Mole Removal at Glasgow Skin Specialists
What Are Moles?
Moles are common skin lesions caused by a local overgrowth of pigment cells (melanocytes), and are often brown as a result. The vast majority of moles are benign (non-cancerous) and can be safely left alone. Almost everyone will has at least one somewhere on their skin. Some moles are present at birth (congenital) and some appear later (acquired). There are actually a lot of different types of mole, which can make some look different to others.
Occasionally, moles can become abnormal (atypical) or even cancerous (melanoma), mostly due to sun exposure. This can happen due to a change in a pre-existing mole, or in a new mole that develops abnormally.
You should have your mole checked if:
• it is changing in size, shape or colour
• it is a new mole and you are aged 40 or above
• it is very different to the rest of your moles
• it bleeds, itches or crusts over
Most moles with the above features are still harmless, but you may be recommended short-term monitoring of some moles, or even surgical mole removal (excision biopsy) to exclude melanoma. Some harmless-looking moles may also carry cosmetic concerns, and you may wish to have them removed due to this. It is recommended that any mole removed from your skin is sent for histological analysis to exclude any cancerous change, even if it appears benign.
Mole Removal
What to expect:
1 / Consultation
When you attend for your consultation, you will be seen by a specialist dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who will take a short medical history from you and some photographs of the lesion for your medical records. They will discuss with you your options for treatment, which may include self-monitoring, clinical monitoring, or surgical mole removal under local anaesthetic. Following this discussion, if you choose surgery, you will be offered a further appointment to return for your operation.
2 / Surgical Procedure
The mole removal operation is carried out under local anaesthetic. These are skin-numbing injections, similar to that used at a dentist. Once the skin is numbed, the mole is removed either by cutting the skin or shaving the mole off at the base. The method of removal will have been discussed with you at your initial consultation. In most cases, benign-looking moles will be shaved and suspicious-looking moles excised. The wound will heal in a week or two, leaving a discrete scar, which will continue to mature over a period of months. Mole removal usually takes about 30-45 minutes, but depends on the number to be treated and the method of removal.
3 / Histology
All moles removed ought to be sent away for histological examination, to exclude abnormal or cancerous features. The cost of the histology is included in the price of treatment.
4 / Postoperative Care
Following your surgery, you will be given some aftercare information and offered a follow-up appointment free of charge, to ensure your wounds have healed satisfactorily and to take some post-operative photographs. Your pathology results are usually returned within a week, and will be discussed with you at the follow-up appointment.