Treatments provided by Jane McGregor

Moles, or nevi, are frequently removed for a variety of reasons. They can be removed by two surgical methods: Excision (cutting), with or without stitches Excision with cauterization (a tool is used to burn away the mole) Although laser excision has been tried for moles, it is not usually the method of choice for most deep moles because the laser light doesn't penetrate deeply enough. Typically, the doctor or dermatologist (a skin specialist) may choose excision with or without stitches, depending on the depth of the mole and the type of cosmetic outcome desired.

Mole screening has become a very important part of health screening. While the majority of moles are completely benign (harmless), the screening process aims to screen out the benign lesions and provide early diagnosis of suspect or potentially cancerous moles or melanomas. Early detection of malignant melanomas is vital for recover. A number of methods to screen moles are in use, such as dermoscopy or a SIAscopy.

A common reason why skin lesions are often excised surgically is to fully remove a skin cancer. If certain cancers are not cut out they may spread to the surrounding skin and metastasise, or spread, to other parts of the body. However, other treatments such as freezing the affected skin (Cryotherapy), be it malignant or just an unsightly wart, can be treated medically with liquid nitrogen, which freezes and destroys the affected skin cells. This method is less time-consuming and it's cosmetic results are usually very good.