Birthmark Removal: Q&A
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Mole/birthmark Removal, Should I Do It Surgically or with Electrocautery?
Hi I have this mole/birthmark its a completely flat brown nevus on my arm probably 1 cm wide and I have always felt insecure about it and finally at 20 ive decided im going to get it removed. I went to a laser clinic and they told me that because its very deep, I would need electrocautery laser to remove it. However, thats going to leave white scarring and and its going to cost 500$. Do you think I should go with electrocautery or have it removed surgically? And what would be the less scarring?
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4 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
juliatoronto
in vaughan ON
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Mole removal
Complete surgical excision is recommended in this case. It is advised to send the specimen to pathology for complete analysis to confirm whether it is benign or malignant. With this procedure, you will be replacing the lesion with a linear scar.
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Nevus removal
Surgical excision is recommended as this will produce a specimen for pathologic analysis and completely remove the lesion. The lesion will be replaced by a linear scar and a board certified plastic surgeon can use closure techniques to create the best possible scar. Full excision is covered by most insurance plans.
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Surgery is preferred method for removing nevus (mole)
Surgery is definitely the preferred method to remove a mole (nevus) for two reasons.
One: it works better cosmetically and Two: any mole removed should be sent for pathology to exlude cancer.
A one centimeter mole is larger than usual and warrants pathologic exam - this should be covered by insurance.
Electrosurgical destruction will probably not completely remove it and will generate heat, causing longer healing and usually a less desirable scar.
I have...
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Surgery vs electrocauterization for birthmarks
The vast majority of moles/birthmarks tend to be benign. A small portion may be malignant (ie, melanoma) or pre-malignant (ie, dysplastic nevus). Although you would be trading your mole for a surgical scar, the major advantage would be complete excision of the birthmark so that there is no chance of developing a malignant, albeit rare, complication. Also, you would be obtaining a firm diagnosis which offers peace of mind. Depending on the source, there is...
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