If you have a mole with a hair, you can cut it flush with the skin or tear it off with a tweezer

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Diagnosis

The doctor can identify moles by examining your skin. You can choose to have a skin exam as a regular part of your preventive health care. Talk to your doctor about a schedule that is right for you. During a dermatological exam, the doctor inspects your skin from head to toe.

 

If the doctor suspects that a mole may be cancerous, a tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for a microscopic examination.

 

Treatment

Most moles do not need treatment.

Mole removal

If the mole is cancerous, your doctor will do surgery to remove it. If you have a mole that causes irritation when you shave, it is recommended that you remove it.

Removing a mole is a quick and usually outpatient procedure. The doctor anesthetizes the mole area and cuts it together with a margin of healthy skin if necessary. The procedure could leave a permanent scar.

If you notice that a mole has grown back, see your doctor quickly.

Aesthetic care

If a mole embarrasses you, you can try applying makeup to cover it. If you have a mole with a hair, you can cut it flush with the skin or tear it off with a tweezer. Or speak to your dermatologist for permanent hair and mole removal.

Every time you cut or irritate the mole, keep the area clean. See a doctor if the mole does not heal.

 

Preparation for consultation

If you have a mole that worries you, your family doctor will usually be able to tell you if it is normal or if further investigation is needed. You may be referred to a skin disorders doctor (dermatologist) for diagnosis and treatment.

It is good to get to the medical appointment well prepared. The following information will help you prepare.

What can you do

• Make a list of any changes you have noticed or any new symptoms you have. Write everything on the list, even if it seems to be unrelated to the reason for your inquiry.
• Make a list of all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you're taking.
• If you have had a melanoma or mole removed in the past, write down the location of the lesion and also the date of removal. If you have the biopsy report, take it with you.
• Do not use makeup or nail polish for the consultation. These products make it difficult for your doctor to do a full exam.

  In case of moles, some of the basic questions for the doctor are:

• Do you think this mole can be cancerous?
• What are the most appropriate measures?
• How do I know if a mole needs revision?
• Can I prevent more moles from coming out?
• Are there brochures or other printed materials that I can take home? What websites do you recommend?

• In addition to the questions you have prepared, feel free to ask questions during the consultation.