Cutting out a mole
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Excision of a mole is a surgical method for removing a pigmented skin lesion (melanocytic nevus) while simultaneously preserving the material for histopathological examination. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and involves excising the lesion with a margin of healthy tissue, followed by closing the wound with sutures. Unlike destructive methods (e.g., laser), classical excision allows for microscopic evaluation of the entire lesion, which is crucial in the diagnosis of melanoma and other skin cancers. The decision to proceed with the procedure is based on clinical and dermoscopic examination.
Mole removal – what it looks like
Surgical removal of a nevus is an outpatient procedure, performed under aseptic conditions by a doctor (surgeon, dermatologist, plastic surgeon).
Procedure stages:
- Medical qualification:
- interview (duration of the lesion, growth dynamics, bleeding, itching),
- dermatoscopic assessment,
- decision on indications for excision (suspicion of atypia, injury, aesthetic indications).
- Local anesthesia:
- administration of lidocaine or articaine in the area of the lesion.
- Surgical excision:
- removal of the lesion with a margin of 1–3 mm (in case of melanoma suspicion, the margin is larger and in accordance with oncological guidelines),
- the specimen is sent for histopathological examination.
- Wound care:
- suturing the skin with individual stitches,
- dressing.
Indications for excision:
- lesions meeting ABCDE criteria (asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, diameter >6 mm, evolution),
- suspicion of melanoma,
- recurrent mechanical injuries (e.g., belt area, bra strap),
- aesthetic reasons after excluding contraindications.
For clearly benign lesions, other methods are possible (e.g., CO₂ laser), but they do not allow for full histological assessment – therefore, in case of any doubts, classic excision is preferred.
Removing a mole – does it hurt
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during the excision.
Possible sensations include:
- short-term burning when the anesthetic is administered,
- a feeling of pressure during tissue preparation,
- slight soreness after the anesthesia wears off (1–2 days).
Postoperative discomfort is usually mild and managed with oral painkillers (e.g., paracetamol). Severe pain, increasing swelling, redness, or discharge from the wound require medical attention.
It is worth emphasizing that pain is not a criterion for assessing the malignancy of the lesion – melanoma in its early stages most often does not hurt.
Removing a mole - how long does it take
The duration of the procedure depends on:
- the size of the lesion,
- its location,
- the necessary surgical margin,
- the operator's experience.
On average:
- small lesion (up to 5 mm): 15–20 minutes,
- larger lesion (over 1 cm): 20–40 minutes.
The procedure time should also include:
- qualification and preparation of the operative field,
- application of a dressing,
- post-procedure instructions.
Sutures are usually removed after:
- 5–7 days (face),
- 10–14 days (trunk, limbs),
- 14–21 days (back, areas under tension).
The histopathological examination results are usually available within 10–21 days and provide the definitive diagnosis.
Mole removal - price
The cost of mole removal depends on several factors:
- the size and location of the lesion,
- the necessity for histopathological examination,
- the type of facility,
- the complexity of the procedure.
Estimated price range in Poland:
- removal of a small lesion: 300–600 PLN,
- larger lesions: 600–1000 PLN,
- histopathological examination: 150–300 PLN (often charged separately).
In case of suspected cancer, the procedure may be covered by NHF (National Health Fund).
It should be emphasized that price should not be the main criterion for choice – the key aspects are:
- the physician's qualifications,
- the ability to perform histopathological examination,
- experience in skin surgery,
- adherence to oncological standards.
