Procedure - Mole Biopsy

Moles are small, dark brown spots on the skin that are very common and are caused by groups of pigmented cells. Most people begin to develop moles as children and throughout adolescence. Moles can develop on any part of the body, including the scalp and under your nails. Many moles fade or disappear entirely, and are completely harmless. However, some moles can become cancerous. If you have noticed a recent change in one of your moles and the surrounding skin tissue, it’s time to come into Ogden Clinic in Utah to see if you need a mole biopsy.

Watch for the following signs, which may indicate that the mole is cancerous.

• Asymmetrical shape: The mole is not even and one half does not look like the other half.
• Border: Moles that are melanoma have irregular or scalloped borders.
• Color: Moles that have changed color or have uneven color may be cancerous.
• Diameter: Look for moles that have grown more than ¼ inch.
• Evolving: Watch for moles that change in shape, size, or color, especially moles where part of all of the mole turns black.

If any of these changes have occurred, your doctor may recommend a mole biopsy to determine if the growth is skin cancer. There are two types of mole biopsy at Ogden Clinic including:

Shave Biopsy

For this type of biopsy, your doctor will use a sharp tool, like a scalpel or razor, to remove part of the mole. This will typically cause bleeding which is stopped by pressure and a topical medication.

Excisional Biopsy

This procedure will involve cutting off the entire mole and the layer of fat beneath the skin, under the mole. For this biopsy, the wound will need to be closed with stitches to prevent bleeding and infection.

After your mole biopsy at Ogden Clinic in Utah, you will need to follow the care instructions provided by your doctor to keep the wound clean. Once your mole is biopsied in a laboratory, your doctor will recommend further treatments, should the mole be cancerous.

Are you concerned about a mole that has recently changed in color or size? Contact Ogden Clinic to schedule an appointment for a mole biopsy at one of our Utah offices.