How to Compare Mole Removal Methods

A mole is a circumscribed malformation of the skin that is hyper-pigmented or highly vascularized. It may be an overgrowth of adnexal, epidermal, melanocytic, mesodermal or vascular tissue. Moles are usually harmless and are removed primarily for cosmetic reasons. However, a mole can become malignant and should be examined if its appearance changes. The following steps compare the more common methods for removing a mole.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Remove most moles by shave or tangential excision. The mole is shaved with a scalpel and may be excised below the skin level. A punch excision may be used for smaller moles. The area is then chemically burned to stop the bleeding.

2. Perform a complete excision with a sutured closure for larger or deeper moles, even if it is benign. Moles larger than 1 cm are frequently not good candidates for shave excision. The area is anesthetized and the mole is cut out with a scalpel. The size of the border depends on the likelihood that the mole is malignant.

3. Take a conservative excisional biopsy when a diagnosis is desired. This will allow the pathologist to use gross attributes such as circumscription, size and symmetry to make a diagnosis.

4. Use a laser to remove shallow moles. Lasers are not used for deeper moles because they cannot penetrate deeply.

5. Consider alternative methods for mole removal. Freezing with liquid nitrogen also may be done but it carries a greater risk of scarring. Cauterize the mole by burning it with an electric instrument.

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