Mole check, birthmarks & pigmentations

 The examination of moles, or naevi, is a routine examination by the dermatologist. Most naevi are benign and will last so for a lifetime, but any change in a naevus should be considered potentially dangerous. An experienced dermatologist can often already visually distinguish between a banal benign pigmentation spot, a potentially dangerous skin lesion, or even a malignant melanoma.

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A dermoscopy can provide additional information or more clarity and avoid an unnecessary procedure, but if in doubt it is increasingly safer to proceed with surgical removal of the skin lesion, followed by microscopic examination.

Digital mole mapping is done to be able to monitor moles with photographic and dermoscopic imaging.

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It is not just pigmented injuries. Any lesion on the skin: bulge, crust, stain, wound, ... whether pigmented or not, that has evolved for months or years and does not respond favorably to previous treatment attempts should be investigated to exclude a skin cancer.

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Mole treatment consists of a surgical excision, followed by microscopic analysis of the mole.

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The only case in which a laser is used to treat a mole is for a raised (dermal) mole, and the mole is ablated

(vaporised) with the laser.

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