When should a mole be removed?

Most moles are harmless and never need treatment. But there are good reasons a mole may be removed, either for medical reasons or because it's causing problems day to day.

Medical reasons

A physician may recommend removing a mole if it:

• Shows warning signs such as asymmetry, an irregular border, uneven colour or a larger size
• Is new in adulthood or has changed in size, shape or colour
• Itches, bleeds, crusts or becomes sore without an obvious cause
• Looks different from your other moles
• Has changed between mole mapping visits

In these cases the mole is removed and sent to a laboratory for pathology, where it is examined under a microscope. This is the only way to confirm whether a mole is benign or cancerous.

Practical and cosmetic reasons

Some moles are removed because they get in the way. A mole that catches on clothing, jewellery or a razor can become irritated and bleed repeatedly. Others are removed simply because the patient doesn't like how they look. Cosmetic removal is generally not covered by OHIP.

How moles are removed

Removal is usually a short procedure done under local anaesthetic. Common methods include:

• Shave excision. The mole is shaved off level with the skin. No stitches are needed.
• Punch excision. A small round tool removes the mole along with a margin of skin, often closed with one or two stitches.
• Surgical excision. The mole is cut out with a margin of normal skin and the wound is closed with stitches. This is the preferred method when melanoma is a concern.

Your physician will recommend the method based on the mole's size, location and appearance. Any removal leaves a small scar, which usually fades over time.

Don't remove moles at home

Home removal kits, creams and cutting can cause infection and scarring. They also destroy the tissue, so there is nothing to send for pathology and a melanoma could be missed. If a mole concerns you, have it assessed first.

At Southwest Skin Clinic, removals are performed on-site by our surgeon, with pathology sent for every specimen.