Have you ever had a mole removed?
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Maybe this will help to make your desicion clearer \n\nMole Removal Introduction\n\nMoles, or nevi, are frequently removed for a variety of reasons. They can be removed by 2 surgical methods:\n\nExcision (cutting) with stitches: Click here to view step-by-step photos of this type of mole removal. \n\nExcision with cauterization (a tool is used to burn away the mole): Click here to view step-by-step photos of this type of mole removal.\nAlthough laser has been tried for moles, it is not usually the method of choice for most deep moles because the laser light doesn’t penetrate deeply enough.\nTypically, the doctor or dermatologist (a skin specialist) may choose excision with or without stitches depending on the depth of the mole and the type of cosmetic outcome desired.\n\nWhat is a mole? \n\nMany people refer to a mole as any dark spot or irregularity in the skin. Doctors use different terms. But skin marks such as these are not treated the same way moles are and are not discussed here: \n\nBirthmarks \n\nAbnormal blood vessels (hemangiomas) \n\nKeratoses (benign or precancerous spots, which appear after about age 30 years)\n\nWhat causes moles? \n\nSome people are born with moles. Other moles appear over time. \n\nSun exposure seems to play a role in the development of moles and may even play a role in the development of atypical, or dysplastic, moles. \n\nThe role of heredity cannot be underemphasized. Many families have a type of mole known as dysplastic (atypical), which can be associated with a higher frequency of melanoma or skin cancer.\nRisks\n\nRisks of mole removal methods vary from infection to anesthetic allergy and nerve damage. It is always prudent to choose a dermatologist or surgeon with appropriate skills and experience with these removals. This will decrease your risk associated with this procedure.\n\nOther risks vary depending on the area being treated and the method of removal.\nOne of the most common difficulties after mole removal is a scar. Many people will attempt to remove moles for cosmetic reasons, not realizing that each and every removal may result in a scar. Many times your surgeon can give you an idea of the type and location of a scar after mole removal before you make your decision about removal.\n\nMole Removal Preparation\n\nThe area to be treated will be cleansed. Depending on the surgeon’s preferences, this will be done either with alcohol, Betadine, or another suitable material.\nThen the area will be numbed with anesthetic, such as lidocaine. This will not usually take much time to accomplish. Many surgeons prefer to wait after numbing to allow the blood flow to the area to diminish (sometimes up to 15 minutes).\nDepending on the size of mole and method, a drape may be placed over the area to be treated.\n\nDuring the Procedure\n\nRemoval with simple cutting without stitches \n\nThe surgeon takes a scalpel and shaves the mole off flush or slightly below the level of skin.\n\nThen, either an electrical instrument will cauterize or burn the area or a solution will be placed on the area to stop any bleeding. \n\nAfter this, a topical antibiotic is placed on the wound. \n\nThe wound is then covered with a bandage. \n\nThe doctor will give you instructions on how to take care of your wound. You are usually able to leave shortly after.\n\nRemoval by cutting with stitches \n\nMoles removed by excision (cutting) with stitches are usually darker in color or flat moles or both. \n\nThe surgeon maps out the mole and then sterilizes or cleans the area and numbs it. \n\nThen a scalpel is used to cut the mole and a border surrounding the mole. The border size depends on the concern of the surgeon for the mole being removed. \n\nDepending on the depth, stitches are placed either deep (these absorb and do not have to be removed) or on the upper surface of the skin (these don’t absorb and will be removed later).\n\nAfter the Procedure\n\n\nHome care \n\nAfter the procedure, you need to keep a layer
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The first answer above is pretty thorough. As for how long before you should have the mole removed, the answer is as soon as possible. The molar tissue grows rapidly and can become a malignant cancer, metastasizing to other areas of your body. Therefore it is best to have it removed immediately by D&C. Afterward, you will have to be monitored with blood or urine samples (depending on where you live; in the U.S. bloodwork is standard, in the U.K. urine is standard) for several months to a year or more to check for regrowth of the mole. You will not be allowed to get pregnant during that monitoring time, because the telltale sign of molar regrowth is a rise in the pregnancy hormone hcg. If you became pregnant, the doctor would not be able to tell for sure whether you were actually pregnant or having another mole.
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If you get a Dermatologist to remove your mole with liquid nitrogen, there will be no scar. I had 3 removed on my face from this procedure, and you can't even notice where they were
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Is it a 'raised mole' or just a spot mole?\n\nI don't think anyone should remove a mole :)  I have a raised mole above my eybrow and I love it - it's a beauty mark and guess what they say about those?  They are sexy to some men, so .. I dunno about you, but I'd keep mine :)
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From the Mayo Clinic website:\n\nBoth freckles and moles are pigmented spots on the skin. Your skin contains cells called melanocytes, which make melanin, the substance that gives your skin its color. Freckles and moles are areas of increased melanin in the skin.\n\nA freckle (ephelis) is an increase in pigment in the innermost (basal) layer of the epidermis, which is the top layer of skin. People aren't born with freckles. They develop in childhood and in later years as a result of repeated sun exposure. Freckles occur primarily in sun-exposed areas such as the nose and shoulders. It's thought that freckling is a protective mechanism of the skin. Freckles are especially common in people with fair complexions. Heredity likely also influences freckling.\n\nFreckles are superficial and usually don't need removal. They're not associated with cancer. But people with fair complexions are at increased risk of skin cancer with excessive sun exposure.\n\nA mole (nevus) is a small cluster of melanocytes (nevus cells) in the basal layer of the epidermis or in the top layers of the dermis, the second layer of skin. Moles are usually present soon after birth and tend to become more prominent with age. Moles can develop anywhere on the skin, even between the fingers and toes. Most moles are small — usually between 3 and 10 millimeters in diameter — but some can be quite large. They may vary in color from very light to very dark. Their color may darken as a result of sun exposure or hormonal changes during pregnancy.\n\nMoles usually don't need treatment. You can have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons. The procedure is usually done in your doctor's or dermatologist's office and takes only a short time. Rarely, moles can become cancerous (melanoma). See your doctor about any mole that changes in size, shape or color, or becomes painful.
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The general rule of thumb is, if the mole has been around as long as you can remember, you should get it checked if it: has started to grow larger, is no longer smooth against the skin (has become raised up), if the edges of it have become irregularly shaped (no longer round-ish), if it's a dark mole and a newer paler "shadow" seems to be surrounding it.  All of these would be great reasons to see a dermatologist to have it looked at.
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Well, it's not a personal experience, but a friend of mine, after trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully, found out that she had cysts. She had those removed (must have been 2 years ago) and now she has a beautiful baby boy :-)
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Moles should NOT be messed with.\nDO NOT use the wart kit on a mole.\nYou can get cancer and die.  Do you want that?\nI'm serious, leave your moles alone!
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I have the same kind of mole on my face. Most people don't really notice them. I was thinking of having it removed, but then you're left with a scar. I'd rather have a mole than a scar.
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last year, i used some mole/wart remover to remove 3 moles on my face. I'm so sorry, i forgot the name, but it's all natural and you can search on google. It works like this, you have to scratch the mole with something they provide you, then you have to apply this formula all around the mole[stings slightly], just leave it. A white scab forms around the mole. Don't meddle with it. It falls off with the mole within a week. you micht have a scar, but use some aloe vera gel on it and it goes away in a month or so. I have no scar now and the mole never returned. Wait a minute, if i;m right, it's called some wart/mole vanish or something, Will get back if i remember correctly.
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Registered Nurse here; Any change in mole, enlargement, change of color, texture, scab formation, etc.  Should immediately be evaluated by a dermatologist.  It could be cancer, however the odds are in your favor that it is not, however one never knows.  That's why it is so very important for a physician to evaluate this mole,  Dermatologist can sometimes tell just by the shape, color, etc, that it's of no significance, however if there is a question they will either biopsy it or remove it, either way it's sent for a pathology report to determine what type of cell growth is exhibited.  Please get it checked ASAP, and thanks for the opportunity to address such a well worded and important question.
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it doesn't hurt one bit. they numb your mole with a shot. the shot doesnt hurt at all. i have the biggest fear of needles and i'm fine. then if it is raised then they just scrape it off but if it is even with your skin then they scoop it out like ice cream. depending on the doctor and size they will pull it together with stitches or leave it. if you have the option take the stitches b/c if they leave it then it raises and looks bad. i have had a few removed and all those times i didnt even realize they were finished because i didn't feel a thing. Also, my insurance covered it so I am not sure how much it costs. Good luck with it. :)
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I had a tiny one removed by a plastic surgeon, and I think it  costs around $150.00, BUT the price is higher than average because since it's a mole, it HAS to go to a lab for a biopsy and that is included in the price.
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You know, I never quite thought of it like that?\n*looks around for some sort of mark*\nAhHA!  nope, just a mole.\nBut that is interesting.  My daughter has a freckle that looks like a rose, and when she was young, she used to call herself that, even though her name is (something else)\n\nOh, wait a minute, yes, yes I do have marks on my body that remind me of that sort of thing (Although I'm not a Born-again Christian),  I've got a scar on one wrist and a mole on the other.  Once I stepped on a nail, and the first thing I thought:  "So that's what it feels like."  (Next thought:  "I wonder if I'll need a tetanus shot.")
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i know they are expensive but go to a dermatoligist.  right now there are a lot of problems with infections after all kinds of procedures.  Going to a clinic you run a higher risk of infection.  se a real doctor also so they can make sure nothing else is going on with the mole-ie skin cancer
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I had the same thing happen to me several years ago.  I had ovarian cysts that had to be removed surgically.
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Moles, known medically as nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that often appear as small, dark brown spots on your torso, face, arms and legs. But moles can come in a range of colors and can develop virtually anywhere, including your scalp, armpits, under your nails, and between your fingers and toes.\n\nMost people have between 10 and 40 moles, although the number you have may change throughout life. New moles can appear into mid-adulthood, and because moles last about 50 years, some moles may disappear as you age.\n\nThe great majority of moles are harmless, but in rare cases, moles may become cancerous. Monitoring moles and other pigmented patches is an important step in the diagnosis of skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma. Although not all melanomas develop from pre-existing moles, many begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on the skin.\n\n\nEveryone has moles, sometimes 40 or more. Most people think of a mole as a dark brown spot, but moles have a wide range of appearance. \n\nAt one time, a mole in a certain spot on the cheek of a woman was considered fashionable. Some were even painted on. These were called "beauty marks." However, not all moles are beautiful. They can be raised from the skin and very noticeable, they may contain dark hairs, or they may be dangerous. \n\n\nNormal Mole \n\nMoles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They are usually brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes. The brown color is caused by melanocytes, special cells that produce the pigment melanin. \n\nMoles probably are determined before a person is born. Most appear during the first 20 years of a person's life, although some may not appear until later in life. Sun exposure increases the number of moles. \n\nEach mole has its own growth pattern. At first, moles are flat and tan, pink, brown or black in color, like a freckle. Over time, they usually enlarge and some develop hairs. As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming more raised and lighter in color. Some will not change at all. Most moles will slowly disappear, seeming to fade away. Others will become raised so far from the skin that they may develop a small "stalk" and eventually fall off or are rubbed off. \n\nThis is the typical life cycle of the common mole. These changes occur slowly since the life cycle of the average mole is about 50 years. \n\nMoles may darken, with exposure to the sun. During the teen years, with birth control pills and pregnancy, moles often get darker and larger and new ones may appear. \n\nDifferent Types of Moles\nRecent studies have shown that certain types of moles have a higher-than-average risk of becoming cancerous. Some may develop into a form of skin cancer known as malignant melanoma. Sunburns may increase the risk of melanoma. People with many more moles than average (greater than 100) are also more at risk for melanoma. \n\nMoles are present at birth in about 1 in 100 people. They are called congenital nevi. These moles may be more likely to develop a melanoma than moles which appear after birth. When a congenital nevus is more than eight inches across, it poses the greater risk for developing melanoma. \n\nMoles known as dysplastic nevi or atypical moles are larger than average (usually larger than a pencil eraser) and irregular in shape. They tend to have uneven color with dark brown centers and lighter, sometimes reddish, uneven borders or black dots at edge. These moles often run in families. \n\nPersons with dysplastic nevi may have a greater-than-average chance of developing malignant melanoma. These people should be seen regularly by a dermatologist to check for any changes that might indicate skin cancer. They should also learn to do regular self-examinations, looking for changes in the color, size or shape of their moles or the appearance of new moles. They should also shield their moles from sun exposure using sunscreen and/or clothing. \n\nRecognizing the ea