Mole Removal: What Happens, How It’s Done, and More

Common Moles: 

These are the typical moles that many people have. They are usually small, round, or oval with a smooth surface and a distinct edge. Common moles are generally brown, but they can vary in colour from pink to black, depending on your skin tone. These moles are usually harmless and don’t require treatment unless they change in appearance.

Dysplastic Nevi (Atypical Moles): 

Larger than common moles, Atypical moles have irregular shapes and uneven colours. They can be flat or raised with a pebbly surface, and their colour may range from tan to dark brown. They are considered precursors to melanoma and usually require closer observation. 

Congenital Moles: 

Congenital moles are present at birth and can vary in size and can be quite large. While most are benign, the risk of them becoming cancerous increases with their size. Large congenital moles may require regular monitoring and, in some cases, removal.

Blue Nevi: 

These moles are typically blue or blue-black in colour due to the deep placement of pigment in the skin. They are usually benign but can occasionally be mistaken for melanoma due to their colour. A dermatologist can differentiate between a blue nevus and a malignant lesion.

Spitz Nevi: 

Spitz nevi are dome-shaped, pink, or reddish-brown moles that typically appear in childhood or adolescence. They can resemble melanoma and may require a biopsy to confirm their benign nature.

Halo Nevi: 

These moles are characterised by a white ring, or halo, surrounding them, which occurs when the immune system attacks the mole. Halo nevi are usually benign, but their presence could indicate a change in the immune system that may warrant further investigation.

Early Detection:
By regularly monitoring your moles, you increase the chances of catching skin cancer in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable.

Personalised Tracking:
Map My Mole provides a personalised record of your skin, allowing you and your dermatologist to detect subtle changes that may not be noticeable during a self-exam.

Peace of Mind:
For those with a high number of moles or a family history of skin cancer, Map My Mole offers reassurance by providing consistent monitoring and professional evaluation.

Surgical Excision: 

This is the most common method of mole removal, especially for moles that are suspected to be cancerous. This procedure begins with a dermatologist numbing the area and using a scalpel to cut out the mole along with a margin of surrounding tissue. The wound is then closed with stitches. Once removed the mole tissue is sent to a lab for analysis to confirm whether the mole is benign.

Shave Excision: 

For moles that are raised above the skin, a shave excision may be performed. The dermatologist uses a small blade to shave off the mole at the surface level. This method doesn’t require stitches, and healing usually occurs quickly. 

Laser Removal:

Laser mole removal is primarily used for smaller, non-cancerous moles or for cosmetic reasons. A focused beam of light is used to break down the pigment within the mole, causing it to fade or disappear over time. 

This method is less invasive and has a reduced risk of scarring, but it may not be suitable for all types of moles.

Cryotherapy: 

Cryotherapy is the act of freezing the mole with liquid nitrogen, causing the tissue to die and fall off. Cryotherapy is often used for superficial moles or skin tags. It is a quick procedure, but it may require multiple sessions for the mole to be completely removed.