Mole Removal
Treatment
A mole is a cluster of skin cells -- usually brown or black -- that can appear anywhere on your body. They usually show up before age 20. Most are benign, meaning they’re not cancerous.
How Is It Done?
Mole removal is a simple kind of surgery. Normally your doctor will do it in his office, clinic, or a hospital outpatient center. He’ll likely choose one of two ways:
- Surgical excision. Your doctor will numb the area. He’ll use a scalpel or a sharp, circular blade to cut out the mole and some healthy skin around it. He’ll stitch the skin closed.
- Surgical shave. This is done more often on smaller moles. After numbing the area, your doctor will use a small blade to shave off the mole and some tissue beneath it. Stitches aren’t usually needed.