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How Much Do You Know About Removing Moles?
Today, I want to share knowledge about moles, a common skin phenomenon. Whether referred to as moles or melanocytic nevi, they are issues many people encounter in their daily lives.
Definition of Moles
A mole is a benign tumor formed by the accumulation of melanocytes. Generally, moles can be divided into two categories: congenital and acquired. Today, we will mainly discuss acquired melanocytic nevi.
Types of Moles
1. Congenital Moles
- Usually present at birth, they may be larger and darker.
- This type of mole is sometimes associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.
2. Acquired Moles
- These develop over time, especially during adolescence and early adulthood.
- They are often related to sun exposure.
3. Junctional Nevi
- These moles may be black or brown, with melanocytes
- Accumulating between the epidermis and dermis.
- They are typically flat.
4. Compound Nevi
- Melanocytes are present not only between the epidermis and dermis but also within the dermis.
- They are generally raised.
5. Intradermal Nevi
- Typically flesh-colored and raised
- These moles have melanocytes located deeper in the dermis and usually pose fewer health issues.
Causes of Moles
The formation of moles is influenced by various factors:
1. Genetic Factors
The presence of moles can be hereditary; some family members may have a higher number of moles, increasing the likelihood of developing them.
2. Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to sunlight increases melanin production, leading to the formation of moles. People who frequently sunbathe, especially children and adolescents, may be more prone to developing moles.
3. Skin Type
Individuals with lighter skin are more likely to develop melanocytic nevi compared to those with darker skin due to their more sensitive melanocyte response.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When a patient wishes to remove a mole, the doctor first needs to confirm whether the mole is benign or potentially concealing skin cancer. This is crucial because directly removing a potentially malignant mole with laser treatment may fail to eliminate all cancer cells, resulting in missed treatment opportunities.
If a doctor suspects a mole, they may recommend a skin biopsy to examine for cancer cells under a microscope.
Treatment Options
1. Observation and Monitoring
For most benign moles, doctors may suggest regular monitoring to ensure no changes occur.
2. Laser Treatment
Once a mole is confirmed to be benign, it can be removed using carbon dioxide laser. This method causes minimal trauma and has a quick recovery time.
3. Surgical Excision
Generally, moles do not cause any pain or discomfort, but certain changes may be warning signs:
- Color Changes: The mole’s color becomes uneven or darker.
- Size Changes: The mole suddenly enlarges or deforms.
- Irregular Edges: The mole’s edges become uneven.
- Bleeding or Ulceration: The mole may bleed or break open.
For moles suspected of being malignant, doctors will recommend surgical excision. This is the safest method to completely remove abnormal tissue and conduct a pathological examination.
Considerations for Mole Removal
Risk of Recurrence
There is a chance that a mole may recur after removal, but typically, recurrences are smaller than the original. If a recurrence happens, another removal can be considered.
If the doctor excavates a deep hole during the removal, while this may reduce the chance of recurrence, it can leave a permanent indentation due to the depth of the wound. Therefore, patients often choose to avoid indentations and accept the possibility of recurrence.
All surgeries carry risks, and laser mole removal is no exception, with recurrence and scarring being the most common issues.
Scar Issues
Scars may be slightly depressed or raised, and their colors can range from white to reddish-brown. Typically, over the years, scars become less noticeable.
Although scars may form, patients often feel that compared to the mole, the scar is less conspicuous.
