Although they are considered a charm by many people, moles often pose a health risk and can evolve into a malignant skin tumor. In these situations, it is necessary to consult with a specialist in removal of moles for a careful evaluation of the case and safe performance of the procedure.
The professional specialist in mole removal is the dermatologist, a doctor who has deepened in the study, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the skin, hair, mucous membranes, hair and nails. This professional is also able to make an evaluation of the skin signs presented by the patient, identifying their chances of malignancy and pointing out the most appropriate methodology to extract the structures.
Who’s the mole removal expert?
The most indicated professional to perform the mole removal surgery is the dermatologist, who can make an evaluation of the melanocytes nevi and indicate the performance of a dermatoscopy. This is an examination that allows the visualization of skin structures in more detail, thus evaluating the characteristics of the lesion and confirming the need to remove moles.
The presence of irregular moles in the body is considered a risk marker for the development of melanoma, a very aggressive cancer. Ideally, patients with melanocytes nevi around the body are periodically evaluated by a mole removal specialist so that a possible melanoma is identified and removed as soon as possible.
The delay in performing the surgery can make a lot of difference in the prognosis of a melanoma-like skin cancer, seriously compromising the patient’s health. Therefore, it is recommended to seek an expert in mole removal when noticing the appearance of signs and other skin changes.
How is the mole removal procedure done?
Mole removal surgery can be performed from different techniques such as excision, shaving, punch biopsy or laser treatment. The most appropriate methodology should be indicated by the specialist in mole removal after careful analysis of the shape, size, location and aspect of the lesion. In most cases, the procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting, without the need for hospitalization.
In general, it is a relatively simple surgery, but one that requires special care for proper healing and full recovery of the patient. It is essential to be careful mainly in relation to the hygiene of the region and use of antibiotics as instructed by the dermatologist who performed the procedure. It is also necessary to be careful with sun exposure and use specific skin care products.
When is surgery necessary?
There are two basic situations in which it is necessary to seek a specialist in mole removal to perform the procedure: when the mole can turn into a malignant tumor or when the patient feels aesthetic discomfort in relation to the nevus. It is the dermatologist’s responsibility to evaluate the case, identifying his chances of malignancy and possibility of removal for aesthetic reasons.
The main criterion used by medicine to evaluate moles is the so-called ABCDE test, which involves the analysis of the following aspects:
- Asymmetry of the pint;
- Edges, and regularity at the edges is a sign of healthy moles;
- Coloring, which must be constant;
- Diameter, which should also not change with time;
- Evolution, and accelerated growth in the size or quantity of moles is considered a sign of danger.
When noting the appearance of moles and nevi on the skin with characteristics considered suspicious for malignancy, according to the criteria indicated above, contact and schedule a consultation with the specialist in removal of moles
Healing care and prevention
Surgery to remove moles is a necessary treatment for cases with suspected malignancy, and care for its healing is essential for the full recovery of the patient. In this sense, it is essential that the dermatologist’s guidelines regarding the hygiene of the site where the nevus was extracted and use of antibiotics be followed.
After removal of stitches, the doctor may indicate the use of specific products for healing and regeneration of skin tissues. In addition, it is essential that the region is protected from sun exposure and that the patient adopts preventive measures to prevent the development of melanomas, especially if it presents risk factors.
In general, risk factors relate to family history of skin cancers, frequent sunburn, and presence of fair skin. The recommended care, in turn, boils down to frequent use of sunscreen, avoiding excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays and doing self-examination regularly looking for new moles or suspicious moles on the skin.
If you have one or more moles on the skin with characteristics considered suspicious, schedule a consultation with the dermatologist to assess the need to perform the mole removal surgery.
