What Are Moles and Benign Skin Lesions?
Moles and benign skin lesions are growths that are usually harmless but may cause cosmetic concern. Moles develop when pigment cells accumulate beneath the skin and may be brown, black or skin-coloured. Most are benign, but they can grow over time and some may carry a risk of skin cancer. Skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses and dermatofibromas are also included among benign skin lesions. Such lesions may commonly develop in areas exposed to friction. Monitoring moles and having them checked at appropriate intervals can help identify potential risks early.
What Is a Mole Examination?
A mole examination is a skin assessment performed by a dermatologist. Its purpose is to evaluate existing moles visually and with dermoscopy. The structure, size, colour changes and borders of moles are examined to identify suspicious findings. Moles associated with a risk of skin cancer can be detected and treated early. Examination is an important part of monitoring a patient's moles.
Visual Examination of moles: All moles in the body are observed in terms of location and shape.
Use of Dermatoscopy: To examine the surface structure of moles more closely, it is evaluated in greater depth with a special device called a dermatoscope.
Biopsy Requirement: If the doctor notices a suspicious mole, this mole may need to be taken for biopsy. A biopsy is a laboratory test to determine if the lesion is cancerous.
mole examination is an important part of skin health and is a procedure that needs to be done regularly to detect possible skin cancer risks in the early period. The follow-up of moles is performed by dermatologists with steps such as visual examination, dermatoscopic examination, and biopsy when necessary.
Visual Review: mole examination usually begins with a visual evaluation of existing moles in the skin. The dermatologist carefully examines the shape, size, colour, symmetry, and regularity of each mole's boundaries. Symptoms such as colour change of moles, growth, or the formation of a new mole allow for early detection of cancer-risk moles. During visual examination, the characteristics of moles that may change later are noted and a follow-up plan is created. This examination is based on the observation of the dermatologist.
Dermatoscopic Review: Dermatoscopy is a method of examination in which a special device is used that allows a more detailed examination of moles in the skin. The Dermatoscope reveals deep features such as pigmentation and vascular structures on the surface of the moles. Through this device, the dermatologist can clearly see the structure beneath the moles and more accurately assess whether it carries a cancer risk. This examination with a Dermatoscope is usually painless and non-invasive. Examining the changes noticed during visual examination with more detail plays a critical role in detecting potentially harmful moles.
Biopsy Removal: If a mole is found to be suspicious during a dermatoscopic examination, a biopsy can be performed to determine for sure if this mole is cancerous. Biopsy is the study of some or all of the mole in a laboratory environment, taken with local anaesthesia. Biopsy allows for precise diagnosis. As a result of the biopsy, it is clear whether the mole is benign, malignant (cancerous). Biopsy is usually a painless procedure, where the sample of tissue taken is sent to laboratory tests. Results are obtained within a few days, and the dermatologist recommends the appropriate treatment method based on the biopsy result.
mole examination is extremely important for detecting skin cancer early on and needs to be done at regular intervals. Through this examination, the potential hazards in the skin are noticed early on, the conditions that need to be treated are determined, and patients are informed. This prevents serious health problems.
What Is Mole Mapping with FotoFinder?
FotoFinder is an advanced technology used in dermatology, enabling tracking and analysis of moles. This system takes digital photos of moles in certain parts of the body and monitors changes by comparing these photos on an annual basis. By monitoring the progress of moles, such as any size change or colour change, it is possible to detect risky conditions such as skin cancer in the early stages. I-mapping with FotoFinder facilitates individual treatment tracking and keeps the patient's skin health under control for a long time.
How Is Mole Mapping with FotoFinder Performed?
With FotoFinder, I mapping starts with taking digital photos of all the moles found in the body. The position, size, and other physical properties of each mole are recorded on the skin. Photographs are stored as a digital archive for tracking the patient's moles in later years.
Photo Shoot: Digital photos of all moles are taken.
Data Record: The physical properties of each mole (colour, size, shape) are recorded.
Annual Comparison: Regular follow-up shows change by comparing new photos with previous ones.
What Are Skin Tags (Fibromas)?
Skin tags (fibromas) are small, soft growths that often hang from the skin. They are not true moles. They develop from an overgrowth of connective tissue beneath the skin and are often seen on the neck, underarms, groin and beneath the eyes. Skin tags are usually harmless, although some people find them cosmetically bothersome.
How Are Skin Tags Treated?
Treatment of skin tags is usually done by methods such as surgical intervention, laser treatment, or cryotherapy. These methods allow skin tags to be destroyed quickly.
Cryotherapy: skin tags are frozen and destroyed by liquid nitrogen.
electrocautery: It can be lit by electrical energy.
Laser Treatment: skin tags can be destroyed by laser light
Plasma energy: skin tags can be burned by plasma energy.
Surgical Intervention: Large skin tags can be surgically removed under local anaesthesia.
What Is Seborrhoeic Keratosis?
seborrhoeic keratosis is a benign skin lesions of brown or black colour, usually seen with age, with rough surface. These lesions usually grow slowly and can be seen in different parts of the body, especially in areas such as the face, back, shoulders, and chest. seborrhoeic keratosis is usually harmless, but sometimes it may need to be treated with aesthetic concerns.
How Is Seborrhoeic Keratosis Treated?
seborrhoeic keratosis treatment is usually done with laser treatment or cryotherapy. Treatment is effective for quickly eliminating lesions on the skin.
Laser Treatment: seborrhoeic keratose lesions are destroyed by laser light.
Cryotherapy: seborrhoeic keratose lesions with liquid nitrogen are frozen and treated.
Electrosurgery: Lesions can be burned using an electric current.
Plasma energy (Plazmapen). It can be burned with plasma energy.
It is important to consult Dermatologists to determine the most appropriate treatment for moles and benign skin lesions.