Mole (Nevus) Follow-up
Moles should be checked at regular intervals by the person themselves or with the help of a relative. People with many moles are recommended to have a dermatologic examination at least once a year if they do not have a history of skin cancer.
Melanocytes are the cells that produce the pigment that gives color to the skin. Moles are structures where these cells form clusters. Damage to the genetic structure of these cells can cause skin cancers called “melanoma”.
A healthy mole is approximately 3-4 mm in diameter, smoothly circumscribed, oval-round, sometimes slightly raised, usually brown, sometimes pinkish or flesh-colored. Some moles may be congenital, appearing in the first years of life; these moles are called congenital nevi. New brown moles may appear until the 40s, and after the 40s, the number of moles called dermal nevi, which are usually skin-colored and raised from the skin, begins to increase. During pregnancy, changes in the shape and color of moles can be observed with the effect of hormones.
While a normal adult may have 10-20 moles on average, people with certain genetic characteristics may have more than 100 moles. Since a new melanoma can be seen as a small mole in such people, people with many moles on the body should definitely examine themselves intermittently. New moles should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Which types of moles can be dangerous?
Moles with asymmetrical borders, with several colors together, with border irregularities and extensions, with an increase in diameter – that is, moles that change in diameter such as enlargement and tendency to swell – carry a risk for skin cancer, i.e. melanoma.
Who is at Risk for Skin Cancer?
How to Track Moles?
Is it Dangerous to Remove Moles?
There is no harm in surgical removal of moles, provided that they are removed under appropriate conditions. Surgical removal of moles is one of the dermatosurgical applications that can be easily performed under local anesthesia in the dermatology office.
Is Laser Mole Removal Dangerous?
Moles are clusters of cells called melanocytes that can reach the deep layers of the skin. Laser removal of moles changes the appearance of the mole on the surface, making it difficult to follow the moles. Moles that try to be removed with laser may give different findings on dermoscopic examination and it may be difficult to distinguish them from melanoma, a skin cancer, or to recognize the development of a new melanoma early. Therefore, laser removal of moles is not recommended.
