Should I be concerned about a mole growing back after removal 10 years ago, that was never sent off for pathology?

Having a benign (noncancerous) mole shave excised (a process of removing that which grows on or just below the skin’s surface) can be an effective method to remove a mole with minimal scarring. However, in some cases portions of the mole can be left behind leaving the possibility of regrowth. This regrowth does not necessarily signify anything dangerous. Having a trained practitioner in dermatology re-evaluate the mole in this case can provide you with the reassurance that this is not something that warrants further action.

The fact that it has regrown is not concerning--the fact that the original mole was thrown away IS concerning! Often moles will re-grow if any cell is left behind. The dermatologist will see no pigment left behind after the removal and hope that the mole is completely removed. Later, the mole regrows, meaning the derm did in fact leave a little of the mole behind. We assume that this re-growing mole would be no more dangerous than the original...but your original was never tested. I would go and have it removed again (and sent into the pathologist). The pathologist will have a harder time now reading the pathology this time, as moles recurring in a scar are harder to decipher from melanoma. They ofter rely on the original mole for comparison (which you don't have). Regardless, a skilled derm/pathologist will put your mind at ease.