Moles are small coloured spots on the skin. Their colour can vary from light brown to black and can be flat or protruding. Some may even have hair growing on them. Most people have them and there is usually nothing to worry about unless there is a change in size, shape, or colour. Also, jet black moles are rare and usually requires examination by a doctor.

The vast majority of moles are benign. However, if you have a family history of melanomas, or if you have numerous moles with a history of significant sun exposure, it is advised that you get your moles monitored.

Things to look out for are:  

• Changes in shape or if the mole start to look uneven
• Changes in colour, or if it gets darker or has more than 2 colours
• If a mole starts itching, crusting, flaking or bleeding
• If a mole gets larger or more raised from the skin

We like to abbreviate this down to the ABCDEs of moles: 

• Asymmetry of the mole
• Border that is irregular and blurry
• Colour that is not uniform
• Diameter greater than 6mm
• Evolving Size/Shape/Colour

Yes, moles are removed usually for 2 reasons:  if they are suspicious and require further investigation; or if they look unsightly – that is for cosmetic reasons. Moles that are removed are typically sent for histological examination under the microscope in the lab to ensure that there are no cancer cells in them.

Moles can be removed by undergoing a surgical excision, usually under local anaesthetic, radiofrequency or electrosurgical excision or ablation and CO2 laser ablation. Ablative methods are only done for benign and non-suspicious moles.

This depends largely on the method of removal. A local anaesthetic is usually given with an injection or by use of creams depending on the removal method. This is usually tolerable. After the anaesthetic, most patients do not feel the procedure much.

For most patients, 1 session will suffice. However, depending on the method used, some patients may see early recurrence and may require further sessions for complete removal. If a mole is tested as cancerous however, a formal surgical excision with margins will be required.

There is always a risk of scarring from mole removal. This can be minimized by careful removal to avoid damage to surrounding skin during the procedure as well as good after care of the wound and scar.

The deeper a mole is, the greater the risk of scarring, even in the best of hands. In such instances, a partial removal may instead be attempted if the mole is deemed benign, or if complete removal is indicated, then a surgical excision with subsequent closure of the wound with stitches may be performed.

The initial phase of wound healing typically takes 1-2 weeks depending on the location of the mole, after which it will take 6-9 months for the healed area to fully mature. Using sunscreen and silicon gels regularly can help improve the appearance of scars if there are any.

Mole removal procedures in Singapore are safe.