Mole Removal
MOLE REMOVAL Moles, also known as nevi, are frequent skin formations that can appear individually or in groups anywhere on the skin or mucous membranes. They typically manifest before one reaches the age of 20. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. While most moles are benign (non-cancerous), it’s essential to be aware of the different types and their characteristics. Here are some of the common types of moles: TYPES OF MOLES COMMON MOLES These are minor skin protrusions with hues varying from your natural skin colour to shades of brown or black, usually with well-defined borders. They are uniform in colour, which can range from pink to brown, and are less than about 5 millimetres in size. They can be flat or raised and are usually round or oval. CONGENITAL MOLES These moles are present at birth and vary in size. They are generally larger than common moles and can range from less than one inch to larger sizes that cover a significant part of the body or face. These are the moles you have from birth and carry a higher risk of evolving into melanomas, a form of skin cancer, compared to moles that develop later in life. ATYPICAL MOLES (DYSPLASTIC NEVI) These are larger than common moles, hereditary moles with irregular shapes and inconsistent coloration—darker at the centre and fading towards the edges. These moles have a higher risk of developing into melanoma, a form of skin cancer. ACQUIRED MOLES These are moles that appear after birth, typically before the age of 30. They are usually a result of sun exposure and are generally harmless, though any new moles should be monitored for changes. SPITZ NEVI These are raised, reddish moles that appear mainly in children but can also be found in adults. They can look alarming because they may resemble melanoma, but they are generally benign. INTRADERMAL NEVI These are flesh-coloured moles that are generally raised and can be found anywhere on the body. They are most common in adults and are usually benign. JUNCTIONAL MOLES These moles are generally flat and can be brown or black. They occur when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigment, accumulate at the junction between the dermis and epidermis layers of the skin. COMPOUND MOLES These are a combination of intradermal and junctional moles. They can be raised, flat, or somewhat raised and have a central raised area. They can be of various colours including brown, tan, or pink. BLUE MOLES These are generally benign and appear as smooth, blue to blue-black spots. They are usually found on the head, neck, or arms. HALO MOLES These moles have a white or light “halo” around them. They are generally benign and can sometimes disappear entirely. It’s essential to have any new or changing moles examined, especially if you notice any signs such as asymmetry, irregular borders, colour changes, or a diameter larger than a pencil eraser. These could be indicators of melanoma or other skin conditions that may require immediate attention. WHAT LEADS TO THE FORMATION OF MOLES? Moles arise when melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for pigmentation, accumulate in specific areas rather than being uniformly spread across the skin. HOW CAN I DETERMINE IF MY MOLE IS MALIGNANT? To assess whether your mole may be cancerous, you can look for certain indicators, such as: A: Asymmetry. A mole that appears uneven or imbalanced could potentially be cancerous. B: Borders. Clear, well-defined edges on a mole are generally a good sign, whereas irregular or blurred borders could indicate cancer. C: Colour Variation. A mole that has multiple colours or is inconsistent in its coloration might be a warning sign of cancer. D: Diameter. A mole larger than 6mm across might be a cause for concern. E: Evolution or Expansion. Growth or change in the size of your mole may suggest it is cancerous. If any of your moles exhibit these characteristics, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. REASONS FOR MOLE REMOVAL Mole removal is typically pursued for either medical reasons, such as testing dysplastic moles for cancer, or for aesthetic purposes when a mole affects personal appearance or self-esteem. MOLE REMOVAL PROCEDURE Mole removal is generally considered a simple outpatient procedure and performed under local anaesthesia. The method chosen for removal will largely depend on the type, size, and location of the mole, as well as whether it appears to be benign or malignant. Here’s an overview of common mole removal procedures: SURGICAL EXCISION Preparation: The area around the mole is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area. Excision: Dr Sandeep uses a scalpel to cut out the mole along with a small margin of the surrounding skin. Stitches: The wound is then closed with stitches, which may be dissolvable or may require removal later. SURGICAL SHAVE Preparation: The skin is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied. Shaving: A scalpel is used to shave the mole off, flush or slightly below the level of the surrounding skin. Sometimes a loop cautery may be used instead. Cauterization: The area may be cauterized to stop any bleeding. LASER REMOVAL Preparation: The area is cleaned, and a topical anaesthetic may be applied. Laser Treatment: Pulses of laser light are used to break down the mole cells. Healing: A scab forms over the treated area and falls off over time. ELECTROCAUTERY Preparation: The area is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is applied. Burning: An electric current is used to burn away the mole tissue. Healing: The area may scab over and will heal over time. AFTERCARE Regardless of the method, proper aftercare is crucial. You may need to: Keep the area clean and dry. Apply an antibiotic ointment as prescribed. Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area. Follow-up for stitch removal, if needed. DIAGNOSTIC If the mole is suspected to be cancerous, it will be sent for histological examination to confirm the diagnosis to ensure they are benign and take appropriate steps if otherwise.