Risks and benefits of skin lesion removal

Overview

Skin lesion removal is a medical procedure to take off an abnormal growth on your skin, such as a mole, wart, or spot. It is done for medical reasons (like checking for skin cancer) or cosmetic reasons (if the lesion bothers you). The procedure is usually quick and done in a doctor's office.

Yes, skin lesion removal is a very common procedure. Millions of people have it done each year.

It can affect anyone who has a skin lesion that their doctor recommends removing or that they want removed for personal reasons.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A lesion that changes in size, shape, or color
• A lesion that bleeds, itches, or becomes painful
• A new growth on the skin that looks different from others

Symptoms in children

• Children may have birthmarks or moles that change as they grow
• A lesion that bleeds easily or becomes irritated from clothing

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults are more likely to have scaly patches or moles that need removal
• Lesions may appear due to years of sun exposure

Causes

Main causes

• A doctor may recommend removal if the lesion looks suspicious for skin cancer
• Some lesions cause discomfort, such as warts that hurt when touched
• Cosmetic reasons: you may not like how a lesion looks

Risk factors

• Having a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Too much sun exposure over time (sunburns, tanning beds)
• Fair skin that burns easily
• Many moles or unusual-looking moles

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A lesion that suddenly starts bleeding, itching, or hurting
• A wound from removal that becomes very red, swollen, or warm

Book a routine appointment if:

• Any new or changing skin growth, to have it checked by a doctor
• If you have a lesion that bothers you because of its appearance or location

Diagnosis

A doctor will look at the lesion, often using a special magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. If the lesion looks suspicious, they may recommend removing it for testing.

Tests that may be done

• Skin biopsy: removing a small piece of the lesion or the whole lesion to be examined under a microscope
• Dermoscopy: a handheld device that lets the doctor see the lesion in more detail

What to expect at your appointment

Removal is usually done in the doctor's office with local anaesthetic to numb the area. You will feel a small sting from the injection, but the procedure itself should not hurt. The doctor will remove the lesion and may stitch the wound. A sample is sent to a lab to check for cancer. You will get the results in a week or two.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of lesion and why it is being removed. Options include cutting it out (excision), shaving it off, freezing it (cryotherapy), or using a laser. Your doctor will discuss which method is best for you.

Self-care at home

• Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24–48 hours
• Follow your doctor's instructions for changing the dressing
• Avoid scratching or picking at the wound

Medical treatments

A doctor removes the lesion using local anaesthetic. For larger lesions, stitches may be needed. If the lesion is cancerous, a wider area of skin may be taken to ensure all abnormal cells are removed. No specific medications should be used without a doctor's advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is typically used when the lesion is large, deep, or suspected to be skin cancer. It may involve removing the lesion with a margin of healthy skin around it.

Living with this condition

After removal, the wound will heal over a few weeks. You can return to normal activities soon, but avoid heavy exercise or swimming until the wound heals. Protect the area from sun to reduce scarring.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear sunscreen daily on all exposed skin
• Do regular skin self-exams to check for new or changing lesions
• Avoid tanning beds and excessive sun exposure

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables helps your skin heal. Light exercise is fine after the wound heals, but avoid activities that may stretch or injure the area.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Worrying about skin cancer or scarring is normal. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. If you feel anxious or depressed, reach out to a mental health professional or a support group.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all skin lesions, but you can reduce your risk of developing problem lesions by protecting your skin from the sun. This includes wearing sunscreen, covering up, and avoiding tanning beds.

Screening programmes

Regular skin self-exams and annual skin checks by a doctor can catch suspicious lesions early, when they are easiest to treat.

Complications

If left untreated

• A suspicious lesion left untreated could be skin cancer that spreads to other parts of the body
• Some lesions may continue to grow or become irritated

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good for most people. Most lesions are harmless, and early removal of any that are cancerous often leads to complete cure. Scarring is usually minimal and fades over time.

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