Procedures Taken By A Physician To Remove A Mole
A mole (also known as a nevus) is a benign (non-cancerous) pigmented tumor. Moles grow in different sizes, shapes, and colors such as brown, black, purple, and clear. Most moles appear quickly on your skin, are totally benign, and never grow larger. However, some moles have been known to develop into a skin cancer called melanoma. If you notice a new mole has erupted on your skin, it is recommended that you have it examined and removed by your doctor to make sure that it is benign. Your doctor can remove your mole by one the following methods:
- Mole Removed by Cutting - Once the skin around your mole is anesthetized, your physician will use a scalpel or surgical knife to remove the mole as close to the skin as possible. Upon removal, your physician may notice an underlying root that was attached to your mole and he or she will remove the root as well. Many times, removing a mole with an attached root will cause a hole in the skin that will require one to two stitches in order to properly heal. After removal of your mole and root, your doctor will send them to an examining laboratory to be tested for melanoma. The area where your mole was growing will then be covered with a bandage and adhesive tape.
- Mole Removed by Freezing - The skin around your mole will be anesthetized and allowed to become numb. Your physician will then apply liquid nitrogen to your mole with a cotton swab. The liquid nitrogen will be allowed to sit on your skin for a few minutes to dissolve your mole and root. Once the liquid nitrogen has taken effect, it will be wiped away along with your mole. Your detached mole will be sent to an examining laboratory to be tested for melanoma. Your physician will then apply a bandage to your skin where your mole was growing. Many times a small blister will grow on the skin where your mole was removed. Do not pop or drain the fluid from your skin blister but allow your body to absorb the fluid internally. As your lesion heals, follow the directions of your physician to either apply an antibiotic ointment or allow it to heal without medication.
- Mole Removed by Burning - Your doctor will anesthetize your mole and the skin surrounding it. He or she will then touch the base of your mole with a thin electrical probe. The electrical current that is present in the probe will sever your mole from your skin with heat. Your removed mole and root will then be sent by your physician to a laboratory for tests. The area where your mole was growing will then be covered with a pain relieving cream and a bandage.
These procedures are quick, simple, and painless. When properly removed by your physician, moles rarely return or leave a scar on your skin. If you have any moles or other skin growths, see your physician and have them professionally examined and removed. You will be happy to no longer have them growing on our skin and grateful to know that they were benign.
Contact professionals like Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists for more information.
