When is Mole Removal Necessary in Buca?
Buca, one of İzmir’s oldest settlements, is a dynamic district that combines the youthful energy brought by Dokuz Eylül University with the commercial dynamism of Forbes Street. From the windy campus roads of Tınaztepe to the bustling crowds of Şirinyer, the people of Buca are under the influence of the Aegean sun for a large part of the year. When it comes to skin health, moles (nevi) are among the most frequent reasons for visits to dermatology clinics, both for aesthetic concerns and health anxieties. These small spots, considered a map of our body, often seem like innocent accessories, but sometimes they can be harbingers of serious health problems that are silently progressing. So, for an individual living in Buca, which mole is “just a mole” and which is “a medical risk that needs to be addressed”? Making this distinction is vitally important.
Moles are formed by clusters of pigment cells called melanocytes, which give the skin its color. Our genetic inheritance, sun exposure, and hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, etc.) determine the number and structure of moles on our bodies. Living in a sunny climate like Buca can increase the risk of changes in the structure of moles due to the cumulative effect of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Deciding to have a mole removed is not an arbitrary process; it is a medical decision made by a dermatologist after a dermatoscopic examination. In general, situations requiring mole removal fall under three main headings: Suspicion of cancer (Dysplastic Nevi), Mechanical irritation (Trauma Risk), and Aesthetic/Psychological reasons that impair the person’s quality of life.
1. Medical Necessity: Suspicion of Cancer and the ABCD Rule
The most undisputed and urgent reason for mole removal is the risk of skin cancer (Melanoma). Melanoma is an aggressive type of cancer that originates from the pigment cells of the skin and carries a life-threatening risk if not diagnosed early. Dermatology specialists in Buca apply the globally accepted “ABCD Rule” when evaluating moles. If any mole on your body meets one or more of the following criteria, it is recommended that you consult a specialist doctor without delay and have the mole removed if necessary.
What is the ABCD Rule?
A (Asymmetry): If you draw an imaginary line through the middle of the mole and the two halves do not resemble each other.
B (Border): If the edges of the mole are irregular, jagged, indistinct, or lace-like.
C (Color): If the mole is not a single color; it contains different shades such as brown, black, red, white, or blue.
D (Diameter): If the diameter of the mole is greater than 6 mm (approximately the size of a pencil eraser).
E (Evolution): If a mole has recently changed in shape, color, or size; or if it has started bleeding, itching, or crusting.
Moles exhibiting these symptoms can be called “Dysplastic Nevus” (Atypical Mole). Removing (excision) such moles not only solves the immediate problem but also allows for a definitive diagnosis by sending the removed tissue to a pathology laboratory. It should be remembered that performing laser or cauterization on a suspicious mole will destroy the tissue, eliminating the chance for pathological examination. Therefore, surgical excision is the gold standard for suspicious moles.
2. Risk of Mechanical Irritation and Trauma: The Impact of Daily Life
Even without suspicion of cancer, some moles may require medical removal due to their location and constant exposure to trauma. In Buca’s bustling lifestyle, constant movement can cause clothing or accessories to rub against moles. Chronic (continuous) trauma can lead to deterioration of the mole’s structure over time and increase the risk of infection.
Shaving Area: Raised moles located in the beard area of men carry the risk of being cut and bleeding with each shave. These repeated injuries can disrupt the structure of the mole.
- Waistline and Waistline: Moles in the waist area can be constantly compressed and subjected to friction by belt buckles or trouser belts.
- Bra Straps and Shoulders: In women, moles on the shoulders and back where bra straps or bag straps come into contact are under pressure throughout the day.
- Palms and Soles: Moles in these areas, which are constantly exposed to impact and friction, are difficult to monitor and have a higher risk of change.
Moles that carry this type of “mechanical risk” can be removed as part of preventive medicine (prophylactic approach), even if they have not yet shown malignant change, upon the recommendation of a dermatologist.
3. The Vital Importance of Pathological Examination
The most important issue for those considering mole removal in Buca is the “Pathology Report”. A mole is removed from the skin only for cosmetic purposes.Even if it’s a normal mole, it must be examined under a microscope. A lesion that appears “benign” to the naked eye or with a dermatoscope may reveal a different picture at the cellular level.
Burning methods like laser, plasma pen, or cautery vaporize and destroy the mole tissue. Since there is no tissue left to examine, it cannot be sent to pathology. If that mole is actually an early-stage melanoma and is destroyed by burning, diagnosis of the disease becomes impossible, and the cancer can continue to progress internally. Therefore, no mole that is considered suspicious or risky should be burned; it should be surgically removed and sent to pathology.
Comparison of Normal Moles vs. Risky Moles
The table below is a guide summarizing what you should pay attention to when self-examining moles on your body. However, the final diagnosis is always up to the physician.
| Feature | Normal (Benign) Mole | Risky (Atypical/Dysplastic) Mole |
|---|---|---|
| Symmetry | Completely symmetrical, round or oval. | Asymmetrical, shapeless. |
| Edges | Regular, clearly defined. | Irregular, indented, indistinct. |
| Color | Single tone (Usually) brown). | Mottled (Mixed black, brown, and red). |
| Size | Usually smaller than 6 mm. | Usually larger than 6 mm. |
| Sensation | Painless, no itching. | Itching, burning, and bleeding may occur. |
Post-Procedure Care and Sun Protection in Buca
Mole removal is generally a short procedure performed under local anesthesia and does not require hospitalization (outpatient). However, the post-procedure process requires attention, especially considering the climate of Buca. The treated area is extremely sensitive to the sun during the healing process (first 6-12 months). When spending time in Buca’s parks (Hasanağa Garden, etc.) or campus areas, maximum sun protection is essential to preserve the quality of the scar.
Scar Care: Every surgical procedure leaves a scar; however, the visibility of the scar depends on the surgeon’s technique and the individual’s wound healing potential. Using sunscreen during the healing phase prevents the scar from darkening (hyperpigmentation).
Hygiene: The treated area should be protected from water and the risk of infection (pools, sea, dusty environments) for the duration recommended by the doctor.
Conclusion: Leave No Room for Doubt
In conclusion, the decision to have a mole removed in Buca should not be made based on information from the internet or advice from neighbors, but only after an examination by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. A procedure that appears “aesthetic” can actually be a vital “health” intervention. Mapping the moles on your body, monitoring changes, and seeking medical attention promptly in suspicious cases, especially those that follow the ABCD rule, is the most effective way to protect yourself from skin cancer. Your health is far more valuable than your aesthetic concerns.
