What is the first treatment for moles?

Most moles do not need treatment simply because they are present. A clinician examines the mole's pattern, border, colour, size and recent history before choosing what to do. A camera-based skin review may support the examination, but a changing or uncertain lesion may need tissue assessment.

When a mole is raised, repeatedly irritated, cosmetically bothersome or clinically uncertain, excision can remove it with a margin of surrounding skin. The sample can then be sent for laboratory examination when appropriate. Mole removal is a broad term that can include different techniques, so the method should match the reason for treatment.

Do not cut, burn or tie off a mole at home. Take a clear photograph from time to time if your clinician recommends monitoring, keeping the lighting and distance similar. Note changes such as new uneven colour, an irregular edge, growth, itching or bleeding. At an appointment, tell the clinician about previous skin cancers, family history and medicines that affect bleeding or healing.

Book a skin assessment for a mole that changes in colour, shape or size, develops a new symptom, or looks noticeably different from your other moles. Seek earlier review for spontaneous bleeding, a persistent sore, rapid change or a lesion that repeatedly catches on clothing. These signs call for examination; they do not by themselves establish a diagnosis.

Ask why removal is being considered, whether surgical excision is the appropriate method, and whether the removed tissue will be examined. Discuss the expected wound care, possible scar location and what symptoms should lead you to contact the clinic.