Moles, i.e., melanocytic nevi, are benign lesions that can appear on the skin as well as on mucous membranes. These are benign pigmented formations, clearly defined, usually round, and can appear on any part of the body.
Everyone has moles, although some are rarely present from birth (congenital nevi). Most moles develop during adolescence, and the majority appear by the age of 20.
Moles are not a cause for concern by themselves, but in certain situations and in certain individuals (mainly due to genetic predisposition and excessive sun exposure), they can undergo malignant transformation and turn into melanoma. Therefore, any change in a mole in terms of color, size, or shape is a sign that the mole needs to be surgically removed and sent for pathological (PH) analysis.
To assess moles, dermatologists have developed the ABCDE rules which patients can also follow during self-examination at home:
All moles that meet at least two of the ABCDE criteria are considered suspicious and should be surgically removed.
Removal is recommended when a mole shows suspicious changes in shape, color, size, or structure.
Histopathological analysis is a laboratory examination of the removed tissue that provides a precise diagnosis.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, making it almost painless for the patient.
The mole is surgically removed in full, the wound is closed with sutures, and the tissue is sent for histopathological analysis.
Recovery is usually short, and sutures are most often removed after 10 to 14 days.
A small linear scar may remain at the treatment site, but its appearance can be further reduced with proper care and additional treatments.
