What are the treatment options for moles?

Moles vary in colour, shape, surface and thickness. A clinician looks for change in size, outline, colour or symptoms and may compare the lesion with photographs or other moles. A mole that looks unusual should not be removed purely as a cosmetic procedure without suitable assessment, because laboratory examination may be needed. Do not shave, burn or cut a mole yourself; these actions can cause bleeding, infection and an incomplete assessment.

Book a skin examination before choosing a removal method. Tell the clinician about recent changes, bleeding, itching, family skin-cancer history, medicines that affect bleeding and any tendency to form raised scars. Surgical excision usually involves local anaesthetic, wound care and follow-up for the result. Follow instructions about keeping the site clean, protecting it from friction and limiting sun exposure while it heals. A removed mole should not be assumed to be harmless until the clinician has explained the assessment.

Arrange prompt dermatology review for a mole that is changing, asymmetric, developing several colours, becoming very dark, persistently itchy, painful, crusted or bleeding without clear injury. Seek urgent help after removal for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, spreading redness, increasing pain, fever or pus. A new or changing pigmented spot deserves assessment even if it does not hurt.

Ask whether the mole can be monitored, whether removal is medically advisable, which method will be used and whether the tissue will be examined. Discuss scar placement, wound care, warning signs and when you will receive the result.