Blue nevus
A blue nevus is a small skin mass that is blue or dark blue in color. The original color is due to the increased concentration of melanin-producing cells in the dermis. It is mainly found in a single form, but multiple "moles" are also possible. The good quality of the nevus does not prevent it from being dangerous, since the threat of melanoma development is present.
Content:
- Causes of the appearance of a blue nevus
- Types of formations
- Blue nevus treatment
- Surgical excision
Causes of the appearance of a blue nevus
The formation of birthmarks occurs in the prenatal phase, therefore, the following reasons for the appearance of a "blue mole" can be distinguished:
- deviation in the development of the fetus;
- damage to the genitourinary system by a pregnant infection;
- hormonal surges associated with pregnancy;
- harmful factors (radiation, toxic substances).
The result can be abnormal development, localization of melanoblasts, their accumulation, the appearance of a blue nevus.
The following factors can lead to an increase in "birthmarks":
- constant use of hormonal contraceptives;
- physiological restructuring (pregnancy, feeding, adolescence);
- skin diseases (inflammatory, allergic);
- ultraviolet irradiation (prolonged exposure to the sun during dangerous hours, tanning in a solarium).
Types of formations
The form of a blue nevus is cellular, simple and combined:
- The simple form looks like accumulated cells saturated with melanin. A single nodule protruding above the skin is small, not more than a centimeter. The shade can range from dark blue to light gray, the surface is smooth. The most popular place is the neck, possibly the appearance of a nevus on the hands and face.
- The cellular form is represented by an accumulation of large cells less filled with pigment. The diameter of the formation is larger, it can reach 3 cm. Irregular dark tones, lack of brightness are typical. The surface is rough. The main lesions are the hands, feet, buttocks, lower back.
- The combined form is the result of combining a blue nevus with its other varieties (for example, with an intradermal). The appearance resembles a knot, there is an interweaving of brown and blue tones. This type is characterized by surface heterogeneity, blurry edges. Affected places - lumbar area, neck, palms.
Blue nevus treatment
Removal of the affected area is performed with significant growth, alarming changes that indicate a malignant transformation. Blue nevus does not cause much discomfort if it is not located in open areas of the body. If the education behaves "calmly", the patient is recommended only regular visits to the dermatologist and careful handling of the affected area, the exclusion of injury.
At the moment, the following options for its removal are available to owners of a blue nevus:
- surgical excision;
- radio wave method;
- laser removal;
- cryodestruction (exposure to liquid nitrogen);
- electrocoagulation (use of high-frequency electric current).
Each technique is characterized by pros and cons; it is advisable to choose the best option with a doctor. The prevalence of the lesion, individual characteristics matter.
Surgical excision
Doctors turn to a radical technique if it is not possible to distinguish a blue nevus from melanoma, its changes are observed.
Symptoms of the beginning of rebirth:
- the occurrence of tingling, itching, pain;
- rapid growth;
- staining the mole in blue, black, increasing the intensity of the tone;
- the occurrence of peeling;
- surface transformation (hair appearance, unevenness);
- bleeding, getting wet;
- change in shape, loss of definition of contours.
The nevus is excised with the subcutaneous tissue, and intact areas are captured (the indent is about 5-8 cm). If a blue mole is on the face, the area of healthy skin is reduced. The final stage of the operation is necessarily a histological analysis.
Obviously, the cosmetic effect obtained as a result of surgical excision leaves much to be desired. Scars and scars will not appear if the patient turns to more modern techniques (which do not help in all cases).
Removal with liquid nitrogen
Cryodestruction is a procedure that is relevant to combat a simple blue nevus of a non-cancerous nature. If the "mole" deeply affects the skin, a special apparatus is used - a cryodestructor. For superficial formations, treatment with liquid nitrogen with a cotton swab is sufficient.
Anesthesia is not required, since the manipulation is absolutely painless. The duration of the procedure does not go beyond 3 minutes.
Much more time is spent on recovery, which proceeds as follows:
- Solidification, discoloration, loss of sensitivity. Discomfort such as burning is also possible.
- Inflammatory reaction associated with the death of many cells, the formation of a crust.
- Formation of new skin (starts around the second week).
- Completion of the process, the formation of a full-fledged skin (4-6 weeks on average).
There is a possibility that one procedure will not be enough to completely get rid of a blue nevus.
Laser removal
The laser is currently recognized as the most effective tool for removing blue nevus. The penetration accuracy of the laser beam is guaranteed by a small diameter, a clear depth of impact. It is the laser that is recommended for combating skin formations that appear on the face, due to the excellent cosmetic result.
The presence / absence of traces depends on the extent of the lesion. Removal of deep lesions can lead to the persistence of a colorless spot (in some people, it disappears over time). "Moles" of compact size are eliminated without consequences. You can not be afraid of the appearance of scars, infection. The crust remaining in the area undergoing the operation has a protective function.
Laser removal and cryodestruction can be selected if there is no need for histological examination. Otherwise, it is better to dwell on radio wave exposure or electrocoagulation.
Removal with a radio knife
The radio knife is a highly effective tool for getting rid of a blue nevus. The device is able to simultaneously remove the affected area, disinfect the wound and stop bleeding. There is no need to be afraid of scars, healthy skin areas will not be affected either.
Electrocoagulation
This procedure is not recommended for removing a blue nevus that concentrates on open areas of the body, face. Small scarring is possible. Treatment of the affected areas is carried out by means of high-frequency current. Healthy areas remain intact, no bleeding occurs.
All of the above procedures are available for children from the age of two. People who do not need to immediately remove a blue nevus should pay maximum attention to prevention. The most important measures are limiting the time spent in the sun (avoiding a tanning bed), careful handling of education, excluding injury.
The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist
Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).
