Why mole excision is done

Your healthcare provider may do a mole excision for 1 or more reasons:

• Part or all of a suspicious mole may be removed to check it for cancer.

• A mole that is constantly rubbed by clothing or irritated in other ways may be removed to help make you more comfortable.

• A mole that is large or on a visible body part can be removed for cosmetic reasons.

How mole excision is done

Removing a mole is often done in the healthcare provider’s office. You stay awake for the procedure and usually go home the same day.

• The area is cleaned. A tiny needle is then used to inject a numbing medicine into the skin around the mole.

• The healthcare provider cuts out the mole. An edge or margin of healthy tissue around the mole may also be removed to make sure no pre-cancer or cancer cells are left behind.

• If needed, the incision may be closed with sutures or staples.

Risks of mole excision

• Damage to nearby nerves

• Infection of the incision

• Keloid or too much scar tissue forms

• Pain in the area

• Incomplete removal of the mole, which means more surgery may be needed

• The mole might come back

• Scarring

Preventing skin cancer

To help protect yourself from skin cancer:

• Check your skin regularly for changes in your moles and for new moles.

• See your healthcare provider if you have a mole that bleeds, itches, or changes in size, color, or shape.

• If you have many moles or have a family history of skin cancer, have moles checked by your healthcare provider at least once a year.

• Use clothing and sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from the sun.

• Wear a hat and sunglasses when in the sun to protect your face, eyes, and ears.

• Never use tanning beds or lamps.