Which mole is innocent and which mole is risky?
We have standard A, B, C, D criteria for the evaluation of moles. When we look at a mole, we take the following criteria into consideration: Asymmetry: Asymmetric moles carry the risk of worsening. The mole is symmetrical; That is, when we draw a line from the middle on the mole, the right and left or the top and bottom should look equal.
Border: The edges of the mole should be regular; It shows a risk of deterioration when there is irregularity.
Color: The color must be homogeneous and in the same color tone. For example, if it has a single tone of brown at every point... When there are tone differences such as dark brown in one place and light brown in another, we consider the mole to be at risk.
Diameter: If the diameter of the mole exceeds 5 mm, it is again considered in the risk group. .
Is a single risk enough to remove moles?
The general approach is to give some grades to moles according to A, B, C, D criteria and score them. If it is above a certain number, it means removal of the mole. We have now automated this situation with experience. When we look closely, we evaluate these criteria and remove the moles that we see as risky. For example, the patient has many moles on his back. You see, 2-3 of them attract your attention. They are different, atypical moles. We call them 'dysplastic moles' and we remove these moles before they turn into malignant melanoma (a type of skin cancer caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells called melanocytes, which form the pigment that gives the skin its color). These congenital moles also need to be evaluated. Congenital, 1-5 cm. And larger moles with hair on them have a risk of turning into melanoma. That's why patients need to have these moles monitored regularly.
Sunless tan
At what intervals do doctors need to monitor moles?
We check suspicious moles every 6 months. If there is no change in me after 2 years, we can reduce the control period to once a year. Also, we generally want to see patients before summer, before they are tanned. To see if there is a mole that is risky for them to go out in the sun. Because when you tan, the color of the mole may not be fully visible. For this reason, it is usually checked in May-June. It would be good to be careful.
Is there a risk of moles found in children?
Melanoma is not common in children, it is seen at a younger age, but moles in children may also be a risk. and must be followed.
Is the number of moles increasing because of the sun?
No, just more attention is being paid to the mole issue. Moles increase with age, and if their behavior is good and there is nothing remarkable about their features, the increase in moles is not something to be afraid of. On the other hand, moles can be confused; However, not every bump on the body is a mole. The sun can cause sunspots in many people, and sometimes people may mistake sunspots or freckles for moles. There is a group of patients for whom sun rays pose a risk of melanoma. These are:
- People with light skin, thin skin.
- People with a lot of freckles.
- People with red hair.
- People with light color (blue, green). ] eyes.
- Those with a high number of moles.
- Those with a family history of melanoma.
These people should use the highest sun protection factors.
What is the effect of the sun's harmful rays on moles?
Studies have revealed that the moles of people exposed to the sun worsen. In addition, the sun can also cause skin cancers, which we call 'non-melanoma'. Attention! The sun is harmful Its effects are permanent. Even in people who have not sunbathed for years, skin cancer can be seen in later ages due to sun damage they received during childhood or youth. The harmful effects of the sun can also occur during periods when the body's immune system is weakened.
Tank before going out in the sun
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Should moles be removed surgically? Is it right to have moles burned with laser in beauty centers?
Moles that are higher than the skin are benign and do not become cancerous. For this reason, some moles, such as skin tags, can be treated with laser or cautery, but flat ones should be more feared. Moles of this type, which are evaluated in terms of possible risks and decided to be removed, are properly removed and pathologized by plastic surgeons, general surgeons, and dermatological surgeons who know this job well. It must be sent to. The mole should be examined thoroughly in pathology and the report should be sent to us. However, when a risky mole is burned, there is no possibility of examination. In addition, bad marks remain on the burned areas, and the edges of the burned areas may start to turn brown again after a while. This means that these cells were in that root, but the person who burned them did not see it. If it is a malignant mole, it can also spread from the inside.
What should we do about our existing moles?
It is important to follow the changes. A self map can be created. They can look in the mirror, draw a body diagram for themselves, and mark it on the diagram saying "I have mine over here." When they see something new, they look at that map and say, "Was that there?" They can check. It would even be better for patients to photograph their moles and upload them to the computer and monitor them at regular intervals. For example, it is important for them to check whether there are any changes around the edges of the mole over time. It is also necessary to pay attention to moles in areas that are constantly irritated.
Is pathological analysis required for all moles?
It is not necessary; The doctor's experience is important here. For example, the patient has a lot of thread-shaped skin tags on his neck, we burn them and do not send them to the pathologist. Because we are sure they are good-natured. Or there are red moles that are vascular moles, we apply laser to them too. We do not have the opportunity to send it to a pathologist here either.
Is it true that if a mole is removed, it will get worse?
Misbeliefs such as "If a knife touches a mole, it will get worse" are the ones that depress us and affect patients. harmful beliefs. In suspicious cases, the mole must be removed surgically both to confirm the diagnosis and for treatment. There is no other definitive diagnosis or treatment. We always remove any mole we suspect and send it to pathology. If cancer is diagnosed, a second operation may be needed because a larger area must be removed. If not, "We suspected it, we bought it. We examined it, but it wasn't, how nice!" we say. Even if it is cancer, the treatment for it is to have the mole removed.
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