A Mole is a common skin growth that consists of pigmented skin cells. Moles occur at any age, people are born with them. They are typically soft, painless and harmless but do have the potential to become malignant.
A benign mole means that it is not cancerous and a malignant mole is a cancerous mole. It can be difficult to determine the difference therefore it is important that prior to removal of a mole an assessment is performed with a dermatoscope to identify any malignant features and a clinical history is taken.
We only treat patients aged 18 and over
If you are experiencing changes to a mole and would like for guidance please see the link below
What will happen?
Mole Removal is performed through Surgical Excision (if shave excision is performed then no sutures will be used). The procedure takes place under local anaesthetic and lasts approximately 40 minutes. An incision is made in the skin, the mole is removed and sent to Histology. The wound is then closed with sutures, and a dressing is applied. (* Sutures will be removed after 7-10 days Additional appointment cost will apply of £65). A linear scar following the procedure is normal and usually fades away over time. You will be informed of Histology results when they are processed at the lab.
Important things to know
Consent
Before giving consent, you must understand the alternatives available (that may include not treating the mole), what to expect at the operation and post-operatively, including possible complications.
This information will be included in your written consent form. It will also be discussed prior to the procedure to ensure you are fully happy to proceed and understand.
ReASONS WE MAY NOT PERFORM TREATMENT
We DO NOT remove moles that have been assessed clinically using dermascopy and feel require further investigation by a dermatologist or require a biopsy. Reasons for this may be because we question if the mole is benign or malignant. We will only remove a mole if we are happy it looks benign even though we are sending the sample to histology. Your safety will always be our primary focus.
Should this be the case we will write to your GP requesting an NHS referral to Dermatology or you are welcome to make you own arrangement to see a private dermatologist.
We do no remove moles in the following areas:
- BREAST
- GENITALS
- ANUS
SCARRING
There is 100% chance of scarring!
After the initial procedure the scar will be red and inflamed but over time this will fade and become less noticeable.
If you have a history of Keloid Scars then please tell your clinician as this increases your risk of an unsightly scar
Histology
The Nurse Clinic sends all excised moles to Histology for diagnosis. This helps aid diagnosis, protect patients but also adheres to the latest clinical guidelines.
What looks like a harmless lesion could be something totally different.
Early and accurate diagnosis is vital and misidentifying a growth can lead to a patient delaying treatment.
You will be informed of the histology results by encrypted email and a hard copy by post.
Sterile environment
All minor surgery is performed within a sterile environment. This is crucial during any surgical procedure, even minor surgery and adheres to CQC, NMC and all clinical safety guidelines.
Non-sterile conditions can introduce bacteria and increasing the risk of infection and delayed healing
The surgical equipment used at The Nurse Clinic is single use
is this normal?
The first couple of days your wound may be tender and may bleed slightly when doing wound care.
There may be swelling and bruising around the wound
The area around your wound may be numb for several weeks or even months.
You may experience periodic sharp pain as the wound heals.
The stitch line will look dark pink at first and the edges of the wound will be reddened. This will lighten day by day
POST OPERATIVE BLEEDING
Leave the dressing on and keep it dry. If it should come loose, you may retape it, but do not take it off.
No vigorous exercise or heavy lifting or alcohol. This could cause the wound to bleed.
Post-operative pain is usually mild. You may take paracetamol (if not allergic or any interactions). This can be started as soon as you get home. Do not take aspirin or any drugs such as Nurofen.
You may see a small amount of drainage or blood on your pressure bandage. This is normal. However, if the drainage or bleeding continues and saturates the bandage, please do as follows:
Apply firm pressure with a gauze swab over the bandage for 15 minutes.
If bleeding still continues, apply an ice pack for 15 minutes to the bandaged area. Placing a bag of frozen peas into a dry plastic bag can make a simple ice pack. This avoids wetting the bandage.
If bleeding still continues, call our department during office hours or go to A&E.
infection / Nerve damage
Infection can occur after the procedure. This may present as heat, redness, weeping or pus from the wound.
Nerve damage is rare.
If you experience a fever or any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately for assessment and possible treatment.
aftercare
Mole removal is performed by either shave excision or by ellipse excision. Should you have an ellipse incision then sutures will be used to close the wound. These are usually removed after 7-10 days. This will incur an additional £65 appointment charge.
Appointments can be booked online under “wound care” where you will find the Removal of sutures appointment option or you can call us.
Links to research used to support practice at The Nurse Clinic
The Nurse Clinic Skin Services
Click on any of the links below to find out more. Whether it is to cure or reassure we will be here for you.