins to appear in infancy. Factors influencing this process may include changes in the mother’s body during gestation, or exposure to environmental factors.

The exact cause of this type of stain cannot be determined. A more detailed clinical picture will be provided by a diagnostic study. Changes in shape, color, uniformity, lines are a signal to contact a dermatologist and determine whether the mole is benign. The development of a border nevus into its pathological appearance of a cockade nevus indicates the risk of melanocytes. Recurrence after treatment means a high probability of cancer.

Symptoms of education

Asymptomatic and imperceptible formation, appears virtually unnoticed. The presence of itching, burning, uneven edges, and redness of the skin should alert the patient. These are not characteristic features of a borderline nevus. Hair does not grow in the mole area, the surface remains smooth. The main thing is not to confuse a functional mole with melanoma. Below is a table of differences.

As a rule, a borderline nevus, despite its danger, may be no different from an ordinary mole.

It is impossible to identify a borderline mole symptomatically, especially on your own. With age, complete disappearance is possible. The manifestation of tangible signs and changes in the appearance or condition of the patient is associated with outgrowth of the mole or its pathology. An increase in body temperature indicates the presence of inflammatory processes, which may be associated with melanoma. If such nevi are located in areas with an increased risk of injury, they need to be removed.

An initial examination and consultation can be carried out by a general practitioner with further referral to a dermatologist or surgeon. Initially, an external examination is carried out, questions are asked to the patient and a visual characteristic is determined. For a more detailed analysis, an ultrasound examination of the mole may be performed. Diagnostics will show the location of the depression between the dermis and epidermis, the exact size and growth, and the effect on surrounding tissues. Siascopy may be prescribed as an additional diagnostic method.

To determine whether it is malignant, a blood test is taken for further laboratory tests. A biopsy is not recommended, since traumatizing the nevus to take material can provoke development into a dangerous form of the disease. The conclusion is given after histology, which is carried out from the excised material during surgery (if there was one). Only after diagnosis can the doctor fully describe the clinical picture and decide on the treatment method.