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There are many reasons why mole removal is considered as a means of treatment. For some people, living with the thought of moles covering the body is too much to handle. For others, the mole removal focuses more on the clinical need to determine if the mole is a form of skin cancer with biopsy being the only option. No matter the reason for mole removal there are some very real concerns surrounding the process of removing a mole.

Emotional Removal

Moles can appear on just about any part of the skin. This includes, but is not limited to, the skin of the face, hands and torso. When these moles become an unsightly burden, patients often choose to have the moles removed. Moles are most often removed during a simple outpatient surgery. During the surgery, the mole is cut from the skin and then sent away for testing. The tests will determine if the moles are a reason for concern, or whether they are benign in nature.

Once the moles are removed, there will be a small scar in place of the mole. This small scar can be much easier to handle, emotionally, especially in the cases where the mole is a larger sort.

Clinical Removal

In cases where the mole may be deemed cancerous or where testing has revealed a malignant skin lesion, the mole will be removed out of necessity rather than for cosmetic purposes. When a mole is removed for clinical purposes, it is of the utmost importance that the entire mole is removed. Depending on the severity of the skin cancer, local radiation treatments may be needed to ensure the spreading of the cancer will not occur.

Where to Look for Mole Removal

Currently, most mole removal procedures are performed by a doctor or a dermatologist. The process takes place in office with a local numbing agent being injected into the skin around and under the mole to be removed. The first visit with the doctor will be used to determine the chance of the mole being cancerous. If the mole visibly looks to be cancerous, the removal may take place within the first visit. Otherwise, the doctor will assign an appointment time for mole removal during a separate appointment.

Methods of Mole Removal

Many small moles can be removed through a lancing procedure where the mole is cut away from the skin. Other forms of mole removal include:

Cauterization ' the mole is burned from the skin using an electric current.

Cryotherapy ' the mole is frozen using liquid nitrogen and removed from the skin.

Laser Treatments ' a laser is used to remove small moles from the skin. This process is used commonly in patients who have an aversion to blood and pain.

Removing a mole can be a medical or cosmetic decision. Mole removal is a process that will require pre-treatment or evaluation, removal and follow-up treatments or evaluations. Doctors will more than likely suggest all moles be removed if the test results come back that the mole is a form of cancerous lesion.