SAGE DERMATOLOGY

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mole?

A mole, also known as nevus, is a local grouping of pigment cells on your skin. It can appear as a flat spot or raised growth, which can be present on any part of the body. A mole can be present at birth or appear later in life.

Can a mole change?

Yes, a mole can change and grow in size over time. Typically a mole can change and evolve up to the age of 40. We are concerned if the mole changes in any way that is unusual.

How can I tell whether my mole is good or bad?

The ABCDE of melanoma can help you pick up a bad mole. You would focus on the following features: • Asymmetry (shape on one side is different from that on the other side) • Border (the border is irregular, sharp, and angulated) • Colour (there is a variation in colour e.g. brown, black, red, grey, white, within the lesion) • Diameter (diameter of greater than 6mm, although it can be less) • Evolution (changes in colour, size, shape, or symptom such as bleeding or tenderness)

The ABCDE of melanoma can help you pick up a bad mole. You would focus on the following features:

Asymmetry (shape on one side is different from that on the other side)
Border (the border is irregular, sharp, and angulated)
Colour (there is a variation in colour e.g. brown, black, red, grey, white, within the lesion)
Diameter (diameter of greater than 6mm, although it can be less)
Evolution (changes in colour, size, shape, or symptom such as bleeding or tenderness)

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What can I expect at my visit with my dermatologist?

Your dermatologist may either perform a full body exam in a gown or more focused examination, depending on the concern of that visit. The dermatologist would look at the mole/ growth of concern and additionally use a tool called dermatoscope to examine the lesion in detail.

What does a biopsy involve?

If there is any concern, your dermatologist may discuss with you about performing a biopsy. The dermatologist would often perform a punch biopsy, in which a small round piece of skin tissue is removed after injection of local anesthetic. The piece would be size of a pencil eraser. This skin tissue would then be checked under a microscope for any signs of disease. Your dermatologist would follow up regarding the biopsy result either in person or over phone in 4 weeks time.

When should I have my moles removed?

If the mole is potentially cancerous, it should be removed. However, you may choose to remove a harmless mole or growth, if it bothers you- either cosmetically or functionally (irritating, itchy, catching on pieces of clothing). This can be done in a safe and cosmetically pleasing method by your dermatologist.

What does removing a mole involve?

This can depend on many things including the size, depth, and location of the mole. Typically, flatter smaller moles may be removed with shave excision, in which a sharp blade is used to slice off the mole on the surface without any stitches. On the other hand, a larger raised mole may require complete excision, in which the growth and its deep roots are cut out with a scalpel and the skin put back together with stitches. However, your dermatologist would be able to lay out the best appropriate option depending on the mole and your unique concerns.

Is the removal painful?

The only painful part of the procedure is the initial needle poke for the local anesthetic. However, the numbing takes place immediately after and you will only feel pressure for the entire duration of the procedure. The numbing fades in a few hours but there is not typically any significant pain or tenderness afterward.

What is the downtime like?

Typically the healing takes over 1-2 weeks but depends on the unique characteristics of the mole. Wound care is advised during this period and would involve simple applying of Vaseline and regular bandaid on top twice daily.

Would mole removal leave a scar?

Yes, a mole removal would leave a scar. However, your dermatologist will provide guidance on what type of procedure would result in the most cosmetically pleasing scar that would blend in with the natural contours of your skin.

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