Mole Removal

Types of Moles

Removing moles and skin tags is simpler than you might think. There are various types of moles that can appear on your skin, and it’s crucial to identify and classify them to determine if treatment is necessary.

Benign moles can be categorised as follows:

  1. Melanocytic Nevi: These moles can further be classified into three types based on their location within the skin. Junctional nevi are situated between the epidermis and the dermis, Intradermal nevi are deeper within the skin, and mixed nevi occupy the entire thickness of the skin.
  2. Epidermal Nevi: These are abnormal, non-cancerous skin lesions caused by excessive cell growth in the epidermis. They are typically visible from birth or early childhood and often occur in multiple areas of the body.
  3. Sebaceous Nevi: These moles are composed of sebaceous glands and do not have the typical brownish colour of other moles. They commonly appear on the scalp, with a yellowish-orange colour and a shiny or slightly raised surface. Sebaceous nevi are benign and usually do not require removal or biopsy.

Additionally, there are rarer types of moles such as Spitz Nevus, Becker Nevus, Congenital Nevus, and Spilus Nevus, which can be diagnosed by a Consultant using a special lens called Dermatoscopy.

Before undergoing any procedure, it’s essential to have the mole scanned with dermoscopy or epiluminescence by a dermatologist, as a simple eye examination may not be sufficient. Dermoscopy allows dermatologists to examine moles more thoroughly and accurately.

Initial Diagnosis:

Moles can be categorised as completely benign (Melanocytic Nevi), potentially malignant (Malignant Melanoma), or in-between, showing signs of change and potential malignancy (Dysplastic Nevi). Based on the initial diagnosis:

– If a mole appears normal, you can choose to keep it or have it removed via a shaving procedure.

– If a mole looks abnormal, it should be excised and can be sent to a pathologist for further examination.

Malignant Melanoma is a particularly concerning type of skin cancer that may exhibit irregularities in shape, colour variation, and occasional bleeding. Early removal is crucial to prevent metastasis and potential fatality.

Mole Removal Procedure:

The mole removal procedure typically takes around 5 minutes and is comfortable for the patient. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Local anesthesia is injected to numb the area.
  2. A cold blade is used to flatten and remove the mole.
  3. Bleeding is minimised by coagulating a Solution.
  4. After the procedure, applying a regenerating cream and avoiding sun exposure for the first few days is important for proper healing. Over the following weeks, the skin will heal, and the wound will become barely noticeable.

If you would like to explore this option further or want to enquire about other available services or treatments, you can contact us on 01204 928850 or email us on info@chequershealth.co.uk.