Removal of Skin Growths

NEVI

Nevi, or moles, are pigmented formations on the skin that can be congenital or acquired. They vary in colour and can be raised or level with the skin.

Pigmented moles are present in almost all people, their occurrence largely depends on heredity. They typically begin to appear after the age of ten, with the largest number becoming visible during adolescence due to the synthesis of melanocyte-stimulating pituitary hormones. Constitutive skin pigmentation depends on the amount of melanocytes. Thus, moles can be small, large, light, dark, smooth, or bumpy. On average, a person has up to 50 nevi, which is considered normal. Even though most moles are benign, they can transform into melanoma. Therefore, it is important to monitor the development of nevi and seek medical help if any changes occur.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?

Melanoma

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays adversely affects the skin.
Sunburns are particularly dangerous as they can cause the development of malignant neoplasms such as melanoma. People who enjoy beach holidays and indoor tanning are at risk. Those with fair, sensitive, and dry skin, as well as those with many freckles or birthmarks, should be especially cautious with UV exposure.

Mechanical Damage to Moles

Skin elements are often located in areas subject to friction from clothing or injury during daily hygiene procedures, haircuts, or shaving.

Internal Issues, Comorbid Conditions, Hormonal Imbalance, Burns

Changes in the DNA structure of the epidermis, exposure to infectious agents (usually viruses), thermal burns from saunas or baths. Patients often try to remove nevi themselves, cut them off, remove hairs growing from moles, or use dubious folk remedies. This leads to damage to the neoplasm, increasing the risk of infection and dangerous complications.

If you decide to remove a mole, it is important to trust a doctor who will ensure the procedure is safe and sterile. The most serious neoplasms include blue nevi, Dubreuil's melanosis, epidermal-dermal nevus, and nevus of Ota.

MAIN SYMPTOMS OF NEVUS TRANSFORMATION

Consult a doctor if you notice:

Any changes in pigmentation;
Redness around the mole;
Increase in the size of the mole;
Induration of pigmented spots or moles;
Absence of skin pattern or the appearance of cracks;
Necrotic changes;
Pain, itching, burning upon palpation;
Uneven colouration;
Presence of papillomatous growths at the base of the mole.

IS IT DANGEROUS TO REMOVE MOLES?

The only way to get rid of a dangerous mole is to remove it. A doctor will refer you for the procedure after conducting a series of clinical studies. It is recommended to use biopsy as a diagnostic method, but only after visualization and anamnesis collection, as traumatization of the mole can cause it to transform into melanoma.

Everyone should have their skin growths diagnosed at least once a year. First and foremost, this applies to people with a large number of moles on their body. If you notice a wart or any change on your skin, do not rush to remove it! Check it and only take action after a medical examination.

Our clinic uses dermatoscopy to recognize and study skin growths. The dermatoscope in use is the HEINE DELTA 20 (Germany), which employs high-resolution achromatic optics for a high-quality, clear, and detailed view, accurately diagnosing skin pathologies. The removal method is chosen individually, depending on the localization, size of the neoplasm, patient age, etc.

REMOVAL AND TREATMENT OF NEOPLASMS

Cryodestruction

The procedure involves the use of liquid nitrogen at a temperature of minus 195 degrees. The treatment area is frozen, thereby destroying its structure. Unfortunately, controlling the depth of exposure is impossible, which may result in incomplete destruction of the growth or injury to healthy tissues.

Electrocoagulation

This method is based on the use of high-frequency AC or DC current. During the procedure, blood vessels coagulate, preventing bleeding. The advantage of electrocoagulation is the possibility of histological examination of the removed neoplasm.

Radiowave Surgery

This method is safe and free from complications. It is performed using a special electrode emitting high-frequency radio waves (about 4 MHz). They cut the tumor by heating and destroying its cells while keeping the formation intact for further examination if necessary. This method does not cause swelling or inflammation. It is mainly used for removing small nevi located on the thinnest and most delicate parts of the body (face, eyelids, lips).

Chemical Method

Neoplasm tissues are destroyed using aggressive chemical substances. Various acids such as salicylic, trichloroacetic, glycolic, and others are commonly used. Controlling the depth of exposure is challenging, so this method is rarely used. It is also considered quite traumatic and aggressive.

Laser Surgery

The most popular method. It vaporizes the mole using light pulses converted into thermal energy, sterilizing the wound and sealing the blood vessels to prevent bleeding. Despite the novelty of the method, there are downsides: the neoplasm is completely destroyed during treatment and cannot be submitted for histological examination (biopsy).

Surgery

One of the most radical methods, it is classic and involves physical removal - excision with a scalpel. It is used when the formation is large or suspected of transforming into a malignant tumor. The operation is performed strictly based on indications after diagnosis clarification; the material is always submitted for histological examination (biopsy). Disadvantages include bleeding and a lengthy rehabilitation period. Local anesthesia is always used, and the healing period lasts up to two weeks, depending on the individual's characteristics.