Mole Removal Surgery

Most moles are harmless and don’t need to be removed, but you do need to be aware that some forms of skin cancer can begin by looking like a mole. If you have a mole that has changed in any way-including size, colour, shape or begins to bleed, see your doctor right away.

Moles (also called melanocytic or pigmented naevi) are areas of pigmented skin. Raised or flat, moles can be present from birth or can appear later in life. Most moles are harmless, but you may wish to have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons.

Sometimes a mole has to be removed because there is a risk it has become malignant (cancerous) or because it has become a nuisance (for example catching on clothes or a razor).

Various methods are used to remove moles. Raised moles can be treated with shave excision, where the mole is cut down to the level of the surrounding skin, either using a scalpel or electrosurgery. Flat moles or moles that are suspected to be malignant (cancerous) are cut out entirely and then the wound is closed up with stitches.