A mole is a common growth on the skin that occurs when pigment-producing cells cluster together. Most adults possess between 10 and 40 of these spots, varying in color from light tan to dark brown. While most moles are harmless, removal is sought for aesthetic preference, physical irritation, or due to concerns about malignancy. The characteristics of the mole itself—whether it is small and benign or large and suspicious—determine the appropriate medical professional for the removal procedure.
Primary Care Providers and General Practitioners
A Primary Care Provider (PCP) often serves as the initial point of contact for routine mole assessments and removal requests. These medical professionals are well-equipped to handle moles that are non-cancerous, small, and easily accessible. The procedures performed in a PCP’s office typically include simple, low-risk techniques like a shave excision or a minor punch biopsy.
Shave excision involves using a sharp blade to remove the mole flush with the surrounding skin, generally reserved for moles that are raised above the surface. A punch biopsy utilizes a small, circular tool to cut out a cylindrical core of tissue when the mole is deeper but still small. These in-office procedures are convenient and cost-effective for uncomplicated cases. Any mole exhibiting unusual features or requiring a deeper, more involved closure will necessitate a referral to a specialist.
Specialized Medical Professionals
When a mole is suspicious, large, or located in a cosmetically sensitive area, a specialized medical professional is the preferred choice for removal. Dermatologists are skin specialists who possess advanced diagnostic expertise in identifying skin lesions. They perform both simple and complex excisions, ensuring the entire lesion and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed for comprehensive pathological testing.
Dermatologists manage the entire process, from initial biopsy to complete surgical excision, using techniques designed to achieve clear margins and prevent recurrence when malignancy is a concern. For removals in highly visible areas, or for lesions that are large and require deep tissue manipulation, a plastic surgeon may be the better option.
Plastic surgeons specialize in reconstructive techniques and minimizing scarring, especially on the face, neck, and other delicate anatomical locations. Their training allows for meticulous wound closure using advanced suturing methods. A plastic surgeon is recommended for larger excisions or those that follow a confirmed skin cancer diagnosis where the aesthetic outcome is a significant concern.
Identifying High-Risk Moles and Referral Pathways
The decision of where to go for mole removal is often dictated by the mole’s characteristics, particularly if it meets the criteria for a high-risk lesion. The ABCDE guide identifies five characteristics associated with melanoma:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color variation
- Diameter (larger than 6 millimeters)
- Evolving change (any change in size, shape, color, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding)
If a mole exhibits any of these signs, a PCP will immediately initiate a referral pathway to a board-certified dermatologist. A specialist is necessary to ensure the excised tissue is sent to a laboratory for pathological analysis, which is the only way to definitively diagnose cancer. If the pathologist confirms a malignancy, the specialist will then perform a wider excision to achieve clear margins, ensuring all cancerous cells are removed. This systematic approach offers the best chance for early detection and successful treatment.
Locations to Strictly Avoid
Attempting mole removal in a non-medical setting or through unproven methods carries significant risks. Locations like beauty salons, aesthetic spas without licensed medical oversight, or using over-the-counter home removal kits should be strictly avoided. These settings lack the sterile environment and medical expertise required for safe skin surgery.
The major danger of non-medical removal is the risk of infection, severe scarring, and incomplete removal, which can cause the mole to regrow. A non-medical practitioner cannot perform a biopsy, meaning a potentially cancerous mole could be partially removed without ever being diagnosed. Removing a melanoma without proper pathological testing allows cancerous cells to remain in the body, potentially delaying life-saving treatment.