Mole Removal Questions and Answers

Question:

There is an area on my back that at one time was a painless lump the size of a dime it is now red, swollen, and has caused tenderness around the area, I was told by one person that it was a white mole and someone else said it was a cyst that has become inflammed? What does it sound like to you?

Answer:

Dear Jay...being a Nurse, I can't diagnose but...working at the VA Hospital Surgical Clinic, I saw lots of cysts like you describe. What we usually saw were hair follicles that became infected, producing fluid that caused the swelling and redness. If it is a cyst, it may need to be removed. We frequently removed them in our minor surgery clinic...not a big deal...Sometimes they resolve on their own, but, I would recommend you have it checked out by your family physician and see what he says... Good Luck Julie Adinolfe RN AskANurse

Question:

I have a raised mole on my forhead above the bridge of my nose. (I have had it checked, it isn't dangerous), I would like to get it removed, but everyone says it will leave a scar. Would the scar be as noticable then a large brown bump on my forehead?

Answer 1:

It depends somewhat on how you heal. Chances are the scar will be less noticible than your mole. David M. Metzner, MD

Answer 2:

Dear Renee, The scar will be a fine white line and may fall within other lines in that area. It will, however, be a scar and not a "natural" lesion. It will be flat and can be hidden with makeup if so desired.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

All my life i have had a large raised mole on my nose. It is about 6 millimetres all the way around and i hate it. It makes me feel unattractive and whats more i often worry that one day it may become cancerous. My mum says because i've had it all my life it'll probably be fine because its sort of like a birth mark, but that still doesn't solve that fact that i hate the way it looks. Whenever i meet someone new i can always tell that they are looking at it and it makes me feel selfconsious and embarrased. Because its so big would it be possible to have it removed? would i need plastic surgery? the thought of a big operation really scares me.

Answer:

Dear Sarah, You mother is right and there is only a slight chance of this becoming a cancer, however, appearance is very important and I understand how you would like it removed. The procedure would not be a big one but that area is particularly difficult to remove a largish lesion from without special techniques. I would suggest that you visit with a plastic surgeon in your area to discuss the options. Unfortunately, lasers, dry ice, etc. will not permanently remove a mole and so surgery is necessary.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I have moles on the face. Is it possible to have them removed and not have scars?

Answer:

Dear Kate, If they are true moles (intradermal nevi), the answer to your question is no. They have a root and unless this is removed, they will recur. If they are removed adequately by laser or surgery, a scar will result. I have found that, on the face, it is better to surgically remove the moles since the scars are better, finer, etc. when the procedure is performed surgically.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

What is the best way to remove small moles on my face? They are flat moles and I was wondering if a skin peel or laser would work?? Or is there another way?

Answer:

Dear Connie, It is hard to know without seeing them if they are true moles (which are usually raised) or some other kind of pigmented lesion. Usually, lasers which just remove pigment are very useful for these flat lesions and they can be removed without a scar or white spot. If they are true moles, they will recur with this type of treatment. The only good way of removing a true mole is by removing it along with its "roots". The problem is that this leaves a scar - usually a good one - but a scar nonetheless which is about 11/2 times as long as the mole was in diameter.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Hi! I'd like to know if you could tell me how to choose the best place/doctor for having breast sugery. Is it best to go to a hospital, clinic, or elsewhere? Or does it not really make a difference. Are the fees more expensive with one than the other? Also, How do I find out if the doctor is "well-known" or the "right" doc for the job? I live in San Diego-- and have NOT a clue about anything here other than the Naval Hospital. If not mistaken, military insurance (TRICARE) doesn't cover this procedure, correct?? After child birth in Dec 97 I lost severel inches-- I've tried 2 different non-surgical ways (herbs) to get my size back, no such luck! I am scared to death of going to the doctor much less having surgery but will do it (after all I did have a child!) if I knew exactly how to go about finding all info needed, a great doc, and also depending on the final cost and if possible payment arrangements if they can be made and/or if my insurance covers any. Thank you for your time! I hope you can help. On another topic-- mole removal (if can be answered) What's the best procedue to remove them and the cost of removal. They are located on my stomach. Would there be a noticable scare left afterwards and/or would it leave a spot that woul no longer tan with the rest of my skin. (can ya tell me how painful/painless the procedure would be LOL) Thanks so much!

Answer:

Dear Jamie, Insurance will not cover any portion of a breast augmentation or breast lift procedure since they are cosmetic in nature. I would suggest that you look on the web on this site as well as ebody.com for board-certified plastic surgeons in your area. Then I would suggest that you visit with at least three of them. This may cost you some additional money in terms of consultation fees but it is well spent. I would then ask them for a few patients that you could call and discuss the procedure with them. There are many choices to make including placement of the incision, size and placment below or on top of the mucsle. Each surgeon may give you a different answer on these subjects but go with the one that makes the most sense to you. I always suggest that you be conservative in terms of size. Leave the details to hospital vs clinic to your surgeon since he/she must be competietive in your market. Do not go with the cheapest surgeon just because of price. Hope this helps you

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

On your list of doctors I wasn't sure who to ask so...I have had a planters wart for three years and have tried everything to get rid of it. Acid, lazer, anti cancer drug, scrapping, but nothing has helped. The doctor suggested surgury, but said I would have lots of scar tissue. Is there anything I can do or anyone I can write to to ask what else I may try. I am in pain and it encompasses most of the ball of my foot. I don't know if you can help with this question, but if you know who I could ask could you please let me know. Thank you

Answer:

I have found that the best treatment for severe plantars warts is a combined treatment. What I have my patients do is to use commerically available wart remover but use it in the following manner. Apply one drop on the area then apply very strong tape (like mole-skin) over the drop. The next day, tear off the tape and put another drop of the solution on. Keep doing this until the entire area turns white. It will then be possible to remove the thickened skin. Then continue with the same process until all of the thickened skin is gone and you will see the tiny capillary bed where the wart virus lives. There should be many tiny dark spots at that level. At that point I have my patients come to the office and I use a KTP laser to ablate the individual nests of virus. I have found this treatment very useful so as not to cause scarring on the bottom of the foot. Hope this helps.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I have an unsightly mole on my nose which I would like to have removed. What type of physician, i.e., dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or general doc, would be appropriate to do the removal at the least cost? Thank you.

Answer:

Mostly, plastic surgeons remove lesions from the face.

Question:

Sorry, it's not exactly a plastic surgery problem, but maybe you know whether I"m doing anything dangerous-- possibly cancer-causing -- by plucking hairs out of a mole on my face? It's a raised, brown mole, and I've had it all my life - it's kind of cute, but the hairs are many and ugly. Thanks

Answer:

I know if no instance in which plucking hairs from a mole (nevus) has caused cancer. If you wish to have a more permanent removal of the hairs, see someone experienced in electrolysis treatments for hair removal.

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