Mole Removal

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Medical Author:

Joel Schlessinger, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• Mole Removal Introduction
• Risks of Mole Removal
• Mole Removal Preparation
• During the Procedure
• After the Procedure
• Next Steps
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Prevention
• Pictures of Mole Removal
• Additional Pictures of Mole Removal
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Viewer Comments: Mole Removal - Experience

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

• Excision (cutting), with or without stitches
• Excision with cauterization (a tool is used to burn away the mole)

Although laser excision 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 the following types of skin marks such as these are not treated the same way moles are and are not discussed here:
• Birthmarks
• Abnormal formations 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.