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February 3, 2012
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Mole Removal

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Mole Removal Introduction

Moles, or nevi, are frequently removed for a variety of reasons. They can be removed by two surgical methods:

  • excision (cutting) followed by stitches and


  • excision with cauterization (a tool is used to burn away the mole).

Although laser removal has been tried for moles, it is not usually the method of choice for most deep moles because the laser light doesn't penetrate deeply enough.

Typically, the doctor or dermatologist (a skin specialist) may choose excision with or without stitches, depending on the depth of the mole and the type of cosmetic outcome desired.

  • What is a mole?


    • Many people refer to a mole as any dark spot or irregularity in the skin. Doctors use different terms. But skin marks such as these are not treated the same way moles are and are not discussed here:


      • birthmarks


      • abnormal collections of blood vessels (hemangiomas)


      • keratoses (benign or precancerous spots, which appear after about age 30 years)


  • What causes moles?


    • Some people are born with moles. Other moles appear over time.


    • Sun exposure seems to play a role in the development of moles and may even play a role in the development of atypical, or dysplastic, moles.


    • The role of heredity cannot be underemphasized. Many families have a type of mole known as dysplastic (atypical), which can be associated with a higher frequency of melanoma or skin cancer.
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Mole Removal

Warts Overview

Warts are small harmless tumors of the skin caused byÂa virus called the human papillomavirus. The appearance of warts can differ based on the type of wart and where it is located on the body. Most warts are well defined, with skin thickening.

  • Warts are common in children. Most cases occur between ages 12-16 years.
  • Up to 30% of warts disappear by themselves within 6 months. Most will disappear without any treatment within 3 years.

Warts - Causes

Warts are caused by the DNA-containing human papillomavirus (HPV). There are at least 63 genetically different types of HPVs.

  • The virus enters the skin after direct contact with recently shed viruses kept alive in warm, moist environments such as a locker room, or by direct contact with an infected person. The entry site is often an area of recent injury. The incubation time-from when the virus is contracted until a wart appea...

Read the Warts article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Atypical Mole (Dysplastic Nervus) »

In 1820, Norris proposed an association between nevi and melanoma.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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