Mole Removal Treatment in Delhi, India

There are several types of moles, including.

• Junctional moles - These are usually brown in colour and flat and develop where the skin and mucous membranes meet.

• Compound moles - These moles are slightly raised and have a dark brown colour, and are composed of melanocytes.

• Dermal moles - These are raised, flesh-coloured or brown moles that may be hairy. They are made up of cells called fibroblasts and are usually located in the dermis layer of the skin.

• Blue moles - These are usually blue or blue-grey in colour and are caused by the deep location of the melanocytes and are commonly found on the face and buttocks.

• Halo moles - These are moles that are surrounded by a ring or halo of depigmented skin. They occur when the body's immune system attacks the mole's pigment cells.

• Atypical moles - These moles are larger than normal, irregular in shape, and have irregular borders. They can be a sign of an increased risk for melanoma.

The symptoms of a mole depend on the type of mole and whether it is normal or abnormal. Here are some common symptoms associated with moles:

• Normal moles - These are usually small, round, and have a uniform colour and typically do not cause any symptoms, and most people have between 10 and 40 normal moles on their body.

• Atypical moles - These moles are larger than normal and have irregular borders and colours. They may also be asymmetrical in shape. 

• Changes in a mole - Any changes in the size, shape, colour, or texture of a mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist. These changes can include itching, bleeding, crusting, or oozing.

• Painful moles - Most moles are painless, but in some cases, they can become painful or tender to the touch. This can be a sign of a cyst or infection within the mole.

• Mole growth - If a mole starts to grow rapidly, it may be a sign of a cancerous mole. Rapid growth can be defined as more than 1/4 inch (6 millimetres) in size in a year.

The exact cause of why some people develop more moles than others is not entirely understood, but certain factors may contribute to their development:

• Genetics - The number and type of moles you have can be inherited. If your parents or close relatives have many moles, you are more likely to develop them too.

• Sun exposure - Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can increase the number of moles on your skin. People with fair skin, red or blonde hair, and light-coloured eyes are more susceptible to sun damage and are at a higher risk for developing moles.

• Hormones - Hormonal changes occur during puberty and pregnancy and can cause moles to develop or change in size or colour.

• Age - Moles may develop at any age but most commonly appear during childhood or adolescence. They may also change or fade over time, and some may disappear completely in adulthood.

• Medical conditions - Certain medical conditions, such as neurofibromatosis and xeroderma pigmentosum, can cause the development of multiple moles and increase the risk of skin cancer.

A dermatologist can diagnose a mole by examining it with the naked eye, and a dermatoscopy, a handheld magnifying lens with a light that allows for a closer look at the mole. Here are the steps involved in diagnosing a mole:

• Visual examination - The dermatologist will examine the mole with the naked eye, looking for any signs of irregularity in shape, colour, or texture.

• Dermatoscopy - If the dermatologist sees any irregularities, they will use a dermatoscope to examine the mole more closely. A dermatoscope is a handheld magnifying device that illuminates the skin and allows the dermatologist to see structures within the mole that are not visible to the naked eye.

• Biopsy - If the dermatologist suspects that the mole may be cancerous or pre-cancerous, they may recommend a biopsy. During a biopsy, a small piece of the mole is removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. 

Most moles don't require treatment. However, if a mole is suspicious or is causing cosmetic concerns or discomfort, your dermatologist may recommend one of the following treatments:

• Surgical excision - This involves removing the mole and a small area of surrounding tissue under local anaesthesia. The tissue is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine if it is cancerous.

• Shave removal - In this procedure, the mole is shaved off at the skin level using a scalpel or razor blade. This procedure is usually recommended for small moles that are not suspicious of skin cancer.

• Laser removal - Lasers can be used to remove moles, especially those that are flat and brown. This procedure is typically reserved for cosmetic purposes.

Generally, moles are harmless and don't cause any complications. However, in some cases, they can develop into skin cancer. Here are some potential complications associated with moles:

• Melanoma - It is a type of skin cancer that can develop from a mole. It is the most serious complication associated with moles, but it is relatively rare.

• Skin cancer - Although most moles are benign (non-cancerous), some moles can develop into skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

• Cosmetic concerns - Some people may be bothered by the appearance of moles, especially if they are large or in visible areas of the body.

• Irritation or discomfort - In rare cases, moles can become irritated or uncomfortable, especially if they are in an area that rubs against clothing or jewellery.

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent the development of moles, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them or of them becoming cancerous:

• Limit your exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours. Wear a hat and a long-sleeved shirt, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

• Avoid tanning beds - Tanning beds emit UV radiation and can increase your risk of developing moles and skin cancer.

• Regularly check your skin for any changes in moles, such as changes in size, shape, colour, or texture.

•  If you have a family history of skin cancer or a large number of moles, talk to a dermatologist about how often you should have your skin checked.

• Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene and other aromatic hydrocarbons, can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. 

• Avoid Makeup over the treated area for five days.

• Avoid touching the treated area for one week.

Reviewed by Dr. Ajita Bagai Kakkar, Associate Director - Dermatology, Lasers and Aesthetic Medicines, Dermatology on 25-May-2023.

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What is a mole?
A mole is a common skin growth caused by a cluster of pigmented cells called melanocytes. It usually appears as a dark spot on the skin.

When should I consider removing a mole?
Moles are generally harmless, but you may consider removal if a mole changes in size, shape, or colour or if it becomes painful, itchy, or bleeds.

How are moles removed?
Moles can be removed through various methods, including excision (surgical removal), shaving, laser removal, and cryotherapy (freezing the mole with liquid nitrogen).

Is mole removal painful?
The level of pain experienced during mole removal depends on the method used. Local anaesthesia is typically used to minimise discomfort during surgical procedures.

Is mole removal a safe procedure?
When performed by a qualified medical professional, mole removal is generally considered safe. However, there is always a slight risk of infection, scarring, or changes in skin pigmentation.

Will mole removal leave a scar?
The likelihood of scarring depends on the size, depth, and location of the mole, as well as the method used for removal. Surgical excision may leave a small scar, while other methods may result in minimal scarring.

Are there any risks associated with mole removal?
Risks associated with mole removal include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in skin pigmentation, and, very rarely, the possibility of an atypical mole turning out to be cancerous.

Can I remove a mole at home?
It is strongly advised against attempting to remove a mole at home. Improper removal techniques can lead to complications and may increase the risk of infection or scarring.

Can moles grow back after removal?
In most cases, properly removed moles do not grow back. However, if some mole cells remain after removal, there is a small chance of regrowth.

How long does it take to heal after mole removal?
Healing times vary depending on the method of removal and the size of the mole. It may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for the wound to heal completely.

Can I wear makeup after mole removal?
It is usually advised to avoid applying makeup directly on the treated area until the wound has fully healed to minimize the risk of infection or irritation.

Are there any special care instructions after mole removal?
Your healthcare provider will provide you with specific aftercare instructions. These may include keeping the wound clean, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and avoiding activities that may irritate the treated area.

Are there any alternatives to surgical mole removal?
Yes, alternatives to surgical removal include laser removal, shaving, and cryotherapy. However, the most suitable method depends on factors such as the size, location, and type of mole.

Can all types of moles be removed?
Most types of moles can be removed, including common moles, atypical moles, and even some types of cancerous moles.

How much does mole removal cost?
The cost of mole removal varies depending on factors such as the method used, the complexity of the procedure, and your location.

Does insurance cover the cost of mole removal?
Insurance coverage for mole removal depends on the individual's insurance plan and the medical necessity of the procedure.

Can I remove moles for cosmetic reasons?
Yes, moles can be removed for cosmetic reasons if desired.

Can mole removal cause skin cancer to spread?
Mole removal, when performed by a qualified professional, does not cause skin cancer to spread. In fact, removing suspicious moles can be an important step in diagnosing and treating skin cancer.

Can I use natural remedies to remove moles?
Natural remedies for mole removal, such as using apple cider vinegar or garlic, are not scientifically proven to be effective.

Can I prevent moles from forming?
Moles are typically determined by genetics and sun exposure. While you can't prevent moles from forming entirely, you can reduce your risk by using sunscreen, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and wearing protective clothing.

Dr. Pankaj Sharma Consultant-Aesthetic And Reconstructive Surgery