Removal of Neoplasms, Moles

Most skin growths are often commonly referred to as “moles.” However, in dermatology, they are classified as papillomas and various types of nevi. Often, they cause only aesthetic discomfort (for example, when located on visible areas such as the face) or physical inconvenience (when located in the armpits or undergarment areas, patients often injure them). However, “moles” can also pose a health risk: they may change their structure and transform into malignant tumors.

WHAT TYPES OF GROWTHS ARE THERE?

All growths can be roughly divided into:

• Benign – develop slowly and do not require serious intervention. However, constant monitoring of their size is essential, as the growth may progress to the next stage — malignant — or disappear entirely.

• Malignant – life-threatening. In this case, consultation with an oncologist is required.

The most common benign growths include:

1. Warts appear on the face, hands, knees, feet — practically anywhere on the skin. These are hard bumps that lie deep in the skin. They can be smooth on the surface or resemble calluses.

2. Moles are more dangerous than warts. The visual difference is that moles have pigment and hair. Moles are not contagious, unlike warts, which can be transmitted. However, due to their pigment, moles may transform from a regular mole into skin cancer.

3. Papillomas are small in size with an uneven surface, white or brown in color. They may appear individually or in clusters.

4. Nevus is a skin formation consisting of a cluster of melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, which gives color to the skin and eyes). A nevus is usually dark and may protrude above the skin.

5. Fibroma is a growth made of fibrous tissue. Fibromas can occur in many areas of the body (e.g., ovaries, breasts, mouth) and may remain asymptomatic throughout life. Treatment involves surgical excision.

6. Lipomas often develop just under the skin as soft, painless lumps that grow slowly over months or years. These tumors pose minimal risk and can be easily treated with surgical excision.

7. Atheromas are benign changes in subcutaneous fat tissue that rarely turn malignant. They usually appear as round lumps. Most often, they are removed for aesthetic reasons.

METHODS OF GROWTH REMOVAL

Benign growths can be removed using the following methods:

• Excision

• Cryotherapy

• Radiofrequency removal

• Laser therapy

HOW THE REMOVAL PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED

At ANACOSMA, after consultation, medical history review, examination, and dermatoscopy, the doctor chooses the appropriate removal method — surgical or non-surgical (laser, electrocautery, or radiofrequency removal). Then, the procedure date is scheduled.
Usually, the procedure takes 15–30 minutes for individual growths. You can go home the same day. The doctor will also prescribe medications for treating the removal area. It is prohibited to expose the area to the sun without sunscreen for a month to avoid pigmentation.

Important: It is not recommended to remove moles or other growths in the summer (during this period, the doctor may refuse the procedure depending on the mole type).

References:

1. Ingraffea A. Benign skin neoplasms. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;21(1):21–32.

2. Singh S, Neema S. Comparison of electrosurgery by electrodessication versus cryotherapy by liquid nitrogen spray technique in the treatment of plantar warts. Med J Armed Forces India. 2020 Apr;76(2):156–160.

3. Rubegni P, Burroni M, Andreassi A, Fimiani M. The role of dermoscopy and digital dermoscopy analysis in the diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions. Arch Dermatol. 2005 Nov;141(11):1444–6.

Victoria Pasternak

Information prepared by a dermatologist at ANACOSMA.