Each of us has from a dozen to several dozen moles on the body. Moles are pigmented marks that are formed by clusters of multiplied melanocytes (skin pigment cells). Moles are most often a benign skin lesion and should not be feared if they have the typical features of moles. However, each mole should be monitored, because under the influence of various factors, it can turn into a malignant lesion. Moles with atypical features and moles with an increased risk of neoplastic transformation are an indication for their removal.
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Surgical mole removal is the gold standard in the treatment of moles suspected of having cancerous transformation. After the mole is removed, the section is subjected to a histopathological examination. Surgical removal of a small lesion can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Removal of extensive moles requires more advanced procedures and may involve the use of general anesthesia.
What are the causes of birthmarks?
Skin lesions called moles appear as dark spots - flat or protruding above the skin surface. Moles can be a congenital lesion - a child is born with a birthmark located, for example, on the back. New moles can also form during life, usually in greater numbers in adolescents. Birthmarks are usually located on exposed parts of the body, such as the face, neck, feet and hands. The factors that predispose to the appearance of moles include: genetic factors, frequent exposure to ultraviolet radiation contained in the sun's rays, chemical factors and mechanical skin irritation. Mole-like skin lesions show great variability in size, shape and color. The most common are moles of a few millimeters, although in some people they can cover even a few centimeters of the skin. Pigmented lesions appear singly or in clusters. The color is usually darker than the surrounding skin. It can be dark or light brown, black or even navy blue.
Indications for the surgical removal of skin lesions - moles
Many people wonder whether to remove moles. Typical moles are well separated from the skin, they do not grow and their color does not change. However, any skin lesion should be regularly monitored, especially by frequent sunbathers or if there is a family history of skin cancer. If the previously innocent-looking mole begins to enlarge, infiltrate the skin or change its color, it is an indication for a dermatological consultation. Likewise, you should see your doctor if the mole starts to itch, hurt, or bleed. The dermatologist will assess the skin lesion using a dermatoscope or videodermatoscope. It is a type of microscope that allows you to view skin birthmarks even under a 100-fold magnification of the image. As a result, it is possible to initially distinguish benign lesions from potentially malignant ones. The main indications for mole removal are:
The presence of lesions suspected of being malignant (atypical image of the lesion visible in dermatoscopy),
Congenital moles of very large sizes (increased risk of neoplastic transformation).
Neoplastic transformation can also occur due to mechanical irritation, so it is recommended to remove normal moles rubbed by clothing or moles on irritated hands during daily activities. Sometimes moles are removed for purely aesthetic reasons, such as when the birthmark is located on the face. An optional method is laser removal of skin lesions - such treatments are performed in aesthetic medicine centers. In the case of dysplastic changes, the use of a laser is not applicable, because it is necessary to take specimens for histopathological examination anyway.
Preparation for the procedure
Preparation for the procedure depends on the type of anesthesia planned by the anesthesiologist. Surgical removal of skin lesions is most often performed under local anesthesia, less often under general anesthesia. The scope of tests to be performed before the procedure is determined by the doctor. Read more about standard preparation for surgery. You should not shave the skin hair at the treatment site yourself. Inadequate shaving with a cut of the skin increases the risk of wound infection and may be a contraindication to the procedure. If necessary, pre-surgery hair removal will be professionally performed by medical personnel.
Surgical removal of birthmarks - the course of the procedure
The choice of technique and the extent of the procedure depends on the location, size of the mole and the condition of the skin in the operated area. The skin is cut over or around the lesion. The mole is completely removed. If the excised lesion showed atypical features, the taken fragment is sent for histopathological examination. The surgeon applies sutures and a dressing to protect the wound. In most cases (when local anesthesia has been used), the patient can return home on the day of the procedure.
After the mole removal procedure
You may experience itching or stinging where the mole has been cut. This is natural and is related to the wound healing process. On the 10-14th day after the procedure, you should come to a check-up, when the sutures are removed and the healing is checked. If by this time there is swelling, redness, discharge from the wound, or a fever, consult your doctor immediately. In order to reduce the visibility of the scar after mole removal, it is recommended to mobilize it, stick with kinesiotaping or undergo physical therapy. For this purpose, it is worth consulting the scar with a physiotherapist.
Important information
|
Duration of the procedure (depending on the method) |
20 - 30 minutes |
| Tests required for surgery | - |
| Anesthesia | local |
| Hospital stay | - |
| A period of significant dysfunction | - |
| A period of limited dysfunction | - |
| Removal of stitches - first visit | 7 - 10 days |
| Change of dressings | daily |
| Contraindications to the procedure | anticoagulants |
Frequently asked questions about the removal of birthmarks:
For cosmetic reasons, moles can be removed with a laser. However, when the mole has atypical features that threaten the development of skin cancer (melanoma), surgical excision of the lesion is indicated. The mole is removed entirely within the boundaries of healthy skin tissues, and the collected material is sent for histopathological examination.
The features of dysplastic lesions include enlargement and change in shape of the mole, discoloration, and pain or bleeding from the mole. If disturbing symptoms occur, the change should be consulted with a dermatologist. Do not delay the visit to the doctor - melanoma is a very aggressive cancer and too late diagnosis significantly reduces the chances of a successful cure.
Surgical removal of the mole is a minimally invasive procedure usually performed under local anesthesia. The risk of any complications is small due to the excision of superficial tissues. The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes. The patient can go home 2-3 hours after the procedure.
