Dermatology
Olive Mole Removal
What are moles?
Mole is the scientific term used to describe the formations created on our skin by melanocytes, the cells that are responsible for the production of melanin. Olives are essentially congenital or acquired skin lesions, characterized by the existence of hyperpigmentation (darker color), due to overproduction of melanin by the melanocytes they contain.
What are the categories of olives and what are the reasons for their creation?
Moles can be congenital skin lesions, that is, they appear from a person’s birth or they can be acquired. Acquired moles are created during a person’s lifetime and it is important to have them checked, especially if there are more than 50 acquired moles on the skin. Most of them are harmless, but there is a chance that one of them will develop into melanoma, i.e. skin cancer.
The creation of a nevus can be due to purely hereditary reasons (congenital nevus). This category of moles are dark in color and vary in size. Skin type also plays an important role in the appearance of moles. People with fair skin, which is prone to sunburn, tend to have more olives. Finally, the sun is a key factor in the creation of acquired moles, as sunburns and time spent in sunlight enhance their development. It is for this very reason that it is very important to be very careful about our exposure to the sun, especially without the use of sunscreen.
Is the removal only for cosmetic reasons?
It is a fact that many people wish to remove an olive both for aesthetic and practical reasons. If the mole, for example, is large and located on the face or in another prominent part of the body and makes someone feel bad about their image and negatively affects their psychology, then it is common to remove it. Also, if the mole protrudes and is located in a place where it is often injured, then again it is recommended to remove it, so as to avoid any inflammations.
On the other hand, there are moles that are dangerous and can cause skin cancer. These moles must be removed in order to protect the patient. This is because some olives can eventually develop into melanoma, which is one of the most malignant and aggressive tumors in humans.
When is it necessary to remove a mole?
The best way to know if a mole is dangerous is to see a dermatologist once a year for a melanoma screening. If you have a history of skin cancer in your family, then your dermatologist will most likely recommend that you get screened at more regular intervals.
Of course, it is equally important to check our olives ourselves for any changes. You should see a doctor immediately if you notice:
- Rapid increase in size
- Boundary anomaly
- Development of asymmetry
- Variation within the nevus
- Development of satellite lesions
- Changes in texture
- Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
How are moles removed?
Removal of moles can be done in a number of ways. If mole removal is done for aesthetic or practical reasons (frequent injuries) then laser removal is recommended, since these are benign skin lesions and superficial moles.
But things change when the removal is done because of the danger of the mole. In these cases, the surgical method is considered the only way, since total excision and histopathological examination (biopsy) must be applied. Total excision is considered necessary because only with this method there is no risk of re-pigmentation. Other non-surgical techniques used to remove congenital moles, such as diathermocoagulation (removal with cautery), “shaving”, scraping, etc., must be avoided, because they have a high chance of recurrence.
Is mole removal performed on children?
Removal of moles in children, whether for medical or cosmetic reasons, is usually not recommended. This is because it is rare for olives to turn malignant at a young age. Also, the mole removal process can be quite traumatic for a child and there is a risk of scarring.
Usually, it is best for parents to wait until the teenage years before considering the option of mole removal. At this age, the child can decide for himself if this is something he wants. Also, he will be able to cope better with the whole process. Of course, if you notice any change in shape or color, then it is advisable to contact a specialist doctor, who will recommend a personalized treatment for your case.
How much does mole removal cost?
The cost of the operation depends on several factors. First, from which method will be used for the operation, but also for the reason for which the operation in question is performed. If, for example, the operation is performed for purely cosmetic reasons, it is a simpler procedure, which does not require a biopsy. The specialized plastic surgeon will suggest the solution that is ideal for your case.