What Are the Treatments for Mole Removal?

Moles are cells that appear on the skin as dark spots, which sometimes rise above the skin. They are most often seen on the arms, legs, face and torso, but they can appear elsewhere on the body. Most moles cause no problems, but some become precancerous and have the possibility of turning into melanoma. These moles must be removed. Some patients choose to remove moles that are not precancerous for cosmetic reasons. Treatments for mole removal are varied.

Mole Removal Surgery

• Three surgical methods are available to remove moles: excisional surgery, shave excision and punch biopsy.

  When performing excisional surgery, the doctor will cut out the mole entirely and close the hole with stitches. This surgery is used most often for flat skin moles that do not rise above the skin or for malignant moles.

  When performing shave excision surgery, the doctor applies a local anesthetic to the surrounding area of the mole. Then, with a small, sharp scalpel, he or she shaves down the mole until it is even with the surrounding skin. This surgery is used most often for moles that rise above the skin.

  When performing punch biopsy surgery, the doctor uses a special tool to punch out a piece of skin shaped like a cylinder. This surgery is used most often for small skin moles.

Laser Mole Removal

• When performing laser mole removal, the doctor applies a local anesthetic and uses a laser to aid in removing the mole tissue. This mole removal method necessitates one to three visits to the doctor's office. The method is used most often for flat moles that are black or brown. Laser mole removal is not the best option for moles that are very large or moles that rise above the skin.

Natural Mole Removal

• Natural mole removal pastes and creams usually contain a woodland herb called bloodroot, which is found in Canada and the northern United States. This herbal remedy for removing moles naturally has been used as an alternative medicine treatment for generations. A variety of pastes and creams are available.

  To use bloodroot paste or cream, apply the cream to the mole and cover the mole with a bandage. Repeat this procedure for three days, washing the mole and surrounding area each time with hydrogen peroxide before applying the cream. The base area of the mole should become inflamed, after which the mole will become pale and should fall off. Tissue damage and scarring are usually very minimal.

  Bloodroot-based products and other natural mole removal substances should not be used on moles that are malignant or that could possibly be cancerous. See a doctor about a biopsy or surgical removal if you suspect your mole might be cancerous.