Do you need mole removal after dermoscopy?

Dermoscopy uses a specialised lens and lighting to show structures beneath the surface of a mole. A clinician may decide that a lesion looks benign and can be observed, that photographs should be compared later, or that tissue should be sampled. Cosmetic preference can also be discussed when a mole is clearly benign, but appearance alone does not rule out medical reasons for removal.

Removal may be advised when a mole is changing, symptomatic, difficult to monitor or has features that require laboratory confirmation. The procedure chosen depends on the lesion and whether the priority is complete examination of its tissue.

Ask what the dermoscopy showed and whether the recommendation is observation, a planned review, biopsy or removal. Photograph the area only as a supplement to clinical follow-up, and note changes in size, outline, colour, bleeding, crusting or itch. Do not shave, pick or apply irritants to a mole that is being assessed.

If removal is planned, discuss the method, expected scar, wound care, whether tissue will be examined and when results will be available. Tell the clinician about blood thinners, allergies and previous problems with wound healing.

Seek prompt review for a mole that changes quickly, bleeds without being injured, develops a persistent crust, becomes painful or stands out from your other marks. After removal, contact the clinic for ongoing bleeding, spreading redness, pus, fever, increasing pain or wound separation. Breathing difficulty or severe swelling needs urgent help.

Does this mole need monitoring, biopsy or removal, and why? What change should prompt an earlier visit? Will the removed tissue be examined, and how will I care for the wound?