Understanding Mole Excision
Understanding Mole Excision
Moles are skin growths that are darker than the nearby skin. They're common and not normally a problem. But moles can sometimes cause problems. In this case, removal (excision) of a problem mole can be done.
Why mole excision is done
Your healthcare provider may do a mole excision for 1 or more reasons:
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Part or all of a suspicious mole may be removed to check it for cancer.
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A mole that is constantly rubbed by clothing or irritated in other ways may be removed to help make you more comfortable.
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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.
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The area is cleaned. A tiny needle is then used to inject a numbing medicine into the skin around the mole.
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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.
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If needed, the incision may be closed with sutures or staples.
Risks of mole excision
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Damage to nearby nerves
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Infection of the incision
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Keloid or too much scar tissue forms
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Pain in the area
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Incomplete removal of the mole, which means more surgery may be needed
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The mole might come back
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Scarring
Preventing skin cancer
To help protect yourself from skin cancer:
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Check your skin regularly for changes in your moles and for new moles.
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See your healthcare provider if you have a mole that bleeds, itches, or changes in size, color, or shape.
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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.
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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.
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Never use tanning beds or lamps.
Updated:  
September 17, 2019
Sources:  
Alguire PC, et al. Skin biopsy techniques. Up To Date. November 2 ed: Up To Date; 2015. p. 20., Habif TP. Dermatologic surgical procedures. Clinical Dermatology. 6 ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2016. p. e1-e19., Olbricht S. Biopsy Techniques and Basic Excisions. In: Bolognia JL, et al, editors. Dermatology. 3 ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2012. p. 2381-97., Perkins A, et al. Atypical Moles: Diagnosis and Management. American Family Physician. 2015 June 1;91(11):762-7.
Reviewed By:  
Michael Lehrer MD,Kimberly Stump-Sutliff RN MSN AOCNS,Lu Cunningham RN BSN