What is a mole ?
Moles are small, coloured spots on the skin. Most people have them and they're usually nothing to worry about unless they change size, shape or colour. They are a common type of skin growth. They often appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigmented cells. Moles generally appear during childhood and adolescence.
Benign moles are usually brown, tan, pink or black (especially on dark-coloured skin). They are circular or oval and are usually small (commonly between 1–3 mm) (see picture), though some can be larger than the size of a typical pencil eraser (>5 mm). Some moles produce dark, coarse hair.
Methods of Mole Removal
Shave Removal
This method is suitable for a protruding mole. It is minimally invasive and no stitches required.
Excision Removal
This method is suitable for larger moles which is performed under local anasthetic.
What is a cyst ?
These develop after a blockage of skin ducts. Sebum collects under the skin resulting in often painless swelling. Sometimes they have a dark spot over the top of the cyst called a punctum. They are harmless however sometimes can become enlarged and infected and need treatment with antibiotics or even surgical drainage.
Cyst Removal
Surgical Treatment
These lesions are usually removed under simple local anaesthesia. An elliptical excision is made over the cyst in the nature skin tension lines and the sac and the root of the cyst are removed
Complications
- InfectionScar - Poor scarring (hypertrophic or Keloid)BleedingFurther surgeryRecurrence
What is Lipoma?
Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under your skin. They're harmless and do not usually need any treatment.
How do they present?
Lipomas are common and can occur anywhere in the body.
They:
• feel soft
• can be anything from the size of a pea to a few centimetres across
• may move slightly under your skin if you press them
• are not usually painful
• grow slowly
Lipoma Removal
Surgical Excision
Most lipomas can be removed under local anaesthetic. An incision is made over the lump and it is dissected free from the surrounding tissue. Sometimes lipomas as demonstrated in the case illustrated lie under the muscle. The wound is then closed with absorbable sutures.
Do they need investigation?
Most lipomas are easily identified from clinical examination. They are usually present for many years and are slow growing. In rare cases lumps under your skin can be more serious. If the lump if fixed, and hard and has increased in size your GP will order an Ultrasound scan.
As lipomas are harmless they do not need treatment. They can be removed for cosmetic purposes or if they are causing discomfort or pain.