Moles: Types, Examination, Treatment and Results

A mole - is a small spot or bump made up of changed and growing cells in the skin. Moles can be congenital (present at birth or appearing before the age of 1) or acquired (increasing in number until the age of 40, then decreasing and disappearing on their own). Acquired moles are caused by UV rays. Most moles are benign and do not need to be removed. However, you should check your moles regularly and pay attention to any changes.

Knowing the ABCDE criteria for skin cancer can help you check your skin at home:

A (Asymmetry) – asymmetry of the mole, one side of the mole is not similar to the other;
B (Border) – uneven, unclear, jagged edges;
C (Color) – uneven color, brown, black, gray, red, or white;
D (Diameter) – diameter of at least 6 mm;
E (Evolution) – uneven surface, raised spots, increasing diameter.

When should I see a doctor regarding a mole?

See a doctor if the mole:

Is painful or itchy;
Has discharge or bleeds;
Is growing or changing shape;
Has irregular edges;
Has uneven colors;
Appeared after the age of 30

When are moles removed?

Moles are removed if they are traumatized or show signs of atypia. Your doctor may also remove a mole for aesthetic reasons if you are unhappy with its location or appearance.

If a mole shows signs of atypia, only surgical treatment is recommended, during which the removed lesion is sent to a laboratory where pathologists examine it and make an accurate final diagnosis of the pathology.

Mole removal methods

Radiosurgical mole removal

This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, when anesthetics are injected only into the area where the mole will be removed. An electrode is used to remove the mole, which does not physically touch the skin, and the incision is made using radio waves. The generator uses a frequency of 4.0 MHz, which is more than 8 times higher than that of electrosurgical devices. This incision allows the tissues to heal with minimal postoperative pain and scarring, and also shortens the duration of the operation. After removal of the lesion, healthy skin forms within a week, leaving no scar. The use of surgical radio frequency technology ensures unmatched precision, versatility, and safety.

Laser mole removal

During this procedure, the doctor uses a laser that emits intense pulses of light to destroy the mole. For small moles, a few sessions are enough to destroy the mole. Depending on the size, shape, and location of the mole, the procedure takes about 10-20 minutes. Laser mole removal is a safe, painless, and effective method for achieving excellent aesthetic results. This method can be very effective for removing moles for aesthetic purposes.

Mole removal with nitrogen (cryotherapy)

During cryotherapy, the mole is removed using liquid nitrogen. The temperature of liquid nitrogen can be as low as -196 degrees Celsius to destroy the mole cells. Cryotherapy is most commonly used to remove warts or seborrheic keratoses. The procedure is slightly painful and may leave a scar or slight discoloration of the skin.

Surgical mole removal

Surgical removal of moles is usually chosen when a lesion is suspected to be atypical or malignant. The operation (excision of the lesion) is performed under local anesthesia, when anesthetics are injected only into the area where the lesion will be removed. The suspected lesion is removed and the wound is sutured with special sutures. The removed lesion is then sent to a laboratory, where pathologists examine it and make a precise final diagnosis of the pathology. The final pathological response to the excision of the lesion is the most important test, which confirms the diagnosis of the disease and determines the patient's further examination and treatment tactics. Ten to fourteen days after the operation, during a follow-up visit, the sutures are removed and the results of the final pathological response are discussed.

Detailed information about the mole removal

What happens before the operation?

Before the mole removal operation, the doctor will examine your skin and perform a dermatoscopy, during which he will evaluate the moles according to the ABCDE criteria. During the consultation, the experienced doctors at OST KLINIKA will recommend the most appropriate treatment method for your case. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to best prepare for the planned treatment. It is recommended that you do not take aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticoagulants a few days before the surgery, as they may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, especially local anesthetics.

What happens during the operation?

The doctor will mark the planned incision site with a special skin marker. You will be given a local anesthetic at the site of the operation so that you do not feel any pain and the procedure is as gentle as possible. The doctor will then make an incision using a scalpel or electrode. Depending on the type of mole, the doctor may take a small piece of healthy skin to ensure that all atypical cells are removed. After the mole is removed, the wound is sutured with special sutures. During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort and pressure in the incision areas. The removed lesion is sent to a laboratory, where pathologists examine it and make a final diagnosis of the pathology.

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure, the doctor may monitor you for up to 15 minutes to ensure that you do not experience any side effects, including dizziness, nausea, or allergic reactions. Local anesthesia will not cause fatigue or drowsiness, so you will be able to drive yourself home.

After the operation, it is recommended that you:

Change the dressing on the wound;
Do not wet the wound until the stitches are removed and for one day after the stitches are removed;
Take pain medication;
Take it easy;
Have the stitches removed after 10-14 days, if stitches are used;
Contact your doctor for the final histological results after 10-12 days;
Avoid physical exertion for about 2 weeks.

Your doctor will also schedule a follow-up appointment approximately two weeks after the surgery to remove the stitches and discuss the final pathology results.

Side effects of the operation

Redness, swelling, and pain at the site of the operation;
Bleeding;
Postoperative seroma;
Scars (which may or may not be noticeable);
Infection;
Nerve damage;
The mole may recur;
Hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Is mole removal painful?

To ensure that mole removal is painless, your doctor will use local anesthetics. You may feel slight discomfort at the site of mole removal, which should disappear after 12-24 hours.

What is the healing period after the operation?

The healing period depends on your overall health and the size of the mole that was removed. Healing is likely to take 1 to 2 weeks after mole removal. During this period, you will be able to engage in your daily activities, but you may experience slight discomfort. To promote faster healing and avoid infection, you should follow your doctor's instructions for wound care.