Mole and Skin Lesion Removal in Point Cook

Most moles are harmless

By the age of 15, many people have around 50 moles. Healthdirect puts the chance of any one mole becoming a melanoma at around 1 in 10,000. The risk rises if you have more than 100 moles, unusual (dysplastic) moles, a lot of childhood sun exposure, or a personal or family history of skin cancer. Most spots that look like moles never need treatment. You may also hear a doctor call a mole a naevus.

Changes worth checking

Cancer Council suggests the ABCDE guide when you check your own skin:

• Asymmetry: the two halves do not match
• Border: a spreading, notched or irregular edge
• Colour: blotchy, or several colours such as black, blue, red, white or grey
• Diameter: a spot that is getting bigger
• Evolving: a spot that is changing or growing

Also look for a new mole after age 25, a mole that becomes raised or lumpy, or a surface that turns rough, scaly or ulcerated. Healthdirect suggests checking your skin every 3 to 4 months.

How mole removal in Point Cook works

The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic. The GP then cuts or shaves the mole off, or uses a small round punch. A few stitches and a dressing may follow. Anything removed because it looked suspicious is sent to a laboratory, and if the result or the spot needs specialist care, the GP can refer you to a dermatologist.

Before the procedure

• tell the GP if you take blood-thinning medicines
• mention allergies to local anaesthetic, dressings or antiseptics
• let us know about diabetes or slow wound healing
• say if you are pregnant

Mole removal is a procedure, so it attracts a fee. Reception can confirm the cost before your appointment.

Caring for the wound

Keep the area clean and use simple pain relief if needed. Contact the clinic if the wound becomes red, swollen, more painful or starts to discharge. Stitches usually come out within 5 to 10 days, and the wound care page covers dressings, suture removal and signs of infection. Protect the new scar from the sun for at least a year, as UV can darken it.

Results and follow-up

Ask how your result will be shared, and book a review so it is discussed with you. Removing one mole does not replace regular checks of the rest of your skin. A full skin check with photography makes it easier to compare spots over time. The Full Skin Check with Photography fee is $200 in total, with a Medicare rebate of $80.10 and an out-of-pocket cost of $119.90.

Common questions