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.

Getting Ready

The week before your surgery:

• Bring your medicine bottles or a list of your medicines when you see your caregiver. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to any medicine. Tell your caregiver if you use any herbs, food supplements, or over-the-counter medicine.
  
  
• If you are female, tell your caregiver if you think you might be pregnant.
  
  
• Your caregiver will do a physical exam and check your skin. Your caregiver will look at how many moles you have, their shape, and their color. Tell your caregiver if you have any tender or painful moles. Tell your caregiver if you have noticed any changes in the shape or color of your moles. Also tell your caregiver if a family member has a history of skin cancer.

The day of your surgery:

• Write down the correct date, time, and location of your surgery.
  
  
• You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives caregivers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.

Treatment

What will happen:

You will be taken to the room where surgery will be done. Your caregiver will clean the area of your skin where the mole will be removed. A shot of anesthesia medicine may be given to numb your skin and decrease pain during surgery. Your caregiver may also 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, 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.

Contact a caregiver if

• You cannot make it to your surgery.
  
  
• You get sick (a cold or the flu).
  
  
• Your mole, or the area around it is painful, itchy, or swollen.
  
  
• Your mole gets larger, changes color, or look different than it normally does.

Seek Care Immediately if

• The area around your mole is red and warm.
  
  
• There is blood or pus coming from the mole.

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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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