Mole and Wart Treatment in Izmir

Izmir Mole and Wart Treatment

The skin, besides being the largest organ of the human body, is the first line of defense between us and the outside world. Various lesions, growths, or color changes can occur on this barrier throughout life. Moles (nevi) and warts (verruas), which are generally perceived as cosmetic problems by the public, are actually one of the main areas of interest of dermatology. As Izmir Private Demiderm Polyclinic, we believe that all kinds of formations on the skin should first be evaluated from a medical perspective. Especially in regions like Izmir, where sun exposure is high throughout the year, mole monitoring and analysis of suspicious lesions are vital. In this comprehensive guide, we will address all the details from the biological basis of mole and wart formation to treatment modalities, from the importance of pathological examination to healing processes, in the light of scientific data.

What is Mole and Wart Treatment?

Mole and wart treatment is the process of removing lesions located on the skin surface or in the dermis layer in a controlled manner using medical technologies or surgical methods. However, this process is not just about “destroying the lesion”; it is also about understanding the nature of the lesion, performing a risk analysis, and minimizing the possibility of recurrence.

Mole treatment (Nevus Excision/Ablation) includes the removal of moles that carry a risk of melanoma or are constantly exposed to trauma (friction, shaving cuts, etc.), in addition to addressing aesthetic concerns. Wart treatment, on the other hand, aims to eliminate tissue growths caused by HPV, a viral infection, and to stop the spread of the virus. Both treatment groups are integrated healthcare services consisting of dermatological examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up stages.

What are the Differences Between Moles and Warts?

Our patients often confuse any raised lesion on the skin as a “mole” or a “wart.” However, the etiology (cause of formation), structure, and contagiousness of these two formations are completely different. Correct treatment begins with a correct diagnosis.

How Do Warts Form? HPV and Skin Infection Mechanism

The main cause of warts is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) family. There are more than 200 subtypes of HPV, and different types cause wart formation in different parts of the body. For example, HPV Types 1, 2, and 4 are usually seen on the hands and feet, while other types can be seen in superficial or genital areas.

The infection process works as follows: The virus reaches the bottom of the epidermis (basal layer) through micro-cracks, cuts, or abrasions where the skin’s integrity is compromised. Here, it infects skin cells called keratinocytes. The virus integrates into the cells’ genetic material, triggering uncontrolled multiplication. This leads to thickening of the upper layer of skin (hyperkeratosis) and the formation of a hard, rough texture. The black dots on warts are often mistaken for “wart roots”; however, these are actually clogged capillaries trying to nourish the rapidly growing tissue.

Causes of Mole Formation and Melanocyte Changes

Moles (melanocytic nevi) are formed when “melanocyte” cells, which produce the melanin pigment that gives skin its color, cluster in a specific spot instead of being distributed homogeneously on the skin. The reasons for this clustering are multifactorial:

• Genetic Predisposition: Mole formation is more common in individuals with a large number of moles in their family. Conditions such as dysplastic nevus syndrome are genetically inherited.
• Embryological Development: Congenital moles (nevi) are formed when melanocytes migrate and accumulate in certain areas during development in the womb.

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Sunlight causes melanocytes to produce pigmentIt encourages the formation of new moles. Severe sunburns and cumulative sun exposure, especially during childhood, increase the number of acquired moles. This factor is more pronounced in individuals living in sunny regions like Izmir.

Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels during periods such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can cause existing moles to darken or create a زمینه for new moles to appear.

Dermatological Examination Process:

At Izmir Private Demiderm Polyclinic, a comprehensive dermatological examination is always performed before mole and wart treatment. This process includes not only visual inspection but also the use of technological devices.

Dermoscopic Examination: A dermoscope is a device similar to a dermatologist’s stethoscope that allows us to see the structures (pigment networks, vascular patterns, globules) under the epidermis by magnifying the skin and using a special lighting system. Dermoscopy allows for the early detection of irregularities within a mole that appears normal to the naked eye. This prevents unnecessary procedures and ensures that risky moles are not overlooked.

Which Moles Are Risky? Evaluation of Suspicious Moles

Not every mole needs to be removed, and not every mole is dangerous. However, certain criteria lead to a mole being considered medically suspicious and requiring pathological examination. The globally accepted “ABCDE Rule” is applied in this evaluation.

Signs of Malignant Moles: The ABCDE Rule

This rule, used to assess the risk of melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer), also guides patients in self-examination:

• A (Asymmetry): If an imaginary line is drawn through the center of the mole, the two halves do not resemble each other.
• B (Border): If the edges of the mole are jagged, indistinct, or lace-like.
• C (Color): If the mole is not a single color; If it contains more than one color, such as brown, black, red, white, or blue.
• D (Diameter): If the diameter of the mole is larger than 6 mm (pencil eraser) (but smaller melanomas can also occur).
• E (Evolution): If the size, shape, color, or height of the mole changes over time; if bleeding, itching, or crusting begins on it.

If one or more of these symptoms are present, the lesion must be evaluated by a physician, and a treatment plan should be made accordingly.

Mole Removal Methods: Laser, Excision, Cauterization

Different methods are preferred depending on the structure of the mole (superficial, deep, raised), its location, and the level of suspicion.

1. 1. Laser Treatment (Laser Mole Removal)

This is preferred for moles that are superficial, dermoscopically confirmed to be benign, and cause cosmetic discomfort. Erbium YAG or CO2 lasers are used to vaporize the mole tissue layer by layer. It does not require stitches and the healing process is fast.

2. Surgical Excision

This is the gold standard for suspicious moles, deep-rooted lesions, or situations requiring pathological examination. The lesion is removed with a small safe margin from the surrounding healthy tissue, and stitches are applied. The removed piece is sent for pathology.
3. Radiofrequency and Electrocautery (Cauterization)

This involves the thermal destruction of the mole using electrical energy or radio waves. It is frequently preferred for pedunculated moles (skin tags) or moles. It is a practical method.

Wart Treatment Methods: Cryotherapy, Laser, Topical Applications

The goal in wart treatment is to destroy the infected tissue and stimulate the body’s immune system against the virus.

Wart Treatment with Cryotherapy and the Process of Effect

Cryotherapy is the process of spraying liquid nitrogen gas at -196 degrees Celsius onto the wart using a special apparatus. The extreme cold freezes and crystallizes the water inside the infected cells, breaking down the cell membrane (necrosis). After the procedure, a blister may form under the wart; this blister dries up, and the wart scabs over and falls off. It is frequently preferred because it is practical and does not require anesthesia.

How is Mole and Wart Treatment Performed with Laser?

Nd:YAG lasers are particularly used in wart treatment. These lasers target the vascular structure that nourishes the wart. The infected tissue, whose nourishment is cut off, dries up and falls off. It is an effective option for stubborn warts, warts resistant to other treatments, or warts in difficult areas such as around the nails.

Treatment Duration and Session Requirement

Mole treatments are usually completed in a single session. After laser or plasma treatments, there is a small crusting process, and the procedure is complete. However, touch-ups may rarely be necessary for very large or deep moles.

Wart treatment, on the other hand, requires a process. Depending on the depth and extent of the wart and the resistance of the HPV type, a single session may suffice, or 3-6 sessions may be required at intervals of 2-4 weeks.Treatments may also be necessary. Plantar warts, in particular, are the most resistant to treatment due to skin thickness and pressure, and require patience.

Pain and Comfort Management During the Procedure

At the Izmir Private Demiderm Polyclinic, patient comfort is a priority. In mole removal procedures, local anesthesia is applied to the area to be treated with very fine needles. This ensures that no sensation occurs during the procedure. In cryotherapy, anesthesia is generally not needed; patients only feel a momentary coldness and a slight stinging sensation. In child patients or those with needle phobia, topical anesthetic creams are used to numb the area and increase comfort during the procedure.

Will There Be Scars After Mole and Wart Treatment?

Theoretically, any type of tissue damage (cut, burn, freezing) has the potential to leave a scar during healing. However, the aim of modern methods is to reduce this scar to a level that is “undetectable from a social distance”.

• For Moles: Laser and plasma treatments usually leave a slight scar close to the skin tone, or no scar at all. Surgical procedures leave a thin line scar (incision line), which fades over time.
• For Warts: Cryotherapy and laser generally leave no scars. However, in very deep warts or if the patient removes the wart, slight pitting or discoloration (hypopigmentation) may occur.

Scar formation is directly related to the person’s wound healing genetics, age, and post-procedure care.

The Importance of Pathological Examination in Mole Removal

In dermatology, “looking beyond the visible” is essential. It is a medical necessity to send every mole that is deemed suspicious by the physician, carries risk according to dermoscopic criteria, or is surgically removed, for pathological examination. In the pathology laboratory, the lesion is examined under a microscope, and it is determined whether the cells are benign or malignant. This is a crucial step that should not be skipped, as early diagnosis saves lives.

Pre-Treatment Considerations

• If you are using blood-thinning medication (aspirin, etc.), you should inform your doctor before the procedure.
• If there is an active skin infection, it should be treated first.
• Laser treatment is not applied to sunburned skin; the skin color should be allowed to return to normal.
• In wart treatment, softening the dead skin on the wart the night before the procedure can increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Post-Treatment Care Recommendations and Healing Process

Post-procedure care is the most important factor determining the quality of the result.

• Water Contact: It is generally recommended to avoid contact with water in the treated area for the first 24 hours.
• Crust Formation: The crusts that form in the treated area are the skin’s natural “biological dressing”. They should absolutely not be removed; they should be allowed to fall off on their own. If the crust is removed prematurely, the risk of scarring increases.
• Sun Protection: The healing fresh tissue (pink skin) is very sensitive to the sun. To prevent scarring, a high-factor sunscreen should be used and the area should be protected from the sun.
• Cream Use: The reparative (epithelializing) and antibiotic creams recommended by the doctor should be used regularly.

How are Warts Treated in Children?

Because children’s immune systems are still developing, warts are more common in children than in adults. The treatment approach in children is more delicate. Painful procedures are avoided. Generally, topical acid-based solutions, painless cryotherapy applications, or treatments that support the immune system are preferred. Methods that do not create fear of the procedure are chosen, taking into account the child’s psychology.

Can Warts and Moles Be Treated During Pregnancy?

Due to changing hormones during pregnancy, growth of moles or the formation of new skin tags is common. Genital warts may also increase during pregnancy.

Moles: Unless there is an emergency (suspicious change, bleeding), removal of moles for aesthetic purposes is usually postponed until after delivery. However, if there is a suspicious mole, it can be safely removed with local anesthesia; this does not harm the baby.

Warts: Treatment of genital warts during pregnancy is important because there is a risk (rarely) of transmission to the baby during delivery. In pregnant women, methods that will not harm the baby, such as cryotherapy or cauterization, are generally preferred. Some topical medications are contraindicated during pregnancy.

Warts with a Risk of Spread and Control Measures

Warts are a viral infection and carry the risk of “autoinoculation,” meaning self-transmission. A person with a wart can carry the virus if they scratch the affected area and then touch something else.

Precautions:

• • Warts should not be picked, cut, or made to bleed.
  • Avoid sharing slippers, towels, and nail clippers.
  • Moist environments (pool edges, showers) are ideal places for the virus; protective measures should be taken in these areas.

Protective clothing should be worn.

Most Common Mistakes in Mole and Wart Treatment