Mole Removal

What is a Mole?

A mole, or nevus, is a common skin growth made up of clusters of pigmented cells. Moles can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size, shape, and color, ranging from flesh-colored to dark brown or black. While most moles are harmless, some may change over time or become irritated, prompting evaluation or removal.

Mole removal may be done for cosmetic reasons, discomfort, or if there's concern about skin cancer (melanoma).

How Are Moles Removed?

There are a few medical techniques for mole removal, depending on the mole’s size, location, and whether it’s suspected to be cancerous:

• Excision (Surgical Removal) – The mole is cut out using a scalpel, often including a small margin of surrounding skin. Stitches may be needed.
• Shave Removal – The mole is shaved off at the skin’s surface using a surgical blade. This is typically used for raised moles and usually doesn’t require stitches.

Before removal, the mole will be evaluated by a medical professional, and in many cases, sent for biopsy to rule out malignancy.

Who is Mole Removal For?

Mole removal may be appropriate for:

• Individuals with moles that change in size, color, or shape, especially if the mole becomes itchy, bleeds, or grows.
• Those with moles in high-friction areas, such as under bra straps, on the waistline, or where shaving occurs.
• People concerned about cosmetic appearance, especially for large or prominent moles on visible areas like the face.
• Anyone with a family or personal history of skin cancer, regular mole checks and removals can be part of early detection.