Basics
Most people have moles that appear in a wide variety of shapes and colors, report doctors at the American Academy of Dermatologists. Moles range from benign unsightly brown spots to life-threatening bumps on the skin. Brown moles are called melanocytes and are made of cells that produce melanin. Moles continue to grow on the skin for about 50 years and may become pink, brown or black. They may grow hairs or simply fade away. Moles that develop into skin cancer are called malignant melanomas and must be removed. Moles often are removed for cosmetic purposes as well.
Diagnosis
Doctors confirm whether a mole is malignant by taking a biopsy of the spot. They remove a small portion of the mole with a blade and send it to a laboratory for testing. They pay particular concern to moles that change in appearance. Any mole that changes color, shape or size differently than other moles should be tested for cancer. Other signs that could indicate malignancy include moles that bleed, are painful and itchy or appear for the first time after a person turns 20.
Procedure
Whether a mole is unattractive, inconvenient or malignant, it can easily be removed in a doctor's office in a matter of minutes. The doctor numbs the area around the mole with a local anesthetic. Small moles are removed by shaving around and below the spot. Sutures typically are not needed following this procedure. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that some moles may be removed by pinching the area surrounding the mole and excising it with a device that looks like a cookie cutter. Depending on the size of the opening following a punch biopsy, the area may require stitches. Larger moles are removed by making an incision and cutting out the mole and the surrounding skin. Doctors then use sutures to close the opening. All moles are sent for testing just to be sure there is no cancer in the dark skin.
Option
Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic report that carbon dioxide laser resurfacing can be an effective technique to remove benign moles. The lasers incorporate short pulsing light beams or continuous streams of light to remove small layers of skin with minimal heat damage to the surrounding skin areas. The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia and light intravenous or oral sedatives. After the mole is removed, the doctor will place a light adhesive is over the area to avoid infection. While the wound heals within a couple weeks, the skin may be pink or red for up to six months.
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