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Published on: Jun 24, 2006
Last modification: Jun 24, 2006
Mole removal
by SirGan
 Moles are specific clusters of pigmented cells. They often appear as small, dark brown spots on torso, face, arms and legs. But, the fact is that there is no rules! Moles can come in a range of colors and can develop virtually anywhere, including scalp, armpits, under nails…Studies have shown that most people have between 10 and 40 moles, although the number vary throughout life. Although the great majority of moles are harmless, in rare cases, they may become cancerous. That’s why -monitoring moles is an important step in the diagnosis of skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma. Although most moles develop by age 20, they can continue to appear until midlife. Mole removal operation is offered as an effective treatment of malignant and suspected-malignant moles!
Signs and symptoms
The typical mole is a plain, brown spot. It is usually lass then 8 inches in diameter! The surface of a mole can be smooth or wrinkled, flat or raised. Sometimes a mole may start out flat and brown and later become slightly raised and lighter in color. Some may become raised enough that they form a small stalk and are eventually rubbed off. Others may simply disappear. The fact is that there is no rules!
Everyone should know that these moles come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. They can be flesh-colored, reddish-brown, medium to dark brown, or blue. Not only that- they can vary in shape from oval to round, and be as small as a pinhead or large enough to cover an entire limb. Important thing to know is that moles that are larger than 8 inches in diameter and present at birth are a special problem. Not all changes in moles are indicating that there is a case of cancer! There are some normal changes in moles and patient should be aware of that! There are certain times in life when moles are more prone to changing. They’re likely to become darker, larger and more numerous because of hormonal changes during adolescence and pregnancy and with the use of birth control pills.
 What causes moles to appear?To understand how these moles appear, person should know some facts considering melanin- natural pigment of our body that gives a color to the skin. This hormone is produced in cells called melanocytes, which are located either in the top layer of the skin or the outer layers of the skin's second layer called dermis. What happens then? Well, then this melanin is then transported to the surface cells of your skin. These melanocytes are distributed around the whole body but sometimes they form clusters of cells also called moles! The fact is that experts still don't know why moles develop or what purpose they serve, if any. Good thing about them is that most moles are harmless and don't require special care. The fact is that some people have unusual-looking moles, called dysplastic moles, which are more likely to turn cancerous than ordinary moles are. The fact is that sun exposure seems also to play a role in the development of moles and may even play a role in the development of atypical, or dysplastic, moles.
Risk factors for developing a cancerous mole
Patients should know that these large moles that are present at birth, also called congenital nevi or giant hairy nevi, may increase risk of malignant melanoma, a very deadly form of skin cancer. In general, moles that are more than the size of an adult open palm pose the greatest risk.
Several researches done in the past have proven that moles that are larger than about 1/4 inch or 6 millimeters and irregular in shape are known as atypical nevi and these moles tend to be hereditary. There is no doubt - if someone has dysplastic nevi, you have a greater risk of developing malignant melanoma.
If a person has many moles larger than a 3-4 millimeters, he or she could be at greater risk of developing melanoma.
Mole removal optionsVarious methods are used to remove moles. In generally - treatment of most moles usually isn't necessary. For cosmetic reasons, a mole can be removed in several ways:
In this method, doctor first numbs the area around a mole and then uses a small blade to shave off the mole close to your skin. It is very effective and quick method!
Sometimes doctor may remove a mole with a small incision or punch biopsy technique, which uses a small cookie-cutter-like device.
Excision of the mole
The procedure of removalAlthough not too many people know about this- the whole procedures for removing moles usually take less than an hour. It is non-complicated procedure and most often, the patient only requires local anesthetic to have the mole removed. In some cases, light to heavy sedation is also required to help the patient relax. Important thins to know is also that most often, anesthetic is not required during laser treatments as there is usually no pain involved. Is it painful? Well, there should be very little or no pain during any of the procedures themselves. After local anesthetic has been absorbed, the area may be tender and red. After the procedures not involving sutures, a scab will form on the surface where the mole was and should fall off in one to two weeks. Logically, after any of the procedures, the area may be covered with a bandage. The fact is that all moles that are removed, even benign-looking ones, should be sent to pathology for microscopic examination. This examination helps to tell doctors to tell whether the mole is harmless or malignant.
Prognosis of mole removal operations
Fortunately - in all these procedures, the scarring is usually minimal, depending on the time of removal surgery used. Ranging from a small, white line if sutures were used to a white oval where the mole once was. It is important to know that a person can minimize the scar darkening by using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of 15 or more.
Good thing is that these moles do not usually re-grow once they are removed. However, whenever a mole is removed there are some mole cells left remaining in the skin.
Risks of mole removal operationThere are several risks of mole removal operation and they can vary from infection to anesthetic allergy and nerve damage.
One of the most common difficulties after mole removal is a scar. Many people will attempt to remove moles for cosmetic reasons, not realizing that each and every removal may result in a scar.
The Typical Costs Associated With Mole RemovalThe costs for mole removal vary depending on the method used. Fees typically range from $125 to $150. These fees do not include any anesthesia, operating room facility, hospital stay and other related expenses. That’s why important thing to know is that, when viewing a doctor’s costs for mole removal, person should make sure the total figure includes any and all associated costs.
Self care and prevention
It's best to avoid overexposure to the sun
Twenty to 30 minutes before going outdoors, apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
Hats, long sleeves and other protective clothing should be very helpful in avoiding damaging by UV rays.
Post-operative tips
Self-examination of molesImportant thing to know is that, since early detection and removal is the best way to cure melanoma, the patient can participate actively in care by self-examination. Patient should remember to check areas that aren't exposed to sunlight, including scalp, armpits, and feet (the soles and between the toes), genital area, the skin underneath your breasts... Signs of concern include a mole's:
· recent change in appearance,
· size,
· shape
· color,
· irregularity in color,
· loss of a uniform border,
· asymmetry,
· bleeding
· notching of a border
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