Contents
A mole or nevus is a pigmented formation on the skin. It is based on melanin and melanocyte cells. Moles appear on the body as a person grows older and depend on solar activity. Nevi can develop on any part of the body, become more voluminous or increase in size, causing some aesthetic inconvenience. In addition to external beauty, nevi can degenerate into malignant melanoma through the process of metastasis. Can this be avoided? Yes, it is enough to remove the mole surgically in a proven clinic. How exactly does the removal work, what are the risks/consequences, and how often should I visit a dermatologist?
General characteristics of formations
A mole is a pigmented formation of one of the shades of the brown palette. The basis contains melanin and melanocyte cells that produce it. Melanins are high molecular weight pigments. They are characterized by heterogeneous structure and complex chemical composition. Pigments are found not only in moles, but also in all skin, hair, iris, inner ear and even some parts of the brain.
It is important not to confuse nevi with birthmarks. Moles are not formed in the prenatal period, but as a person grows up and is closely related to his lifestyle. The cause of the formation of pigment spots can be a hereditary factor, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, changes in hormonal levels.
Each mole is a separate formation with a unique life cycle. At first, it is a flat spot, which can increase, slightly rise above the skin as it grows and develops. The size and location of the formation depends on the level of melanocytes. If they are in the epidermis (top layer of the skin), the mole will be flat. The deeper the melanocyte is immersed in the dermis, the higher the formation is located on the surface of the human body.
Convex nevi, which slightly rise above the skin, should not frighten their owners. This condition has no negative consequences and is considered a variant of the norm. The main thing is that the mole should be miniature, round and uniform (in terms of color and structure) throughout its life cycle.
Can a mole disappear on its own and how safe is it? Yes, education can disappear without the influence of mechanical factors. This happens gradually and can alert a person. First, a white contour is formed around the formation, which resembles an orbit. This contour begins to increase and gradually covers the surface of the entire formation. The nevus disappears, and a small white spot remains in its place. Most often this occurs after severe sunburn. The disappearance of moles can also be a harbinger of the rare disease vitiligo.
If you notice changes in the mole (increase / decrease, uneven edges, change in shade or structure), be sure to contact a specialist.
Indications/contraindications for the procedure
The surgical method is most often used for suspected malignant degeneration of the nevus. Doctors recommend removing growths that are constantly in contact with clothing or located on the scalp, which increases the risk of damage. Moles in the groin, on the neck, chin, back or in the folds of the skin are most often damaged – consult a dermatologist to decide whether to remove them. Large formations on the “legs” also represent a colossal danger. They can break off or twist, which can lead to pain and infection.
Excision captures not only the affected area, but also healthy tissue, which prevents recurrence of the skin growth. The main advantage over more modern laser removal or cryodestruction is obtaining material for histological examination. The excised tissue is sent for diagnosis in order to better understand the causes of the disease, understand the possible risks and draw up a preventive course for the patient.
Surgical manipulations can only be carried out in specialized medical institutions. Beauty salons or home procedures are not suitable for this and can cause irreversible consequences for the body.
| Показания | Relative contraindications |
|---|---|
| Increasing the size of education | Infectious diseases, regardless of stage |
| Deep penetration of the mole under the skin | Acute inflammatory processes |
| Bleeding, color or texture change | Chronic pathologies in the acute stage |
| Frequent trauma to the mole, education causes pain or inconvenience | The period of pregnancy and breastfeeding |
| Aesthetic discomfort |
There are no direct contraindications to surgical removal of nevi. With relative contraindications, the patient must undergo additional tests and consult a specialist.
The doctor will determine the expediency of removal, indicate possible complications and features of rehabilitation. In some cases, surgery will have to be postponed until the patient has fully recovered.
What you need to know about melanoma
Each mole on the human body can degenerate into a malignant formation of melanoma. What it is? Melanoma is one of the types of malignant tumor. It also contains melanocyte cells (which produce melanin), but in melanoma cells are more aggressive.
They constantly divide, displace healthy cells, enter the vascular bed and spread throughout the body. As soon as the first aggressive cell approaches the brain or, for example, the lungs, it settles inside the organ and begins to intensively divide. This process is called metastasis.
Melanomas are extremely dangerous because they quickly metastasize and divide at an incredible rate. The main thing is to fix the pathology in time. Surgical removal of melanoma will prevent the process from spreading throughout the body and guarantees a complete cure. Untimely access to a doctor or a complete refusal of treatment is fraught with a fatal outcome.
How to prepare for mole removal
No specific preparation before removal is provided. It is enough for the patient to come to the medical center and follow the necessary instructions of the specialist. An anesthetic is administered before the operation to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. In most cases, drugs with lidocaine are used. With an increased risk of bleeding, the doctor selects a medication and injects it intravenously after an anesthetic.
Immediately before the procedure, the doctor conducts a brief consultation. He explains the essence of the method, possible complications and skin care rules.
As soon as the nuances are agreed, the doctor gets to work. The patient is laid on a couch and the skin is treated with a special solution. It disinfects the area so that pathogenic bacteria do not get into the open wound. At this stage, the preparation ends, and the specialist proceeds directly to the surgical intervention.
Operation technique
The removal technique depends on the location and size of the formation. The mole must be excised within healthy tissue. The area of excision is determined by the doctor, warning the patient about this. For example, if the nevus is located on the face, the specialist must remove the minimum amount of the epidermis. On other parts of the body, the result of the intervention will be less noticeable, so the doctor can capture more healthy tissue.
There are two main methods of surgical removal. One of them is cutting off a mole without suturing. The doctor uses a scalpel to cut the growth slightly below the level of the skin. If bleeding occurs during the procedure, the wound is cauterized and a local antibiotic is applied. A bandage is applied to the affected area and the rules for skin care are explained. Most often, the area of surgical intervention is forbidden to wet, expose to mechanical and ultraviolet effects. Based on the individual characteristics of the patient, the doctor draws up a list of necessary medicines, care products and sets the date for the next visit to assess the body’s response.
The second method is removal with suturing. Most often, the method is used in the treatment of dark or flat moles. The doctor cleanses the skin, injects an anesthetic, excised the formation and its surrounding surface.
During the operation, the deep layers of the skin are affected, so suturing is a mandatory procedure.
The speed of healing of the site is 7-14 days and depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. The operated site should be periodically cleaned, protected from damage, regularly applied ointments or oral medications.
The main thing is not to self-medicate, but strictly follow the doctor’s instructions. After some time, you need to make an appointment with a dermatologist again. He will assess the condition of the skin, possible side effects/complications, and the overall response of the body to the surgery.
Possible complications and side effects
The main disadvantage of surgical removal is the postoperative scar. It will be noticeable even with a cosmetic seam, despite the fact that over time the skin will brighten and restore its structure. The task of the surgeon is to make the scar as invisible as possible, so choose a medical institution and a doctor responsibly.
There is a risk of developing a keloid scar. This is a tumor-like growth of coarse fibrous connective tissue. It is formed in people with a corresponding predisposition. Most often occurs when suturing large wounds.
Another risk is recurrence. A repeated process is possible provided that the doctor has partially removed the mole, which is a gross violation of the technique of the operation.
Immediately after excision, redness of the skin, itching, and a feeling of discomfort are possible. All these symptoms go away on their own after a few days. If something worries you, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
Rehabilitation Features
Any surgery is followed by a recovery period. Most often, the patient is discharged from the hospital for at least 1 week.
The time frame may vary and depend on the characteristics of the procedure, the individual reaction of the body. Periodically, the patient should visit a doctor to remove the stitches and track the degree of tissue repair. The main part of rehabilitation takes place at home.
How exactly do you take care of your skin? The first 4-5 days should avoid contact of the wound with water. But this does not negate the general hygiene of the body and cleansing around the affected area. Before going outside, wear clothes that can cover the scar and be sure to use a cream with an SPF filter. What is this for?
Ultraviolet light can disrupt the regeneration process and provoke the formation of age spots. The skin takes about 2-4 weeks to fully heal. Treat the wound daily and lubricate with the means prescribed by the specialist. Most often, these are drugs with a wound healing, softening and antibacterial effect.
Surgical removal of nevi is a standard medical procedure. Immediately before the intervention, the patient should consult a dermatologist and undergo epiluminescent dermatoscopy (helps to track changes in the mole). In no case do not try to get rid of education folk remedies.
The nevus cannot be injured, and various medicinal infusions simply will not give results. Do self-exams regularly. If the size/shape/shade of one of the moles is suspicious, contact a dermatologist immediately. Take care of your own body and stay healthy!