A major field of plastic surgery concerns the various tumors that appear on the skin, whether they are benign or malignant.
These are certainly the most common tumors in humans. Their causes vary widely, as does their appearance. Their treatment almost always involves surgical removal and histological examination of the removed tissue.
The increased exposure to solar radiation in recent years, due to significant climatic changes, has unfortunately led to an increased frequency of malignant skin tumors in humans. Scientific societies have undertaken significant efforts to inform the public about protection from the sun, which is the main cause of these tumors.
Melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma are the most frequently occurring skin tumors. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment are the cornerstone of surgical skin oncology and save human lives. Changes in the behavior of a skin lesion (bleeding, change in color, itching, increase in size) should raise suspicion and prompt immediate consultation with a plastic surgeon. These early symptoms can save a life and prevent the spread of the disease if treated in time.
Removal of Moles
Nevi (commonly called “moles”) are skin lesions that may arise from various causes and may evolve differently depending on their characteristics.
There are nevi that involve disturbances in the migration of melanocytes and are called pigmented nevi, as well as other categories in which melanocytes do not participate. Pigmented nevi should be clinically examined and, if there is suspicion regarding their appearance, they should be removed using the classical method and sent for biopsy for histological diagnosis. When these nevi are removed, serious problems may be prevented in the future and lives may be saved, since some of them, if left untreated, may develop into melanoma.
Public awareness of this issue and consultation with a plastic surgeon for clinical diagnosis are extremely important. Non-pigmented nevi (cellular, papillomatous, verrucous, etc.) can be easily removed with Laser under local anesthesia and without leaving any visible mark. In this way, both functional problems (mechanical irritation, itching, possible enlargement, etc.) and aesthetic concerns—particularly on the face—can be addressed. What is most important is an accurate clinical diagnosis in order to determine whether the lesions can be removed with Laser or whether excision and histological examination are required.
In the past two years, technology has contributed significantly to diagnosis through the introduction of devices that “read” moles using spectrophotometric analysis. As a result, surgical excision for histological diagnosis can sometimes be avoided and the lesion can instead be monitored over time. If changes in its appearance occur, surgical removal is then performed.