ADCS: Mole Removal

Mole Removal

Moles, or nevi, are frequently removed for a variety of reasons. They can be removed by 2 surgical methods:

1. Excision (cutting) with stitches: In this method, the mole is excised in an elliptical (football shape) fashion. The mole is fully removed and sutures are necessary. Sutures are then removed 7-10 days later. This procedure is done on moles that appear atypical, and we would want to fully removed them. There will be a fine line as a scar.

Then, the visible cancer and a very thin layer of surrounding skin are removed with a scalpel, carefully mapped, and examined microscopically. If there is still cancer seen under the microscope, another very thin layer of skin is removed from the exact location.This may be repeated as often as necessary to completely remove the skin cancer.

2. Shave excision with cauterization: This method removes the superficial (visible) aspect of the mole, so that the skin is flat. The entire mole is not removed, so there would be a small chance that the mole could recur. This method is performed on raised moles that appear benign and are just to be flattened. This procedure would result in minimal scarring, if any.

Although laser has been tried for moles, it is not usually the method of choice for most moles because the laser light does not’t penetrate deep enough. Also, if a mole appears atypical, it should not be just partially removed with laser.

Call today for an appointment with Dr. Lashgari for the evaluation of your moles.

What is a mole?

Many people refer to moles as any dark spot or irregularity in the skin. A mole is an overgrowth of pigment cells, or melanocytes. But skin marks such as the following are not treated the same way as moles and are not discussed here:

Birthmarks

Abnormal blood vessels (hemangiomas) Keratoses (benign or precancerous spots, which appear after about age 30 years)

What causes moles?

Some people are born with moles. Others appear over time. Sun exposure seems to play a role in the development of moles and may even play a role in the development of atypical, or dysplastic, moles. The role of heredity cannot be underemphasized. Many families have a type of mole known as dysplastic (atypical), which can be associated with a higher incidence of melanoma or skin cancer.

The ABCDs of Moles

Atypical moles have a higher chance of changing into melanoma; especially of there is the family history of melanoma or a dysplastic mole syndrome. The following features make a mole clinically atypical:

   • Asymmetry
   • Border Irregularity
   • Color variegation
   • Diameter of > 6mm (pencil eraser head size)

These are the ABCDs of moles. Any mole with these features should be shown to the doctor. Additionally, any mole with changes in size, color, etc. should be evaluated.

Melanoma