Most moles are harmless but unwanted skin cell clusters that resemble circular brown freckles on the skin surface. These noncancerous moles can feel hard or soft and appear elevated or flat.
If they are cancerous moles, they can have several different colors and grow into odd, abnormal shapes. That is why it is crucial to diagnose cancerous moles before the cancer cells spread to vital organs in the body and cause permanent damage or death. The sooner the diagnosis, the higher the likelihood of survival.
Make an appointment for a consultation and examination with a dermatologist. This professional skin doctor will examine your moles to determine if they are cancerous or noncancerous. The doctor will advise you on the best mole removal options based on the examination results.
The Two Most Effective Mole Removal Methods
You must remove cancerous moles to prevent cancer cells from spreading and harming other areas of your body. As for noncancerous moles, you may still want to remove them to improve your appearance and feel better about yourself.
Here are the two most effective methods of removing cancerous moles:
1) Shaving
Shaving is a less invasive method where the doctor shaves away the protruding portions of the mole with a scalpel or razor. This also works if you need skin tag removal. It does not require them to cut or scrape the skin, but the doctor will still administer a local anesthetic to numb the mole area and prevent pain and discomfort.
The doctor shaves the mole from the top horizontally. Some people may have a risk of bleeding during the procedure, but the doctor can apply a chemical treatment to reduce the risk of bleeding if necessary.
After the doctor finishes shaving, they cover the affected area with a calming ointment cream or lotion. Finally, they will wrap the area with a sterilized bandage to protect it from irritation or infection.
The entire shaving process is fast, simple, and minimally invasive. You won’t need stitches after the procedure because recovery is quick. The worst symptom you’ll have is minor soreness or burning on the affected area, but it should go away within a few days. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce this symptom in the meantime.
2) Excision
Surgical excision is the most effective mole removal method. It works best for removing bigger and more severe moles that cannot be removed any other way. People may need an excision if they previously had moles shaved away but then they grew back again.
The doctor will apply a local anesthetic to numb the mole area. Using a sharp scalpel, they will cut down into the deepest layer of the skin to remove the mole growth. Not only will the excision remove the mole, but it will require the removal of small portions of skin surrounding it.
The doctor will stitch up the affected area and apply sterilized bandages. You must avoid straining the affected area until the bandages and stitches are removed. The doctor will let you know how long that recovery period will take.
Excision is more invasive than shaving but can lead to better results in the long term. So, if you want to ensure your moles will not grow back again, an excision is the best solution.
