Mole Came Back (But Smaller) After Benign Biopsy?

Question

I had a mole removed last year and biopsied...it came back completely normal (not even atypical). Should I be concerned now that the mole has recurred? It's smaller than the original mole and at the same site...it is otherwise identical.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

A biopsy will only partially remove a lesion.  There is a chance that the mole can recur.  If the mole returns and over time becomes suspicious, it would be advised to have the mole biopsied again or completely surgically excised.

Philip Young, MD · Answer

Not necessarily. Moles can return if the margins were not large enough. The bigger the mole the more margins lead to a greater success. Depending on how much you take out, your chances are less if more margins of normal appearing skin is included in the mole's removal.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

If the biopsy of a mole shows a benign mole, then there is no importance to it recurring. It simply signifies that the mole was superficially removed, likely by a shave biopsy, and likely to try to minimize scarring. Dr. Benjamin Barankin, Toronto Dermatology Centre.

Hallie McDonald, MD · Answer

Chances are that your mole was biopsied with a shave technique.  This uses a blade to shave off the top portion of the mole to send to pathology.  This technique can leave behind some "roots" of the mole if it was deep, and these "roots" can cause the mole to regrow over time.  Provided that the pathology was completely normal, this shouldn't be a cause for concern.

Mole Came Back (But Smaller) After Benign Biopsy?

Answers (4)

Answer: Mole Came Back After Biopsy

Answer: Mole Came Back After Biopsy

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Mole Came Back (But Smaller) After Benign Biopsy?

Answers (4)

Answer: Mole Came Back After Biopsy

Answer: Mole Came Back After Biopsy

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.