How do moles form on our body?
Moles are small spots that appear on your skin. They are quite common and appear regularly throughout childhood or adolescence. Moles are formed as a result of the action of cells known as melanocytes, which are responsible for producing skin pigment. These are also known as birthmarks and can have different shapes, such as flat or bulging, smooth or rough. Their color may also vary and they may be brown or black. Sometimes they may even have the same color as your skin.
Are moles dangerous? Is it necessary to have them removed?
It is important to underline that most moles are not dangerous and there is no need to have them removed. Although they are more common in some people, almost everyone has moles. To put it simply, there is actually a confusion of concepts that seems simple. One thing is true: moving a mole in place, making it bleed, and constantly irritating it increases the risk of cancer. Everyone has countless moles on their body and cancer may develop from them, but life cannot be lived with this fear. Therefore, it is necessary to have accurate information and take precautions if necessary, without unnecessary worry. The most common sentence I hear from my patients is "Doctor, if a knife touches my mole, will it grow or turn into cancer?" “. First of all, the patient comes to us about moles either for cosmetic reasons or because of the growth and shape change in the existing mole. You can only get accurate information on this subject from your doctor. Misinformation obtained from the environment only creates anxiety. If you know which moles need to be removed and the signs of a bad change in a mole, you can get rid of this fear.
What are the symptoms of bad changes in moles?
The features that increase the risk of cancer in a mole are as follows:
Deterioration of the old shape of the mole, extensions towards the environment. formation (if the edges become irregular like lace or a map). Change in the color of the mole, turning bluish or greenish, recent self-bleeding, recent increase in growth, hairiness on the surface, itching, formation of an area of different color around it (white-red)... you may encounter such findings. It would also be beneficial to consult your doctor. Additionally, if the mole is constantly exposed to the sun due to its location, it should be closely monitored. Additionally, large numbers of moles should be photographed and followed if necessary. If it is in an area that is difficult to monitor (such as the genital area, hairy area, etc.), it is recommended to remove it.
Can you briefly tell us about skin cancer?
Of course, the word cancer is very scary. , however, the treatment of skin cancers is easier than thought. If we suspect a lesion due to the reasons we have just mentioned, it must be surgically removed and examined in pathology to make a definitive diagnosis. If these lesions are very large, diagnosis can be made by taking thin biopsies. There are various types of skin cancers. Some of these are very common, and although some are very rare, it is important to recognize them early because they progress very quickly. Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Although skin cancer is not as fatal as other types of cancer, it is necessary to take the necessary precautions against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun and be under regular medical supervision.
What should be done to protect from skin cancer? What are the common misconceptions in the society about this subject? ?
The most important predisposing factor for the emergence of skin cancers is long-term exposure to sunlight.
FALSE: I don't think I'm exposed to the sun too much, so my chances of getting skin cancer are low.
TRUE: In surveys, although 50 out of every 100 women think they are not exposed to the sun, 43 percent of them get sunburn. detected. The rate of those who have had more than 5 sunburns in their lifetime increases to 72 percent, which doubles the risk of developing malignant melanoma cancer, which is extremely dangerous.
FALSE: Tanning is healthy.
THE TRUTH: “There is nothing healthy about tanning.” Op. Dr. A. Hakan ÖLMEZTÜRK says, "This mistake made to look thinner due to aesthetic concerns and to ensure that the skin has a homogeneous color is one of the most important causes of skin cancer and skin aging."
FALSE: The body needs plenty of vitamin D to store it. I should get plenty of sun.
D TRUTH: We should not exaggerate the benefits of sunbathing to justify it. To meet the vitamin D needs, 15 minutes of sun exposure on any part of the body a day is sufficient. Staying in the sun for longer than this period increases the risk of skin cancer.
FALSE: I applied sunscreen, I can sunbathe all day.
TRUE: Applying sunscreen will allow you to stay under the sun all day long. It doesn't mean. Because the effect of sunscreens lasts for an average of 2 hours. In a survey, although 81 out of every 100 people said they used sunscreen, nearly 50 percent of these people got sunburn. This means that a significant portion of the people surveyed use sunscreen inadequately or incorrectly. You should apply the sunscreen product at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and renew it approximately every 2 hours. If you're on the beach, don't forget to ride it more often.
Finally, applying the protective product to my face and body will not be enough. Applying sunscreen daily should be a habit. It is important that we apply sunscreen products to our eyelids, ears, inner parts of the arms, the tops of the feet, the nape of the neck, and the borders of the hairline. Additionally, wearing a hat whenever possible provides more effective protection. I think you should not neglect to see your doctor when in doubt
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