Risk of cancer and infection when removing moles yourself

Ho Chi Minh City Removing moles at home can lead to infection, bleeding, or being mistaken for malignant moles that can easily develop cancer cells.

Ms. Ha, 61 years old, had a black mole on her right cheek a year ago. After researching online, she used incense to remove the mole. The wound then crusted over, became red and swollen, and oozed pus. She went to the medical station for examination and treatment for a skin infection. The skin abrasion grew larger and often oozed blood. She went to the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for examination. A skin biopsy and pathology test showed basal cell skin cancer, and surgery was performed to treat the lesion.

Similarly, Mr. Nam, 72 years old, also had a black mole on his right cheek, which had grown since 2020. He went to a traditional medicine shop to buy a bottle of solution (without a label), and applied it to the mole once a day. After three days, the spot on his face became hot, painful, swollen, oozing, and crusted. He bought medicine to take, but the wound became increasingly swollen and bleeding. At the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, he was also diagnosed with basal cell skin cancer and was scheduled for surgery.

The wound on Mrs. Ha's right cheek. Photo: Provided by the doctor — The wound on Mrs. Ha's right cheek. Photo: *Provided by the doctor*

MSc. Dr. Doan Quoc Hung, Department of Dermatology - Cosmetic Dermatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that this place often receives cases of complications after self-removing or removing moles at home. According to Dr. Hung, most patients apply acid or create wounds to remove moles, causing serious health problems. The skin becomes inflamed, red, sore, or bleeds uncontrollably because the mole has many small blood vessels inside.

In addition, careless removal of moles can damage cells and create favorable conditions for cells to transform into cancer. "Removing moles yourself can lose the opportunity to detect abnormalities early," said Mr. Hung.

MSc. Dr. Le Minh Chau, Department of Dermatology - Cosmetic Dermatology, said that most moles are harmless and do not need to be removed, except in cases where they affect aesthetics or cause irritation due to rubbing.

Experts recommend that if you are concerned about a mole or want to remove it, you should never attempt to do it yourself at home, but should see a dermatologist. Doctors have the knowledge and experience to assess the condition of the mole and make the best decision for the patient's health.

Doctor Ta Quoc Hung examines a patient. Photo: Provided by the doctor — Doctor Ta Quoc Hung examines a patient. Photo: *Provided by the doctor*

Moles can be a sign of skin cancer, so they should be checked carefully before removal to avoid confusion and must be done at the hospital.

To detect the risk of cancer from moles, it is necessary to pay attention to some signs such as congenital or appearing after the age of 25, located in areas exposed to a lot of sunlight or some locations such as the palms, soles, semi-mucous areas, on the head. Dark moles, inconsistent color with red or blue in the center and pale around. Moles that grow over time, change in size abnormally or have unclear borders; pain or itching, ulcers in the surrounding area... are also warning signs.

Doctors recommend that if there are any unusual signs in moles as above, people should go for early examination to detect the disease in time (if any). The doctor will perform a clinical examination and prescribe the necessary tests to assess the risk. If the diagnosis is cancer, medical staff will assess the stage of the tumor or see if the tumor has metastasized.

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