Mole histology

First of all, you need to understand what mole histology is. To conduct it, you need to take special tissue tests, which are carried out using a microscope. Such a study is recommended for all those whose nevus may degenerate into a malignant tumor. If the results of the study show that there are cancer cells in the tissue, the doctor will prescribe a certain treatment. Usually, such moles are removed immediately.

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Indications

In what case is it necessary to perform histology of a mole?

1. If you accidentally injured the formation, especially if it was protruding above the skin.
2. If the nevus begins to grow rapidly.
3. In the case when plaque-like spots begin to appear against the background of the formation.
4. When pain occurs or the mole begins to itch.
5. If the nevus has shriveled or started to peel.
6. When bleeding occurs.
7. In the case when a mole begins to change its color.
8. If the structure of the nevus changes.

Is it possible to remove a mole without histology?

It is not recommended to remove moles without histology, especially if there is a suspicion of the possibility of tumor development. But, as a rule, ordinary nevi, which are not considered melanoma-dangerous, can be treated without tissue biopsy. They are usually removed in such a way that after the operation, part of the obtained material can be submitted for histology and find out everything about the nevus.

If there is a risk that a mole will develop into a malignant one at any moment, it is absolutely necessary to have all the tests done by a dermatologist, and then, after receiving the results, contact an oncologist. It is the latter who will choose the removal method that will suit your particular case.

Histology of the removed mole

Even small moles, barely noticeable on the human body, can be dangerous to your health. That is why doctors recommend checking them from time to time. If you begin to notice any changes in the nevus (in size, shape, color), if the mole begins to itch or hurt, you must immediately undergo appropriate tests. Sometimes a person simply wants to get rid of a hanging or sore mole that can interfere with normal life or worsen the appearance of the skin. In such a case, histology is not always performed before surgery. But during the removal, the doctor will take a small amount of tissue from the nevus and send it for analysis. Later, the results can show whether your formation was benign or malignant.

How is a histological examination of a mole performed?

Histology of a mole is always performed in a specially equipped laboratory before or after the nevus has been removed. After excision, the doctor receives the material, which is placed in a special solution and delivered to the laboratory. There, the lab technician places the tissue on glass and stains it. After some time, a pathologist examines the material under a microscope to determine whether the mole is malignant or not. Histological examination of a mole can be performed:

1. If you have received a referral from a specialist.
2. If there is a doctor's recommendation, even without a referral.
3. If you want to get results.

Many clinics perform histology for free if you have a referral in hand.

How long does it take to perform a histology of a mole?

As a rule, the analysis in the laboratory does not take very long. The standard time for histology is considered to be a week. But it is worth understanding that the time for histological examination of a mole depends greatly on the clinic itself, its popularity, the number of patients in this hospital. If you have chosen a large private clinic, you can be sure that you will get the result faster.

Results of histological examination

So what will you learn when you do a histological examination of a mole? The main thing is that the doctor will be able to determine whether the mole is benign or malignant. Remember that you will not be able to decipher the results of the histology of the mole on your own, so be sure to take it to the doctor who wrote you a referral. You should also know that today oncology has four stages. Tumors in the early stages are treated much faster and more effectively.

What to do if the histology of a mole is bad?

If your result is positive, do not worry, but take appropriate measures immediately. A mandatory procedure in this case is the removal of the mole. But even if the analysis did not show cancer cells in the tissues, it is still recommended to get rid of the nevus. The operation is carried out in any clinics or oncology centers. You can decide where exactly to remove the nevus, but try to choose clinics with a good reputation. In this case, you will not have to do anything either before or after the operation itself, and its length depends on the chosen method.

Removal can be done in several ways:

1. Radio wave surgery.
2. Laser removal.
3. Surgical route.
4. Electrocoagulation.

The cost of the operation usually includes the cost of histological analysis.

Remember, if you do not remove a malignant mole in a short time, the cancer cells will spread throughout the body and this can give rise to metastases. Sometimes after removal, the nevus appears again. In this case, you need to come back for a check-up with a doctor.