Surgical removal of melanocytic nevi
A melanocytic nevus is a pigmented skin lesion commonly referred to as a mole. Before removal, the surgeon assesses its size, shape, colour, borders, and location to determine the indications for removal and the appropriate extent of the procedure. During the procedure, the nevus is surgically excised, and the removed tissue may be sent for histological examination when indicated.
Which nevi should be removed, and which can be left alone?
Not every melanocytic nevus needs to be removed. Many moles remain stable throughout life and require observation only. The decision to remove a nevus is based on an assessment of the lesion itself.
Particular attention should be paid to nevi that:
- increase in size or noticeably change shape;
- have irregular or poorly defined borders;
- change colour or contain several different shades;
- begin to bleed, crust, or ulcerate;
- are associated with new itching, pain, or other unusual sensations;
- look noticeably different from other moles on the body;
- are repeatedly traumatised by clothing, jewellery, or shaving.
If a nevus raises concerns, it should be assessed during a surgeon consultation or examined with dermatoscopy.
FAQ
How is surgical removal performed, and how many procedures are needed?
In most cases, surgical removal of a nevus is performed in a single procedure. Before the intervention, the doctor evaluates the lesion and determines the appropriate extent of excision. When indicated, dermatoscopy may be performed beforehand to assess the structure of the nevus in greater detail.
The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthesia. Once the area is numb, the surgeon excises the lesion and closes the wound with sutures or another appropriate method, depending on its size and location. The removed tissue may be sent for histological examination, which allows the structure and nature of the lesion to be assessed.
Age alone is not a universal criterion for nevus removal. When a procedure is necessary, the approach is determined individually, taking into account the characteristics of the lesion, the indications for removal, and the individual circumstances of the patient.
Is nevus removal painful, and how does the skin heal?
Local anaesthesia is used before surgical removal. There may be brief discomfort when the anaesthetic is injected, after which the treatment area becomes numb and the procedure itself is performed without pain.
After removal, mild soreness, slight swelling, or a feeling of tightness around the wound may occur. Healing depends on the size and depth of the excision, the location of the nevus, and individual characteristics of the skin.
If sutures are placed, the surgeon will determine when they should be removed. During the healing period, it is important to follow the recommendations regarding dressing changes, contact with water, and physical activity. Sutures should not be removed independently, and the recommended aftercare should not be changed without consulting a doctor.
If pain increases, redness spreads, discharge appears from the wound, or any other unusual changes occur, contact your doctor before the scheduled follow-up appointment.
Booking a consultation and procedure
The first step is to assess the nevus and determine the appropriate next steps. During the consultation, the doctor will examine the lesion, determine whether surgical removal is indicated, and explain how the procedure will be performed.
To book a consultation or surgical removal of a melanocytic nevus, call +380 97 312 92 91.
Doctor Sam is located at Respublika Park Shopping Mall, 1 Kiltseva Road, Kyiv, near Teremky Metro Station.
