Written by Dr. Pradeep

Moles

Treatment: surgical removal.

The word “mole” is a very broad diagnosis that in layman’s terms refers to any growth on the skin. In the medical field, “moles” are benign growths derived from the body’s pigmented cells. However, moles can be brown, reddish-brown, or skin-colored. Moles are benign by definition. They may occur at any age, but most commonly do so in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood.

Moles usually live in harmony with our bodies. If they are cosmetically unpleasing, they can be surgically removed, using shave excision, radiofrequency ablation, or complete excision. Only shave excision and radiofrequency treatment leave you without a noticeable scar, and there is a chance that over time the mole will grow back to its original size.

Complete excision will ideally leave a linear scar instead of the mole and assures no recurrence. If a pigmented growth does not fulfill the criteria for benignancy, it should be biopsied. Your skin examination will reveal which type of mole you have.