Many liver spots on the right arm indicate a risk of skin cancer

Liver stains can alienate and mutate into cancer. Scientists have now succeeded in creating a risk profile. During a study, they found that the number of moles on the right arm determines the risk of skin cancer. This can support diagnostics. It turned out: If you have more than 11 liver spots on your arm, you have a higher skin cancer risk.

New method improves screening for skin cancer
People who have more than eleven liver spots on one arm may be more susceptible to the development of melanoma. There is a new method that could be used by doctors to more quickly determine the number of liver spots on the entire body. For this purpose, partial areas of our body are examined. On such so-called "proxy body areas" the liver spots are counted. For this example, offers the arm on.

Liver stains can indicate the risk of skin cancer. Image: Miriam Dörr - fotolia

Counting liver spots can help to diagnose skin cancer. The amount of liver spots is the most important indicator of skin cancer risk. Twenty to forty percent of melanomas arise from liver spots. For every additional mole, the risk of skin cancer increases by two to four percent, researchers from Kings College London suggest. But counting the total number on the whole body consumes a lot of time in the check-up.

Poor good "proxy area"
In earlier small studies, researchers found that it can be sufficient to examine only certain parts of the body. From the number of liver spots found, the total number of spots can then be calculated. It turned out that for this purpose the arm is particularly reliable in order to get accurate results.

Nurses were looking for the best "proxy area" in nearly 3,600 women
In the study of the "Welcome Thrust", a larger number of participants were examined to find the most useful "proxy area". For this purpose, the data of 3,594 female twins were recorded. Specially trained nurses counted the liver spots on 17 areas of the subjects. In addition, the skin type, the hair and eye color and existing freckles were recorded. The results were then substantiated by another study with men and women.

Eleven liver spots on the arm significantly increase the risk of skin cancer
The number of liver spots on the right arm is very reliable for predicting the total number, the researchers said. In women with seven or more liver spots on their right arm, fifty or more spots were found on the entire body. In women with eleven liver spots in their "proxy area", the number rose to 100 or more. These women thus had an increased risk of developing skin cancer. The area above the right elbow turned out to be extremely accurate for the predictions. The number of liver spots on the legs is also closely related to the total number. In men, the back is also a good "Proxi area".

Study results help improve preparedness
The new study published in the "British Journal of Dermatology" builds on earlier work on the "proxy method". It is to be determined which place is most reliable for predicting the total number of liver spots. The difference here is that everything would happen on a much larger scale, according to lead author Dr. Ribero from "Kings College London". The results could have a significant impact on primary care. It would then be possible for physicians to more easily and quickly determine the total number of liver spots via an easily accessible part of the body. This would mean that more patients at risk of melanoma can be identified and monitored, the researchers said.

Doctors should be informed about changes in liver spots
Less than half of all melanomas develop from liver spots, according to Dr. med. Claire Ritter from "Cancer Research UK". So it is important to know what is normal for your own skin type. Any change in size, shape or color should be referred to a physician. In principle, not only the arms should be examined, warned dr. Knights, because melanomas could develop anywhere on the body. (As)