A twelve-year-old can have a mole removed, but this decision is carefully weighed by medical professionals. A mole is a common skin growth that forms when melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, cluster together. These growths frequently appear during childhood and adolescence. While most are benign, removal may be necessary for medical reasons or to address significant psychological concerns. A consultation with a dermatologist determines the most appropriate course of action for the child’s health and well-being.
Determining the Need for Removal
Removal is guided by whether it is a medical necessity or an elective procedure. Medically necessary removal is prompted by characteristics suggesting the mole could be atypical or harmful, requiring a biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Physicians look for changes in appearance, often using a modified version of the ABCDE guidelines. These characteristics include asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or evolution in size, shape, or color over a short period.
Moles chronically irritated by clothing, such as those on the bra line or neck, may also be removed to prevent ongoing discomfort. Pediatric melanoma, while rare, sometimes appears amelanotic (pink or red). This makes the “evolving” characteristic important, as any change in a mole’s texture, shape, or size warrants prompt evaluation.
Elective removal is considered when a benign mole causes significant psychological distress for the child. A prominent or disfiguring mole can lead to decreased self-confidence, teasing, or social isolation. Removal is considered to improve the child’s mental health and self-image, especially since adolescents can generally cooperate with the procedure and aftercare instructions.
Common Methods of Mole Removal
Dermatologists typically use two main surgical techniques, both performed as outpatient procedures under local anesthesia. The goal is to remove the mole completely while minimizing the resulting scar.
Shave excision is used for raised, non-suspicious moles that do not extend deep into the skin. The procedure involves shaving the mole off until it is level with the surrounding skin, and it does not require stitches. Because it is quick and less invasive, this technique is preferred for cosmetic removals where minimal scarring is a high priority.
Surgical excision is necessary for flat, deeply rooted, or suspicious moles where a complete removal and full tissue sample are required for biopsy. This technique involves cutting out the entire mole, along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue, and then closing the wound with sutures. Local anesthesia, typically lidocaine, is injected directly into the area to ensure the child feels no pain during the procedure.
Pediatric Considerations and Recovery
Recovery involves unique factors due to the child’s active lifestyle and growing skin. Scarring is a primary concern, as younger skin tends to heal vigorously and may be more prone to noticeable scars than adult skin. The location of the mole also affects the outcome, as moles removed from areas of high skin tension, such as the back or chest, have a higher risk of scarring.
Post-procedure care focuses on protecting the healing site and promoting optimal cosmetic results. This includes keeping the wound clean and moist with recommended ointments, and avoiding sun exposure, which can cause hyperpigmentation of the forming scar. If surgical excision was performed, stitches are typically removed within one to two weeks.
Compliance with aftercare, such as limiting sports or swimming for a short period to prevent wound stretching, is important. The final appearance of the scar takes time, as scar tissue continues to mature and fade for up to a year following removal.