The mole grows back postoperatively, alerts you to melanoma cancer

Everyone must have a mole. The difference is, there are moles that are flat to the skin but there are also those that appear to the surface in the form of a lump. Moles that interfere with the appearance or indicate certain health problems are usually removed surgically. However, it is possible that the mole will grow back after surgery.

The mole grows back after surgery

Moles are pigment cells in the skin or what are known as melanocytes that grow and develop in groups. Generally, moles are brown or dark brown in color with a flat oval shape or protruding on the surface of the skin.

Usually, there are two reasons why a person takes action to remove moles. First, because it disturbs the appearance, for example, it lies on the face with a size that is large enough and protrudes.

Second, because the mole you have is a sign of cancer, this procedure is done to remove the cancer cells and stop them from spreading.

But it turns out, in some cases moles can grow back after surgery. Usually a mole that grows back after surgery because there are cancer cells in it.

Ordinary moles generally won't come back after the removal procedure. Meanwhile, according to information from the American Academy of Dermatology, a mole that grows back can be a sign of melanoma.

Therefore, you need to consult a doctor immediately if a mole grows back after surgery to determine the cause. If indeed this mole is cancer, it is necessary to immediately take action so that the cells do not spread to other parts of the body.

Recognize cancer sign moles

Source: National Cancer Institute

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in melanocytes. This disease is quite dangerous because it can attack nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain.

Moles that are signs of cancer usually have several differences from ordinary moles. Generally, you can see it from the shape, color, and size. To be able to recognize it, here are the characteristics that you can observe:

• Asymmetry, the shape is irregular.
• Irregular edge border, for example, notched or fuzzy (unclear).
• Uneven color on all surfaces, for example, there are black, brown, pink, gray, white, to bluish colors.
• Change in size, usually a diameter greater than 6 mm.
• There are developments, the mole will undergo various changes in the last few weeks or months.

Various other symptoms of melanoma skin cancer

Not all melanomas are shown by the symptoms mentioned above. Some other signs of melanoma include:

• Pain that doesn't go away in a mole that just grows.
• The spread of the color pigment from the border of the mole to the surrounding skin.
• Redness or swelling beyond the border of the mole.
• The mole is itchy and painful to the touch.
• There are changes in moles, for example, the appearance of new lumps or bleeding.

For this reason, immediately consult a doctor when the mole returns after surgery, especially if it is accompanied by the various symptoms that have been mentioned.