Moles: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Moles are a typical kind of skin development. They frequently take the form of tiny, dark brown patches and are brought by collections of cells that produce pigment.

There are mainly four types of mole, these are acquired nevi, congenital nevi, spitz nevi and dysplastic nevi.

Moles develop when melanocytes (skin cells) cluster together.

Moles are actually clusters of pigmented cells called nevi, that can vary in size, shape, and color (either brown or black). Although most skin moles are harmless, they might become precancerous and require surgical treatment.

Surgical excision or surgical shaving are two quick methods for removing moles. Additionally, the freezing technique and laser therapy can also be used. However, because laser beams cannot penetrate deeply so they can not be used for the removal of deep moles.

Moles can easily be diagnosed by the dermatologists and its removal is relatively painless. It is a short time procedure and is done as an outpatient basis. Moles can be removed by two main methods. These are surgical excision and surgical shave.

In surgical excision or cutting method, the moles are treated with a local anesthetic before cutting out with a scalpel or surgical scissors. Also, the cells from underneath the top layer of the skin are removed. Then, the skin is closed by stitches that usually fade away with time.

Some skin moles are shaved down with a scalpel, especially if the moles are superficial. This sometimes can cause irritation on the skin.

Moles that are non-cancerous and haven’t grown to the deeper layers of skin can be frozen off with the application of liquid nitrogen. This may leave a small blister on the skin.

Laser treatment uses intense bursts of light radiation to break down the melanin pigment clot in the skin and thus, slowly remove the moles. This method usually takes two or three treatments to remove the mole completely. Laser treatment can be useful to treat multiple moles at a time but cannot be used for deeper moles.

If a mole is painful, oozes or bleeds, itches or burns, the person must immediately contact a dermatologist. If the moles grow back after having been removed before and show any of the ABCDE characteristics, then people should contact a medical expert. Also, if moles develop after 30 years of age, they have a greater chance of turning out cancerous and so, consulting a doctor would be helpful.

Moles are masses of melanocytes accumulated on the skin. They are usually benign and do not render any harm. Such moles, if not an individual’s choice, do not require any medical assistance.

The method of removal and the area being treated are two main factors upon which the mole removal treatment depends. Some of the side effects seen so far are:

• Reddening of the area being treated and pus coming from the wound
• Blood infection called sepsis
• Pain, irritation and scars on the skin
• Burning sensation on the skin

After the mole removal treatment, the area should be kept clean with either water or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Leaving it open to air will enhance the chances of infection, so it should be covered up with a bandage till the cut dries. Unnecessary stress and strain to the area must be avoided.

It is also advised to wear proper sun protection (i.e. hats, protective clothing, SPF) to prevent moles from forming in the future and to prevent removed moles from returning. Monthly skin check-ups are also advised to spot any irregular moles and notice any changes in existing moles.

Moles can be removed instantaneously by surgical methods. But the cut or scar that it leaves behind takes a minimum of six months to merge with the skin. If the mole was pretty large in size, the scars may be left as a permanent mark on the skin.

Mole removal treatment is a cost involving treatment. On average, it requires Rs 5000 for moles to be removed. Laser treatment for mole removal cost in India and surgical excision may incur greater expenditure. Moreover, complete removal of the mole cells requires two or three operations and thus the expenditure rises to higher amounts.

In some cases, even after mole removal treatment, moles may appear back. Not all treatments guarantee a cent percent cure and it may so happen that some of the mole cells were not removed during therapies. Also, exposure to the sun can cause moles to grow back with the accumulation of pigment cells.

Moles can be removed by home remedies at home. But this is rare and extremely time consuming. Application of apple acid vinegar, honey, flaxseed oil etc can help remove and lighten pigments.