Mole, Cysts, Lumps and Bumps

The word mole is used to describe a number of different skin conditions most of which appear as coloured usually brownish marks on the skin which may or may not be raised above the skin surface, these can be rough or smooth and some may have hair growing from them.   While the shape may vary the moles are usually circular or oval and usually have smooth edges.

Cysts are round, firm,usually pain free lumps under the skin. Sebaceous cysts are the most common types, These ususally cause no problems to the patient. In some cases, these can cause problems due to their location, appearence or by getting infected. 

Lumps of various types can also develop on or under the skin. These can be composed of various tissues and while most are harmless, it is advisable to have them checked by your doctor. If a lump is growing fast and is painful, it is essential to consult your doctor about it.

 The moles may change in appearance over time due to various stimuli including hormonal changes for example during pregnancy and menopause as well as during the teenage years.  Some moles may disappear over time, while new moles appear at different stages of life. 

Some moles are present at the time of birth and these are usually referred to as congenital nevi or congenital moles.  Moles can also develop at various stages of life most appearing during the first 20 years but can appear also during the thirties and forties.  The moles can vary from a skin coloured tags to dark black spots on the skin.  Occasionally the mole can be red and these may represent small blood vessels growing in the areas and are usually referred to as haemangioma.    

 Moles which appear rough with a rough surface and sometimes appear stuck can be those which are called seborrhoeic keratosis.  They are benign and usually occur in the older age group.  They can vary from brown, black or skin coloured and can have the appearance of warts. 

 Most moles are benign or normal or quite harmless, however in few cases they can develop into cancerous lesion including malignant melanoma. 

Malignant melanomas can occur in a previously present mole as dark and rapidly growing skin lesion that is changing in shape or colour occasionally bleeds or itches.  Usually a rapidly changing mole should be seen by your doctor to assess its nature.  A mole with a dark colour, irregular borders and an uneven surface or pigmentation which also bleeds or itches should be considered for a biopsy.

Removal of Moles, Lumps amd Cysts from skin

Skin lessions like moles, cysts etc are usually removed under a local anaesthetic which involves an injection in the skin under the lesion to numb the area.  The area of the skin is cleaned and the removal may involve either scrapping off the mole with a scalpel to leave the area level or slightly below the skin. Or moles can be removed using an electrical tool.  Diathermy is used to stop any bleeding.  The surgeon may also decide that it is in some cases better to cut out the lesion with its root with a scalpel.  In those cases stiches may be used. They can be dissolvable (when used inside the wound,) or removable on the surface of the skin and these stiches may need to be removed.

In most cases the piece of skin which is removed is usually sent for testing to insure that we are dealing with a benign or harmless skin lesion.

 Risks of a skin lession removal  

Risks of mole or lump removal include bleeding, bruising, risks of infection, and removal of a mole or a cyst will result in a scar.  The extent of the scar depends on the number of factors including the size of the lesion as well as the healing of the skin in the area.  Should the testing of the lesion reveal abnormal or cancerous cells then further surgery may be required.