Better to Freeze a Mole or Remove with a Scalpel?

asked 2 years ago by santana87 in milwaukee
Latest answer by Yoash R. Enzer, MD
Question viewed 1,405 times

I'm getting a mole on my nose removed by a plastic surgeon and he said he would freeze it off but I'm seeing a lot of testimonies about moles getting removed with a scalpel...which one is better? by the way it is raised and about the size of a cookie crumb.

3 answers to Better to Freeze a Mole or Remove with a Scalpel?

Mole Removal

Definitely do not freeze off a mole. It should be shaved flat if there are no concerning signs for cancer. If done properly this will not leave a scar. It could grow back because the "root" of the mole is still in the skin. If there is any question about the possibility of a cancer, a punch biopsy (core sample) or excision can be done, but this will live an indentation/scar , which can be quite noticable on the nose. You... more

Yoash R. Enzer, MD
Providence Oculoplastic Surgeon

Always remove a mole with a scalpel

Moles need to be biopsied if they are removed. If it is frozen, there is no tissue to send in to be examined under the microscope. So you will not know if it is not cancerous or precancerous. So if you are sure it's a mole, I would have it removed with a scalpel. If you're not sure what the growth is (i.e. it is a new bump, could be a basal cell carcinoma or precancerous actinic keratosis or a benign seborrheic keratosis), I would have a dermatologist take a... more

Anne Marie McNeill, MD
Newport Beach Dermatologist

Steel is better than Ice

Cutting a mole or shaving it have several benefits for the patient: - you have a specimen the pathologist can examine to give you a definitive diagnosis (IE cancer or benign) - the tissues heal faster and better when they are not burned or frozen (no white, hypo pigmented round bull's eye scar to explain). Freezing lesions is done when the patient is covered with lesions which are not overt cancers and the patient is elderly. You decide. more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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