Mole Removal on the Scalp

Moles are growths on the skin caused by clusters of skin cells called melanocytes. They can show up anywhere on the body, including highly visible places like your face, neck and scalp. Most are removed for cosmetic reasons, however, some should be removed for health reasons. Those created over time due to sun exposure are linked to the formation of dysplastic, or atypical, moles. If they are large, itch, bleed or have irregular borders, these could be signs of a melanoma.

Young man looking at himself in the mirror (Image: Rrrainbow/iStock/Getty Images)

Significance

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin moles usually appear at birth or during early childhood. Most people have 20 to 40 moles by the time they are adults. Those with fair skin or work outdoors develop more and are at greater risk for the development of melanoma. Mole removal is common, as this can prevent deadly cancer from spreading throughout the body.

Effects

The effects of scalp moles, as well as moles on the rest of your body, vary from person to person. Some wish to remove benign moles for aesthetic reasons, especially if they are visible. Some moles may itch or become irritated due to certain clothing fabrics, jewelry or activities. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the highest risk moles are those that look abnormal, change colors or bleed, and must be removed to avoid the potential spread of cancerous cells.

Types

Excision, and excision followed by cauterization are the most common methods of scalp mole removal. According to Cosmeticsurgery.com, laser removal is possible, but it is often ineffective as moles have a high recurrence rate with this form of treatment. Laser lights cannot penetrate your skin deep enough to remove the entire mole. For excision, a doctor shaves off the mole with a scalpel, then closes the wound with dissolvable stitches. Sometimes, doctors will excise the mole and cauterize it afterwards. This burns away the area around the mole to help close it and prevent infection.

Recovery

The recovery time after mole removal depends on the type of procedure performed and how much tissue is removed. When a potentially malignant moles is removed, doctors usually cut off some tissue around and underneath the mole to prevent abnormal cell growth from returning or becoming cancerous. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, antibiotic ointment is applied after treatment to prevent infection and the wound is covered for several days to promote fast healing.

Considerations

According to Nevus.org, scalp mole removal comes with few complications. However, any abnormal symptoms such as wound discharge, bleeding, fever, severe pain, redness and swelling should be reported to a doctor immediately. Occasionally, moles may return after removal, but this should not be cause for concern unless the original mole was atypical.