Warts and moles to which doctor?

All people develop birthmarks on their bodies throughout their lives. They come in different colors, sizes and shapes. From time to time, complaints arise related to an increase in the number of these neoplasms for reasons unknown to the owner. Sometimes you may be concerned about changes in the structure or shade of a mole. In case of such complaints, consultation with a specialist is necessary, but not everyone understands the name of a mole doctor, how to be examined to ensure that the skin formations are benign and to assess the need for therapy.

Doctors treating moles

The choice of a specialist who studies the problems of skin nevi (moles) depends on the location and type of neoplasm.

1. The number of nevi increased sharply in a short period of time.
2. The birthmark grows quickly and changes its shape, symmetry or color.
3. The appearance of irregularities, itching, peeling, hemorrhage or ulceration in the structure of the mole.
4. The nevus has a localization where its trauma is increased (on the scalp, in the area of ​​the external genitalia, on the neck, hands, feet - due to rubbing the skin with clothes or shoes).

In these cases, it is imperative to show the mole to a specialist.

To decide which doctor to see about moles, you should first see a general practitioner. If you are concerned about a nevus in your child, you should contact your pediatrician. After conducting an initial examination, the doctor will give a referral to the right specialist who deals with all moles.

Dermatologist

A dermatovenerologist performs a detailed examination of the spot, palpation of the mole, as well as surrounding tissues. In addition, the doctor prescribes several research methods to confirm or refute the assumption of a serious pathology, for example, melanoma (skin cancer).

If the neoplasm is benign, then there are two options for further action:

1. Observe the nevus for a certain period of time, followed by repeated consultation with a dermatologist.
2. Remove a mole that is causing concern using simple hardware methods (laser vaporization, cauterization with liquid nitrogen, electrocoagulation, etc.).

Oncodermatologist

If a dermatologist suspects malignancy (degeneration into a malignant form) of a nevus, he refers the patient for a consultation with an oncodermatologist. This is a highly specialized specialist who studies malignant skin neoplasms.

The doctor decides how to remove the tumor, and also prescribes further treatment and the frequency of postoperative monitoring and dynamic examinations.

Surgeon

A doctor of this profile deals with the removal of tumors of any kind - both benign and malignant. Benign skin formations are excised within normal tissue if they are inconveniently located or permanently traumatized. If, as a result of the examination carried out after the operation, it turns out that the mole is malignant and is a manifestation of melanoma, then further examination of the patient is required.

Cosmetologist

Doctors of this specialty solve problems of face and body care, perform a variety of procedures for skin rejuvenation, cleansing, lifting, etc. But they do not have the right to study and treat skin tumors, either medically or surgically. Often, cosmetologists in clinics are not even doctors, but at best doctors with secondary medical education, so to remove moles you still need to go to specialists.

Oncologist-mammologist

For a thorough examination and prescription of a method for removing suspicious tumors in the area of ​​the mammary glands and décolleté, you must consult a breast oncologist.

Diagnostics

Any doctor who is approached by a patient with any skin formations, after a survey detailing complaints, medical history and life, prescribes a number of diagnostic procedures. This tactic will allow you to make a diagnosis, as well as determine the correct treatment tactics.

The examination includes several laboratory and instrumental methods.

Dermatoscopy

A non-invasive, safe and painless diagnostic method is dermatoscopy. This study involves the use of a special optical device called a dermatoscope. The doctor applies a little vegetable oil to the surface of the neoplasm, carefully examines the mole and the adjacent skin tissues through this device, assessing the structure of the superficial as well as deeper layers of the nevus.

Computer diagnostics

The method involves taking a picture of a skin formation with a digital camera and detailed data processing with a special computer program. This system automatically checks and compares the information received with the database available in memory and prepares a conclusion about the structure of the mole.

Histology

Histological examination is a mandatory study of cells and tissue scraped from the surface of a birthmark or the most distant mole under a microscope. This analysis makes it possible to confidently determine the nature of the neoplasm, since malignant cells differ from healthy cells in many respects. Next, the issue of further examination of the patient is decided if skin cancer is detected, and appropriate treatment is prescribed, which usually includes methods such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Biopsy

Material for research is taken by performing a biopsy. A mole doctor can perform it with a regular scalpel, using an electric knife, or by puncturing the neoplasm with a thick needle. After receiving a biopsy (material for research), it is also examined under a microscope.

After surgery or another type of treatment, the patient must periodically come for examination to the doctor. The doctor checks whether the disease has relapsed and assesses the patient’s general condition.

For timely diagnosis of such dangerous conditions as melanoma, every person should be attentive to their health, monitor all existing and newly appeared moles. At the slightest reason (suspicion of malignancy), you should immediately consult a dermatologist to show the nevus causing concern. After a thorough examination, the doctor will determine the need to consult doctors of other specialties and select a method of treatment.

The appearance and degeneration of moles is fraught with many mysteries. But don't be afraid of it. Their number and size on the body are different. No two birthmarks are exactly alike. The first nevi appear at birth, the number on the body increases with age.