The examination of moles, also called naevi, is a routine examination by the
dermatologist.
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. We use clinical and dermoscopic imaging system to monitor moles.
It is not only about moles or changes in pigmented spots. 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.
Mole treatment consists of a surgical excision, followed by microscopic analysis.
Ablative laser treatment is sometimes used to treat a raised (dermal) mole. Flat pigmented moles are not to be treated with lasers.
Many other benign skin tumors are diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist.
Benign skin tumors don’t need to be treated, but when they grow or become disturbing they can easily be removed surgically or with laser surgery.
Most common benign skin tumors are sebum cysts, lipoma, dermatofibroma,
xanthelasma, seborrheric keratosis, neurofibroma, molluscum pendulum
(skintags), milia, syringoma,.