CHANGING AN OLIVE TREE: THE ROLE OF NEMA MAPPING

 My mole has changed, what should I do?

We all have moles on our skin. Or moles, as is the scientific name for these brown or black marks that we observe on our body. The number of moles is different from person to person, it has to do with both genetic and environmental factors (for example, areas of the skin with chronic sun exposure show more moles compared to the most sun-protected areas). Sometimes we will notice a change in one of our moles, either in color, shape or even size. That's where insecurity begins, it is now known that a change in a mole could be a sign of skin cancer. What should we do in such a case? MOLE MAPPING

The expert's opinion

As dermatologist and dermatosurgeon Andreas Merkoureas explains, a change in a mole is not necessarily a sign of malignancy. There are changes that are completely normal, such as the increase in size of chorionic moles (moles) with advancing age or the color change of moles during pregnancy. In any case, however, a specialist's opinion is necessary. The dermatologist examines the mole with the change, first of all clinically, according to the ABCD rule. That is, possible asymmetry, irregular borders of the mole, the color, and whether the size exceeds 6mm (Diameter > 6mm) are evaluated. However, the examination of choice is dermoscopy. The mole is examined with a special lens (dermatoscope) that allows the properly trained dermatologist a three-dimensional image of the mole. The examination result will classify the mole as low, moderate or high risk for malignancy and the therapeutic recommendation will be individualized accordingly. Low-risk moles are monitored on a six-monthly or annual basis, moderate-risk moles are monitored at regular intervals or removed dermatologically, and finally high-risk moles are removed immediately dermatologically.

Annual mole mapping: the best prevention of skin cancer

As in all health issues, the most important weapon against skin cancer is prevention. As Mr. Merkoureas emphasizes, our skin is the largest and most easily examined organ of our body. Any change can be easily and promptly detected through annual mole mapping. Countries with advanced social health systems already recommend annual mole mapping from the age of 18 and above as part of the annual check-up. At the Dermatologicum dermatology clinic, digital mole mapping is provided with the most modern machines of international standards. The results (images) of the examination are stored in the patient's electronic file and are always available for comparison or digital monitoring of the moles. The images are also available in electronic format for each patient's personal file. Even in the event of malignancy, we, as a specialized dermatosurgical - dermatooncological center, undertake the immediate dermatosurgical treatment and dermatooncological monitoring of any skin cancer.