Mole examination – recognize melanoma in time

We pay much more attention to examining wrinkles in the mirror than to examining moles. Therefore, it is not surprising that the number of people with melanoma is increasing. People with fair skin, light eyes and hair, people who burn easily and quickly in the sun, people who have been exposed to ultraviolet rays of the sun frequently and intensely, especially if they suffered severe sunburns in childhood and adolescence, those who are exposed to UV rays in tanning beds, people with a large number of moles or so-called dysplastic (already changed) moles, people who have previously been treated for melanoma or skin cancer, and blood relatives of people with melanoma. Any mole whose change is visible to the naked eye is a dangerous mole.

Almost everyone has several birthmarks, and their appearance is determined by skin type, heredity and external causes, of which UV radiation has been proven to have a major impact. The most important fact related to birthmarks is the cause-and-effect connection with melanoma, a severe form of skin tumor, which in 40 percent of cases arises in the birthmark itself or its immediate surroundings.

Research confirms that certain types of moles are prone to changes and transformation into a malignant form. Malignant melanoma spreads and metastasizes quickly, so timely detection and appropriate therapy give a better chance of survival. In other words, if diagnosed and surgically removed at an early stage, melanoma is a curable disease.

Do not assume that every appearance of a pigmented skin growth is melanoma. Most often, these are other skin changes, but leave the assessment to a specialist. This will remove the fear and apprehension that it is a serious disease, and if it is still present, it will be detected at an early stage, when you will have the possibility of a complete cure.

Dermatoscopic examination of moles

At the Bagatin Polyclinic, there are several ways to examine moles, depending on the location of our Polyclinic. In Zagreb, we examine moles with a handheld dermatoscope and a digital dermatoscope , which is a reliable method in the diagnosis of moles, while in Split, dermatoscopic examination of moles is performed with a handheld dermatoscope DermLite DL100, which accelerates the early detection of melanoma. The device detects pigmented skin lesions using diode light. The device also magnifies the mole up to 10 times using the Hastings Triplet lens and advanced cross-polarization technology to provide a clearer and deeper view of pigmented lesions.

Digital dermatoscopy allows monitoring of suspicious moles that change over time. During each examination, photographs are stored and compared with previous ones, and in the event of certain changes in the observed lesion, an indication is set for its removal.

The monitoring method is particularly important for people at increased risk of developing melanoma, namely people who have atypical (dysplastic) nevi syndrome, those who have already been treated for melanoma or other skin cancer (or someone in their family), who have a large number of moles on their body, who are fair-skinned and very sensitive to sun exposure (red-haired people, with freckles), who have had sunburns in childhood and adolescence, and those who are chronically exposed to UV radiation due to their profession or hobby.

Mole removal methods

In addition to classic surgical removal and radiofrequency mole removal , which is available in Zagreb and Split and performed by top experts, removal of benign changes with Erbium laser is also available in Zagreb, and our dermatologists will advise you on the most suitable method for you.

The aesthetic result after surgical removal is very important. The goal is to achieve a scar that is as small as possible and barely visible. If the mole removal is approached seriously and the rules of the profession are followed, an excellent final outcome to mutual satisfaction can be expected.

Laser removal is the simplest method for removing benign skin lesions. In most cases, anesthesia is not required. It involves the use of laser light, the beam of which is directed directly at the benign lesion to heat it up and then destroy it. It is painless, does not require cutting or stitching the skin. Also, with laser removal of benign lesions, there is less likelihood of scarring than with other removal techniques.

It is important to note that during laser treatment, the skin change is completely removed at the microscopic level, and there is no possibility to send the treated tissue to a pathologist for analysis to establish a definitive diagnosis.

With radiofrequency, only the change on the skin is removed, after local anesthesia, which is injected with a very thin needle under the growth itself. Immediately after treatment, a non-bleeding skin wound appears at the site of the growth, the same size as the removed growth. A scab then forms, and after 7-10 days a fresh layer of skin forms, which over time blends back into the surrounding skin. After removing the mole using the radiofrequency method, it is possible to send the mole for PHD (pathohistological) analysis, where it is determined whether the change is benign.

Preventive removal of suspicious skin growths is still the most powerful weapon in the fight against melanoma. Check your moles on time, always before summer and sun exposure. You can book a mole removal or examination procedure online or by phone at 01/46 10 225. If you have any additional questions, feel free to send us your inquiry.

NOTE: Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Our healthcare professionals use all necessary protective equipment when working with clients and patients.