Moles & Skin Tumors
Most moles are harmless. Some change over time and a few become skin cancer. My role is to examine, document, and remove lesions safely when indicated—combining precise surgical excision, and histopathology for a clear diagnosis and the best possible scar.
When to get a mole checked
Use the ABCDE guide and the “ugly-duckling” sign:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Colour variation
- Diameter ~6 mm or larger (or different from your other moles)
- Evolving size/shape/colour, or new symptoms (itching, bleeding)
If something looks new, different, or changing, have it examined.
What I treat
- Common and atypical moles (naevi) — congenital or acquired
- Pigmented lesions needing rule-out of melanoma
- Non-pigmented lesions (seborrhoeic keratoses, dermatofibromas, angiomas)
- Pre-cancerous lesions suspicious for actinic change
- Skin cancers on the face/neck (suspected BCC/SCC; melanoma pathways coordinated)
- Post-procedure scar refinement when needed (see Scar Revision)
Removal options (chosen case-by-case)
- Elliptical (fusiform) excision — full-thickness removal with planned margins; gold standard for diagnosis and definitive treatment
- Staged/wider excision — when histology recommends additional clearance
- Complex closure — layered sutures, advancement/rotation techniques in facial zones to respect subunits and tension lines
All specimens go for histology to confirm the diagnosis and margins.
The procedure, step by step
- Marking & photos
- Local anaesthesia (quick and well-tolerated)
- Atraumatic excision with meticulous haemostasis
- Layered closure using fine, dissolvable or removable sutures
- Sterile dressing + written aftercare
- Histology report reviewed with you; follow-up plan confirmed
Time in clinic: ~20 minutes per lesion.
Aftercare & scar care
- Keep dressing dry as instructed for the first 24–48 h
- Gentle cleansing, thin barrier ointment; avoid friction/stretch
- Suture removal typically 5–7 days (face) or 10–14 days (trunk/limbs) when non-resorbables are used
- Sun protection (SPF 50+) for at least 12 months over the scar; consider silicone gel/taping during maturation
- Scar evolves from pink → pale over 3–12 months; we reassess and offer Scar Revision options if needed
Safety & what to expect
Common and mild: temporary redness, bruising, tenderness, small scar.
Less common: infection, bleeding/haematoma, suture reactions, widened or pigmented scar, need for wider excision after histology.
You receive clear consent, emergency contact instructions, and a structured follow-up.
FAQs
Do all removed moles go to the lab?
Yes. Histopathology is standard—it confirms the diagnosis and margins.
Will there be a scar?
Any excision leaves a scar. I plan incisions along relaxed skin-tension lines, use layered closure, and support you with silicone + SPF to keep it fine and flat.
Shave or full excision—how do you choose?
It depends on oncologic safety and cosmetics. Suspicious or changing lesions warrant full-thickness excision. Benign raised lesions may suit a shave.
What if the report shows cancer or close margins?
We discuss findings clearly. Many BCC/SCC cases are cured by excision; if margins are close/positive, we plan re-excision. Melanoma pathways (including staging or sentinel node evaluation) are coordinated promptly.
How often should I be checked?
Depends on your risk profile. High-risk patients benefit from regular dermoscopic reviews and photography.
