Mole Removal: Assessment, Methods and Recovery

Moles (naevi) are mostly harmless skin lesions formed by clusters of the cells that give the skin its colour (melanocytes). A mole may be removed for cosmetic reasons, because it catches on clothing and becomes irritated, or because it looks suspicious. This article explains how moles are assessed, the methods of mole removal and the recovery process.

Why Are Moles Removed?

• Because the person is bothered by its appearance
• Because it repeatedly catches on clothing, shaving or jewellery and becomes irritated
• Because the doctor finds it suspicious on examination

Signs of a Suspicious Mole: The ABCDE Rule

The ABCDE rule helps guide the assessment of moles:

• A (Asymmetry): the two halves of the mole do not match
• B (Border): the edges are irregular or notched
• C (Colour): the mole contains more than one shade of colour
• D (Diameter): the mole is generally larger than 6 mm
• E (Evolving): the mole changes in size, colour or shape

In addition, moles that bleed, itch, crust or do not heal; a new mole or one that looks clearly different from your other moles; and a family history of skin cancer are also reasons to see a doctor. These findings do not mean that a mole is malignant, but it should be assessed by a doctor. People with atypical (dysplastic) moles may have their moles checked at regular intervals.

Mole Removal Methods

• Surgical excision: The mole is removed under local anaesthesia together with a small margin of healthy surrounding tissue, and the area is stitched. The removed tissue is sent for pathological examination when the doctor considers it necessary. This is the preferred method for suspicious moles.
• Shave removal: It may be used for some raised moles that the doctor considers benign; the tissue can still be sent for examination.
• Laser, electrocautery or freezing (cryotherapy): Because these methods destroy the mole tissue, pathological examination is not possible. For this reason they are only considered for some superficial lesions that the doctor is sure are benign; they are not used for suspicious moles.

The method is chosen according to the features of the mole, its location and the doctor's assessment.

Possible Risks

After mole removal there may be mild redness, swelling and tenderness. Less commonly, bleeding, infection, opening of the stitches, a noticeable scar, a change in colour or regrowth of the mole may occur. Any method can leave a scar; how visible it is depends on the size and location of the mole, the method used and how the person's skin heals.

Care After Mole Removal

• Keep the wound clean and dry as your doctor advises, and time dressings and washing according to your doctor's instructions.
• Use only the creams and medicines your doctor recommends.
• Protect the healing area from the sun; your doctor may recommend using sunscreen.
• Do not miss appointments for stitch removal and check-ups.
• If a pathological examination has been performed, make sure you learn the result and follow the follow-up your doctor recommends.
• See your doctor if there is increasing pain, redness, discharge, fever or bleeding that does not stop.

For detailed information on the methods you can visit our mole treatment page.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın