Should You Remove Moles on Hands and Feet? A Dermatologist's Insight

Q: Should You Remove Moles on Hands and Feet? A Dermatologist's Insight

Hello： To be honest, melanoma is uncommon in people of color. <br>In the regional hospital where I work, we might see a melanoma only once every few years, despite the many individuals with moles on their hands and feet, including myself and my family. <br>It would be impractical

Moles on the hands and feet?

Hello, I would like to ask about some articles I recently saw online stating that melanoma is more common in the extremities among East Asians, and they suggest removing moles on the hands and feet to prevent future issues.
Is this true? Is the risk high? I found information about the ABCDE symptoms and noticed that I have an irregular mole on my right index finger, measuring 0.2 cm in length and 0.1 cm in width, with a striped appearance and about four stripes, the top being smaller and the bottom being lighter.
Does this count as a normal mole, or is it potentially dangerous? It looks different from my other moles, which are all round.
From your perspective as a physician, should all moles on the hands and feet be removed for safety? Most sources indicate that frequent friction and irritation can increase risk.
Would you recommend removal? Additionally, for moles on the fingers and soles of the feet, is it better to remove them surgically or with laser treatment? I found that surgical removal on the soles can be painful due to anesthesia, but I couldn't find much information about the fingers.
Could you recommend a safe and less painful method? Thank you.

yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/06/24

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology

Hello: To be honest, melanoma is uncommon in people of color.
In the regional hospital where I work, we might see a melanoma only once every few years, despite the many individuals with moles on their hands and feet, including myself and my family.
It would be impractical to suggest that everyone with moles on their hands and feet needs surgery.
Articles online are often just recycled information; the most practical approach is to "personally visit" a dermatologist.
If two or more dermatologists tell you, "The probability is very low, it's too troublesome to remove, it looks normal, and if there's nothing wrong, just leave it alone," then you shouldn't worry about it.
Please note, if you are concerned about malignancy, you should not use methods like spot treatment or laser therapy, as these cannot eliminate malignancy and will only delay diagnosis.
Surgical excision is necessary for pathological evaluation.
Getting local anesthesia on your hands and feet will definitely be painful.
Wishing you peace of mind.

Reply Date: 2011/06/24

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether to remove moles on the hands and feet, especially in the context of concerns about melanoma, it's essential to approach this topic with a nuanced understanding. Melanoma is indeed a serious form of skin cancer that can arise from moles, and certain populations, including those of East Asian descent, may have specific risk factors associated with the development of skin cancers. However, the decision to remove moles should be based on a thorough evaluation by a dermatologist rather than general advice found online.

Understanding Moles and Melanoma Risk
Moles, or nevi, are common skin growths that can vary in size, shape, and color. Most moles are benign and do not pose any health risks. However, certain characteristics can indicate a higher risk for melanoma, which is where the ABCDE rule comes into play:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.

- Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.

- Color: The color is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, or even patches of pink, red, white, or blue.

- Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

- Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

In your case, you mentioned a mole on your right index finger that is irregular and has a unique shape compared to your other moles. This could be a cause for concern, and it would be prudent to have it evaluated by a dermatologist. They can perform a dermatoscopic examination, which allows for a more detailed view of the mole's structure, and if necessary, a biopsy can be performed to rule out malignancy.

Should You Remove Moles?
The decision to remove moles should be individualized. If a mole exhibits any of the ABCDE characteristics, or if it has changed over time, removal is often recommended. Additionally, moles located in areas that are frequently subjected to friction or irritation (such as the hands and feet) may be more prone to changes and could warrant removal as a precautionary measure.

However, not all moles need to be removed. If a mole is stable, symmetrical, and does not exhibit any concerning features, it may be safe to monitor it rather than remove it. Regular skin checks and being aware of any changes in your moles are crucial.

Removal Methods
When it comes to the methods of mole removal, there are generally two options: surgical excision and laser removal.
1. Surgical Excision: This method involves cutting out the mole along with a margin of surrounding skin. It is often used for moles that are suspected to be atypical or cancerous. While it may involve local anesthesia, which can cause some discomfort, it allows for thorough examination of the mole's deeper layers.

2. Laser Removal: This technique is less invasive and can be used for benign moles. It typically results in less pain and quicker recovery, but it may not be suitable for all types of moles, especially those that require histological examination.

Recommendations
Given your concerns, I recommend the following steps:
1. Consult a Dermatologist: Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to evaluate the mole on your finger. They can provide a professional assessment and recommend whether removal is necessary.

2. Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on any changes in your moles, including size, shape, color, or any new symptoms like itching or bleeding.

3. Consider Removal if Necessary: If the dermatologist recommends removal, discuss the best method based on the mole's characteristics and your comfort level with the procedure.

4. Skin Protection: Regardless of the decision about mole removal, practice sun safety by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure, as UV radiation can increase the risk of skin cancer.

In conclusion, while there may be a higher risk of melanoma in certain populations, not all moles require removal. A thorough evaluation by a dermatologist is the best course of action to determine the safety and necessity of mole removal on your hands and feet.

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