Mole Removal Treatment
Some people are born with moles and others develop them as they age. The moles that develop later are usually a result of heredity. Most moles are no cause for concern unless they have cancerous or pre-cancerous signs. Some people choose to leave their moles alone and not have them removed, especially since most health insurance will not cover the procedure because it is considered elective. Many times the moles are in visible areas, such as the face, or they are in an area that causes discomfort when they rub on clothes or jewelry.
Excision with Stitches
This method of removing moles has taken a back seat to more modern treatments but requires that the mole be cut out by a physician. He would use a local anesthetic such as lidocaine and then wait about 15 minutes before cutting the mole out. This procedure is followed with stitches.
Shave Biopsy
In some forms of treatment the doctor actually shaves off the mole with a scalpel, leaving behind a small scar that could be the color of the mole or white. The part of the mole that was removed is sent to the lab for a biopsy to determine whether cancerous cells are present.
Cauterization
Using a special tool, the doctor burns the mole away. This procedure allows the wound to heal on its own. The process of cauterization seals the wound and therefore no stitches are required. This method allows the wound to heal just like any other burn would heal. While this is not a painful process it can sting for a couple of days.
Laser Surgery
Via laser, the mole is removed. This is likely the best method and certainly the most advanced way of removing moles. The laser gets rid of the existing tissues and does not normally bleed. This means that there is no need for stitches and this procedure also results in the least amount of scarring.
Considerations
All of these mole-removal treatments can be done in the doctor's office and none would exceed an hour. Some patients do better if they are given something to help them relax before the procedure. There is no pain associated with the laser method but there can be some tenderness following the others after the anesthetic wears off. There might be a scab that will form but it will usually fall off within a couple of weeks.
Tags: allows wound, allows wound heal, Mole Removal, Mole Removal Treatment, Removal Treatment
