Does a dermatologic surgeon perform mole removal?

The surgeon assesses the mole's colour, border, shape, size, surface, position and any recent change. Removal may be considered when a mole rubs against clothing, bleeds after repeated irritation, is bothersome cosmetically or needs diagnostic examination. Depending on the findings, the clinician may remove it with a technique that takes the full lesion or with a more superficial approach. Tissue may be sent for laboratory examination when diagnosis is part of the reason for removal.

Look for and record changes in the mole rather than trying to remove it at home. Tell the surgeon when you first noticed it, whether it has changed, and whether close relatives have had significant skin cancer. Bring a list of medicines and allergies. Discuss the likely scar, wound care, activity limits and whether the removed tissue will be examined.

Arrange prompt assessment for a mole that changes in size, shape or colour, develops an irregular edge, repeatedly bleeds, crusts, itches persistently or becomes newly painful. After removal, seek advice for spreading redness, pus, fever, wound separation or bleeding that does not stop with pressure. A rapidly changing lesion should not be delayed for a cosmetic appointment.

Ask what features were seen on examination, which removal method is proposed, whether the specimen will be examined, how the scar may look, and when the result or follow-up will be available.