Mole Or Nevus Excision

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A mole is a growth found on your skin. A nevus is a type of mole. Most people have at least one mole. You may have been born with them or they may have appeared with age. Moles can be different shapes, sizes, and colors. Most moles are round or oval shaped. They are often brown or black in color, but can be flesh colored, pink, and red. They may be flat, raised, smooth, or rough. Some moles may have hairs that grow out of them.
  
  
• Mole excision is surgery done to remove your mole. Most moles are harmless but some may be, or become, cancer. You may need to have your mole removed to check for cancer cells. People often choose to have their mole removed because they do not like how it looks. Moles may be removed if they cause symptoms such as tenderness, redness, and pain. Symptoms may occur when shaving, wearing jewelry, and during body movements. You may also have your mole removed to prevent infection and stop its growth. Having your mole removed may decrease symptoms such as tenderness and pain. Removing your mole may help you learn if it is cancer and if you need further treatment. Having a visible mole removed may also help you feel better about how you look.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

You may have an allergic reaction to the medicine used during your surgery. After your surgery, your wound may bleed more than expected and you may get an infection. You may have swelling and changes in the color of your skin where your mole was removed. You may have fluid or pus that drains from your wound. A scar may form in the area where your mole was removed. Even after surgery, your mole may grow back. If you choose not to have your mole removed and it is cancer, the cancer may spread. Call your caregiver if you have questions or concerns about having your mole removed.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your surgery:

• Informed consent: A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Pre-op care: You may be given medicine right before your surgery. This medicine may make you feel relaxed and sleepy. You are taken to the room where your surgery will be done. The area of your skin where the mole will be removed is cleaned.
  
  
  • Local anesthesia: Medicine is used to numb the area of your body where the surgery or procedure will be done. It is usually injected into the skin. It also may be given as a gel or jelly applied to your gums for dental procedures or as a patch. For such areas as the genitals, medicine may be given as a cream on the skin or mucus membranes.
    
    

During your surgery:

Your caregiver may use liquid nitrogen (gas) to freeze and numb your skin. Your mole may be shaved off or cut out. A surgical knife, biopsy (skin sample) tool, curette, or scissors may be used. Once your mole is removed, pressure may be applied to the area if there is bleeding. Your caregiver may also use a special chemical or heat to stop any bleeding. For a large incision, skin grafts may be used to cover the area and close the wound. A skin graft is usually taken from another area of your body. Once your mole is removed, your caregiver may use stitches to close your skin. The removed mole may be sent to a lab for tests.

After your surgery:

Medicine to prevent infection may be put on your skin. Your surgery site (wound) may then be covered with a bandage. Your caregiver may change your bandage if it becomes soaked with blood. When your caregiver says it is OK, you will be able to go home.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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