6 Proven Methods for Removing Moles
Skin moles are a grouping of pigment cells that form a growth on the skin.
They are usually brown or black, and they can form alone or in groups.
These growths are often hereditary but can also be caused by exposure to the sun.
You may notice that moles tend to darken after sun exposure or during pregnancy.
While most of these growths develop during childhood, they can also form later in life.
Most are of the harmless variety, but in some cases cancer can develop.
It is because of this that you should consult with your doctor if you notice that a mole has grown in size and/or changed shape.
Here, then, are 6 some common treatments for removing moles.
Prescription Medication: It's possible that your doctor may recommend a prescription treatment, rather than a more invasive surgical procedure for removing moles.
Shave biopsy: The mole growth above the skin is removed with a small blade.
The growth can then be examined to determine if it is cancerous or benign.
Excision: Excision is a surgical procedure generally performed in one of two ways: The mole can be cut away and then stitched and left to heal.
Alternatively, the mole can be cauterized, or "burned" away, using a special cautery tool.
Cryosurgery: Alternatively known as cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide or argon gas is applied to the mole to freeze the cells within.
Ice crystals form inside the cells and tear them apart.
This procedure for removing moles is generally done on an outpatient basis.
Over The Counter (OTC): The main benefits of OTC remedies are that they are non-invasive, and come at reduced cost in many cases.
However, the efficacy of these methods can be questionable.
Two popular OTC products for removing moles are NeviCurative and DermaTend.
Both treatments work topically by "burning away" mole tissue gradually.
Laser Removal: This method is used most often to treat moles that do not require the more invasive surgical procedures necessitated by "deep" moles.
The laser works by destroying the mole tissue, similar to cryosurgery above.
A benefit of this procedure is that scarring is minimized.
As noted above, it's best to consult with your doctor or dermatologist first if you notice that a mole has grown in size or becomes irregular in shape, or if the mole has changed color or grown in height.
Pay particular attention to areas that would most be affected by sun exposure.
Again, most moles are harmless, and if they do not change over time there is really no reason for concern.
They are usually brown or black, and they can form alone or in groups.
These growths are often hereditary but can also be caused by exposure to the sun.
You may notice that moles tend to darken after sun exposure or during pregnancy.
While most of these growths develop during childhood, they can also form later in life.
Most are of the harmless variety, but in some cases cancer can develop.
It is because of this that you should consult with your doctor if you notice that a mole has grown in size and/or changed shape.
Here, then, are 6 some common treatments for removing moles.
Prescription Medication: It's possible that your doctor may recommend a prescription treatment, rather than a more invasive surgical procedure for removing moles.
Shave biopsy: The mole growth above the skin is removed with a small blade.
The growth can then be examined to determine if it is cancerous or benign.
Excision: Excision is a surgical procedure generally performed in one of two ways: The mole can be cut away and then stitched and left to heal.
Alternatively, the mole can be cauterized, or "burned" away, using a special cautery tool.
Cryosurgery: Alternatively known as cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide or argon gas is applied to the mole to freeze the cells within.
Ice crystals form inside the cells and tear them apart.
This procedure for removing moles is generally done on an outpatient basis.
Over The Counter (OTC): The main benefits of OTC remedies are that they are non-invasive, and come at reduced cost in many cases.
However, the efficacy of these methods can be questionable.
Two popular OTC products for removing moles are NeviCurative and DermaTend.
Both treatments work topically by "burning away" mole tissue gradually.
Laser Removal: This method is used most often to treat moles that do not require the more invasive surgical procedures necessitated by "deep" moles.
The laser works by destroying the mole tissue, similar to cryosurgery above.
A benefit of this procedure is that scarring is minimized.
As noted above, it's best to consult with your doctor or dermatologist first if you notice that a mole has grown in size or becomes irregular in shape, or if the mole has changed color or grown in height.
Pay particular attention to areas that would most be affected by sun exposure.
Again, most moles are harmless, and if they do not change over time there is really no reason for concern.
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