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













