Which me is innocent, which me is risky?
We have standard A, B, C, D criteria for the evaluation of moles. When we look at a mole, we consider the following criteria:
Asymmetry: Asymmetric moles are at risk of worsening. Ben 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 appear equal.
Border: The edges of the mole should be regular; shows a risk of worsening when irregularity occurs.
Color: The color must be homogeneous and in the same color tone. For example, having a single tone of brown at every point… We consider me risky when there are tonal differences such as dark brown somewhere and light brown somewhere.
Diameter (Diameter): If the diameter of the mole exceeds 5 mm, it is also considered in the risky group.
Is a single risk enough to get moles?
The general approach is to give moles some grades according to the criteria of A, B, C, D and score them and if they are above a certain number, that mole is removed. Now we have automated this situation with experience. When we look at it, we evaluate these criteria and remove the moles that we see as risky. For example, the patient has many moles on his back. You look, 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 that is formed 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. Therefore, these moles should be followed regularly by the patients.
sunless tan
At what intervals do I need a doctor’s follow-up?
We check the suspected moles every 6 months. If there is no change in me at the end of 2 years, we can reduce the control period to once a year. Also, we generally want to see patients before summer, before they get a tan. To see if I have a risky mole for them to go out in the sun.
Because when tanned, the color of the mole cannot be seen exactly. For this reason, it is generally good to have a check-up in May-June.
Is there a risk of moles in children?
Melanoma is not seen much in children, it is seen mostly at young ages, but still there may be a risk in children and should be followed up.
Are our moles increasing in number because of the sun?
No, it’s just that more attention is being paid to me. Moles increase with age and if their temperament is good, if 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 all bumps on the body are moles. The sun can cause sunspots in many people, and sometimes people mistake sunspots or freckles as me.
There is a group of patients in which the sun’s rays pose a risk of melanoma. These:
– Light-colored, thin-skinned ones.
– People with a lot of freckles.
– Redheads.
– Those with light-colored (blue, green) eyes.
– I’m more than that.
– 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 shown that people who are exposed to the sun have worsening moles. In addition, the sun can cause skin cancers, which we call ‘non-melanoma’. Attention! The harmful effects of the sun 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 effect of the sun can also occur during periods when the body’s immune system is weakened.
Get a tan before going out in the sun
Should moles be removed with a surgical method, 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, laser and cautery can be applied to some moles such as skin moles, but it is necessary to be more afraid of flat ones.
Moles of this type, which are decided to be taken after being evaluated in terms of possible risks, should be properly taken by plastic surgeons, general surgeons and dermatological surgery specialists who know this job well and sent to pathology. In pathology, I should be examined thoroughly and the report should be sent to us.
However, when a risky mole is burned, there is no opportunity to examine it. In addition, bad marks are left on the burned places and browning may start again after a while from the edge of the burned places. This means that these cells were present in that root, but the person who burned it did not see it. If it is a malignant mole, it may spread from within.
What should we do about our current selves?
It is important to follow the changes. Self mapping can be done. They can look in the mirror, draw a body diagram for themselves, and mark it on the diagram as “I have mine over there”. When they see something new, they look at that map and say, “Was this there?” they can check. In fact, it would be good for patients to photograph their moles and upload them to the computer and follow them periodically. For example, it is even important for them to look at the edges of the mole for changes in the elapsed time. It is also necessary to pay attention to moles in areas that are constantly irritated.
Do all moles require pathological analysis?
Not required; The experience of the doctor is important here. For example, on the neck of the patient there are many moles in the form of threads, we burn them and do not send them to the pathologist. Because we’re pretty sure they’re good-natured. Or there are red moles with vascular moles, we laser them as well. Here, too, we do not have the opportunity to send it to a pathologist.
Is it true that moles will get worse if removed?
False beliefs such as “If a knife touches me, it will get worse” are beliefs that overwhelm us and harm patients. In doubtful cases, the mole must be surgically removed for both the finalization of the diagnosis and the treatment. There is no other definitive diagnosis and treatment. We definitely remove the suspect me and send it to pathology. If cancer is diagnosed, a second operation may be needed as a larger area must be removed. If not, “We doubted it, we got it. We examined it, but it wasn’t, how nice!” we say. Even if it’s cancer, the cure is to have me removed.
