Dr. Alexandra Naumova, a pediatric oncologist, stated that melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin tumors, but when detected at an early stage, it is successfully treated in most cases.
According to her, melanoma is a malignant tumor made up of pigment cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin.
She says: "Melanoma is detected less often in children than in adults, but monitoring the condition of the skin is important at any age, without exception. Because the purpose of monitoring is early detection to assess skin formations."
According to her, benign moles usually have a symmetrical shape. If you were to divide them morphologically, they would be identical. However, discovering asymmetry between them is a cause for concern, as benign formations are characterized by smooth, well-defined borders. The discovery of uneven or indistinct borders may indicate a possible pathological process.
The doctor points out that a uniform color often corresponds to the benign nature of the composition.
She says: "The appearance of color changes (brown, black, gray, reddish) or a change in color over time requires medical evaluation. Formations larger than 6 mm should also be monitored, especially if they enlarge. It should also be taken into account that melanoma can develop even in smaller formations."
According to her, any changes over time—growth, change in shape or color, itching, bleeding, scaling—are of great diagnostic importance.
She says, "The dynamics of change are one of the main risk factors. An additional warning sign is when one mole is noticeably different in appearance from the others. Such a difference requires further examination."
The doctor explains the factors that increase the risks and require closer monitoring.
According to her, these include a large number of moles (more than 50), a light-colored skin pattern, a tendency to sunburn, family history of skin cancer, and severe or repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation, including sunburn.
She emphasizes that any rapid visual changes in a mole—such as asymmetry, uneven edges, or discoloration, as well as the appearance of subjective sensations (itching, pain), bleeding, or superficial ulceration—require consultation with a specialist.
She says: "Early diagnosis is very important, because detecting skin cancer in its early stages increases the five-year survival rate by 90 percent. Therefore, regular skin monitoring and timely medical treatment remain the most effective strategy to reduce serious consequences."
