Nevi (moles) are lesions, the majority of which are benign.
Melanoma
In order to diagnose melanoma and pigmented skin lesions, special methods are used, such as computer-aided dermatoscopy and mapping.
The initial inspection of the nevi is performed by careful clinical examination, combined with dermatoscopy. The latter is a special clinical method, in which, a dermatoscope is used, which is a special lens of high resolution and definition that allows a dermatologist to look “into” the lesion. In this way, first of all, the nevi are evaluated, and conclusions are drawn, about whether a nevus should be surgically removed.
Some people with many nevi have to undergo digital nevi mapping. In digital nevi mapping, lens of very high resolution are used to capture even the most subtle characteristics of nevi. This method allows to take digital photographs of areas of the body, in order to be able to record and evaluate any development of new nevi, also offering the opportunity to record each nevus individually.
The whole process takes less than an hour, and in most cases, it is repeated annually, or earlier, if necessary.
For patients with a high risk to develop skin cancer, periodic testing to check the size and microscopic structure of nevi is recommended.
Melanoma; the most dangerous type of skin cancer
Nevi removal
If any suspicious nevi are identified, we will provide you all the information to arrange an appropriate treatment or removal. If a nevus is benign, but you want to remove it for cosmetic or functional reasons, you can arrange an appointment for removal.
Melanocellular nevi, which are widely known as “moles”, are benign tumors that are formed by accumulations of cells that are called nevi cells. Nevi can be identified as: a) congenital, which are visible from birth, and b) acquired, which develop at a later stage. A nevus can be removed, because: a) it is suspicious for transformation, b) it is in an area that is frequently injured, and causes problems that affect everyday life, c) it causes an aesthetic problem. The recommended way to remove a nevus should be decided after a discussion with a Dermatologist. The selection of an appropriate removal method is determined according to the results of the mapping, digital dermatoscopy, and clinical assessment of nevi.
In general, the ways to remove the nevi are the following:
Laser removal:: It is selected as an excision method, only if it is absolutely certain that the nevus is benign. The lesion is removed more superficially, and the operation does not usually leave any scar.
Shave–excision: The removal is performed with local anesthesia (xylocaine solution). After local anesthesia of the area, the nevus that sticks out is removed with a blade. In case of a supplementary removal and hemostasis, CO2 laser or/and diathermy are used.
Surgical excision: Nevi that are suspicious for malignancy, or flat moles, are removed by surgical excision, setting boundaries perimetrically of them (healthy boundaries), in order to completely remove and send them for biopsy. In case of surgical excision, there is a mark (scar), depending on the depth of the mole, its size, removal method, and healing ability of each person, which, however, can be improved with Laser at a later stage.
