About this service
Mole removal begins with confirming whether the lesion is appropriate for treatment in the clinic. The clinician considers its appearance, location, reason for removal and whether tissue should be sent for histology.
Minor Surgery
Mole Removal
Clinical assessment and removal planning for suitable moles.
What the pathway covers
- Assessment of the mole and discussion of the reason for removal
- Recommendation of an appropriate removal technique where suitable
- Explanation of scarring, wound care, histology and follow-up
Before your appointment
- Report recent change in size, colour, shape, sensation or bleeding
- Share medication, allergy and previous scarring information
- Do not plan around treatment until the clinic confirms the procedure and recovery advice
Assessment before mole removal
A mole should be assessed before removal so the clinician can consider its history, appearance and the reason for treatment. Tell the clinic if it is new, changing, bleeding, persistently itchy or different from your other moles. A lesion that raises diagnostic concern may require a different pathway from removal requested for irritation or appearance.
The proposed method depends on the mole’s type, depth and location. The clinician should explain whether complete excision or another technique is appropriate, whether tissue will be sent for histology and what scar is likely.
Procedure, scarring and follow-up
Removal is commonly performed under local anaesthetic. Depending on the technique, stitches may be required or the area may heal under a dressing. Every method leaves some form of mark, and risks include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, pigment change, altered sensation and recurrence.
- Disclose blood-thinning medicine, allergies and previous keloid scars
- Follow dressing and stitch-removal instructions
- Confirm how histology results will be communicated, if a sample is submitted
Important to know
A suspicious mole should follow an appropriate diagnostic or urgent referral pathway rather than cosmetic removal.
Next step
Ask about Mole Removal.
Tell the team you are enquiring about Mole Removal so they can direct you to the correct appointment.