I have a mole I'd like to have removed, but my threshold for pain is close to zero. The doctor said it doesn't appear cancerous, but can only be 100% sure once the mole is removed and tested.
204876
Maybe this will help to make your desicion clearer \n\nMole Removal Introduction\n\nMoles, or nevi, are frequently removed for a variety of reasons. They can be removed by 2 surgical methods:\n\nExcision (cutting) with stitches: Click here to view step-by-step photos of this type of mole removal. \n\nExcision with cauterization (a tool is used to burn away the mole): Click here to view step-by-step photos of this type of mole removal.\nAlthough laser has been tried for moles, it is not usually the method of choice for most deep moles because the laser light doesn’t penetrate deeply enough.\nTypically, the doctor or dermatologist (a skin specialist) may choose excision with or without stitches depending on the depth of the mole and the type of cosmetic outcome desired.\n\nWhat is a mole? \n\nMany people refer to a mole as any dark spot or irregularity in the skin. Doctors use different terms. But skin marks such as these are not treated the same way moles are and are not discussed here: \n\nBirthmarks \n\nAbnormal blood vessels (hemangiomas) \n\nKeratoses (benign or precancerous spots, which appear after about age 30 years)\n\nWhat causes moles? \n\nSome people are born with moles. Other moles appear over time. \n\nSun exposure seems to play a role in the development of moles and may even play a role in the development of atypical, or dysplastic, moles. \n\nThe role of heredity cannot be underemphasized. Many families have a type of mole known as dysplastic (atypical), which can be associated with a higher frequency of melanoma or skin cancer.\nRisks\n\nRisks of mole removal methods vary from infection to anesthetic allergy and nerve damage. It is always prudent to choose a dermatologist or surgeon with appropriate skills and experience with these removals. This will decrease your risk associated with this procedure.\n\nOther risks vary depending on the area being treated and the method of removal.\nOne of the most common difficulties after mole removal is a scar. Many people will attempt to remove moles for cosmetic reasons, not realizing that each and every removal may result in a scar. Many times your surgeon can give you an idea of the type and location of a scar after mole removal before you make your decision about removal.\n\nMole Removal Preparation\n\nThe area to be treated will be cleansed. Depending on the surgeon’s preferences, this will be done either with alcohol, Betadine, or another suitable material.\nThen the area will be numbed with anesthetic, such as lidocaine. This will not usually take much time to accomplish. Many surgeons prefer to wait after numbing to allow the blood flow to the area to diminish (sometimes up to 15 minutes).\nDepending on the size of mole and method, a drape may be placed over the area to be treated.\n\nDuring the Procedure\n\nRemoval with simple cutting without stitches \n\nThe surgeon takes a scalpel and shaves the mole off flush or slightly below the level of skin.\n\nThen, either an electrical instrument will cauterize or burn the area or a solution will be placed on the area to stop any bleeding. \n\nAfter this, a topical antibiotic is placed on the wound. \n\nThe wound is then covered with a bandage. \n\nThe doctor will give you instructions on how to take care of your wound. You are usually able to leave shortly after.\n\nRemoval by cutting with stitches \n\nMoles removed by excision (cutting) with stitches are usually darker in color or flat moles or both. \n\nThe surgeon maps out the mole and then sterilizes or cleans the area and numbs it. \n\nThen a scalpel is used to cut the mole and a border surrounding the mole. The border size depends on the concern of the surgeon for the mole being removed. \n\nDepending on the depth, stitches are placed either deep (these absorb and do not have to be removed) or on the upper surface of the skin (these don’t absorb and will be removed later).\n\nAfter the Procedure\n\n\nHome care \n\nAfter the procedure, you need to keep a layer
533924
Usually not.  Lumps are usually painless.  Try gently massaging the breast all over. Check for the size of the lump, and consult a physician if any serious irregularities persist.
480610
I have had this test. It is more uncomfortable than painful. I think it is an important test to check and see that everything is as it should be.  It was a few years ago that I had it done, it never left any traumatising memories...so from what I remember its not so bad. Just prepare yourself for discomfort, and it helps to have someone along that you can recieve comfort from. I had my sister with me.Sorry if I couldn't help more.
468734
If it is just a little bit scaly or the skin is thin in this area it could very well be skin cancer.......but the good news is it may at this point only have penetrated the skin......I had it and it was treated....a small spot on my back.....as soon as I felt it and it didn't go away for a week or so I went to the doctor.  (mine was a brown color too by the way)......\nOn something like this you need to act quickly and go to the doctor immediately.......you don't want it to go into your system...the longer you wait the more chances you are taking.\nBetter to be safe than sorry.............look up in google and as for pictures of skin conditions or skin cancer for pictures.  should be there.
489201
Chances are likely it's not cancer related.  But at your next annual visit with your doctor you should mention it.  You should also be performing a self exam.\n\nMore likely than not, it's hormonal related and if you monitor it over the next few months you'll probably find a correlation with your menstrual cycle.  Pain occurs usually the same time within the cycle either before, during, or after.    It is extremely common.
206621
Mild pain or tenderness in the breasts is usually associated with menstruation or pregnancy. Pain does not normally indicate breast cancer, however, there have been some cases where it has. I'm not trying to scare you, but you should always be aware of your body and any changes you find. Usually, painful lumps are known as benign cysts, and generally are nothing to worry about, they will go away. If you discover a lump that moves or is stationary, and there is no pain, please, please, please get it checked by all means. My sister-in-law died 2 years ago after she found a lump in her breast. She had a 3 year battle with cancer and lost. She was only 36. Don't smoke, keep drinking down to a minimum and live healthy. I am currently getting checked for a lump I found, and I'm a non-smoker, so always be on the safe side. I know it sounds scary, but if you keep up on your health, you can always find things much sooner than if you ignore it and the sooner you catch things, the better your chances of beating it. Don't get so scared that you don't go. Getting checked can save your life. While you are fairly young, it's never too early for breast screening. Take care of yourself. :)
520570
A small percent of the cancer are not detected by mammogram or ultrasound.  Since your doctor can feel it, it needs to be biopsied.  It can be cancer but it can also be other benign things such as a fibroadenoma or cyst.\n\nGood luck
631245
Hello..First those two moles can be not removed if they are not suggested to by a doctor(maybe you'd like to remove them from Aesthetic appearance).First you should know that it is nowadays a very routine and easy to deal procedure and just stay aware who will be the surgeon that will do the procedure.Done with laser is even better.After the procedure you have to apply for protection a high protective UVA and UVB sunscreen cream,because after such removel plus sun rays it may cause you even skin cancer..As a whole the thing is not big.Don't worry!! Best of luck!!
455518
I did it 3 yrs ago this December.  Scars look different, depends on how large you are and what you go down to. I was told I'd probably be a C (small, average or full C, but a C), but I'm a small D.  But I was a 36G or larger on a size 6 or 8 size body, that is a lot.  I had back pain, shoulder pain, etc.  Mine was covered by medical ins.   It was day surgery (8 hrs in and out total) and they took off a total of about 3.5 lbs of tissue between the two.  Scarring is inevitable and I scar easily. So I couldn't fairly say what it is like. They had to do the most comprehensive reduction because of my size so my incisions go pretty far onto the side of my torso.  I had a friend who had it done and she showed me her scars 5 yrs after so I could have an idea and I could **barely** see them, her incision scars were much smaller and shorter. Another friend did it and the incisions were far less than what I had, hers looked way better one week after she had it done(she showed me).  I'd do it again in a heartbeat for the confidence I finally have and "feeling within the realm of normal" for a woman's figure.  It's life altering.  I feel attractive now, not googled at by men. and scowled at by women.    What size are you now?
133136
Yes, but I would suggest that you have it removed by a plastic surgeon or at the very least by a dermatologist. I feel this way because this is your face we are talking about not somewhere that you wouldn't notice. Have you ever thought that if your mole is small that perhaps it's cute on you, I have a friend who has a small one and it wouldn't be the same if she had it removed. Some people consider moles as a sign of beauty. I don't mean the large ones with hair growing out of them. UGH! Best of luck, whatever your decision may be.
595481
Moles, known medically as nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that often appear as small, dark brown spots on your torso, face, arms and legs. But moles can come in a range of colors and can develop virtually anywhere, including your scalp, armpits, under your nails, and between your fingers and toes.\n\nMost people have between 10 and 40 moles, although the number you have may change throughout life. New moles can appear into mid-adulthood, and because moles last about 50 years, some moles may disappear as you age.\n\nThe great majority of moles are harmless, but in rare cases, moles may become cancerous. Monitoring moles and other pigmented patches is an important step in the diagnosis of skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma. Although not all melanomas develop from pre-existing moles, many begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on the skin.\n\n\nEveryone has moles, sometimes 40 or more. Most people think of a mole as a dark brown spot, but moles have a wide range of appearance. \n\nAt one time, a mole in a certain spot on the cheek of a woman was considered fashionable. Some were even painted on. These were called "beauty marks." However, not all moles are beautiful. They can be raised from the skin and very noticeable, they may contain dark hairs, or they may be dangerous. \n\n\nNormal Mole \n\nMoles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They are usually brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes. The brown color is caused by melanocytes, special cells that produce the pigment melanin. \n\nMoles probably are determined before a person is born. Most appear during the first 20 years of a person's life, although some may not appear until later in life. Sun exposure increases the number of moles. \n\nEach mole has its own growth pattern. At first, moles are flat and tan, pink, brown or black in color, like a freckle. Over time, they usually enlarge and some develop hairs. As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming more raised and lighter in color. Some will not change at all. Most moles will slowly disappear, seeming to fade away. Others will become raised so far from the skin that they may develop a small "stalk" and eventually fall off or are rubbed off. \n\nThis is the typical life cycle of the common mole. These changes occur slowly since the life cycle of the average mole is about 50 years. \n\nMoles may darken, with exposure to the sun. During the teen years, with birth control pills and pregnancy, moles often get darker and larger and new ones may appear. \n\nDifferent Types of Moles\nRecent studies have shown that certain types of moles have a higher-than-average risk of becoming cancerous. Some may develop into a form of skin cancer known as malignant melanoma. Sunburns may increase the risk of melanoma. People with many more moles than average (greater than 100) are also more at risk for melanoma. \n\nMoles are present at birth in about 1 in 100 people. They are called congenital nevi. These moles may be more likely to develop a melanoma than moles which appear after birth. When a congenital nevus is more than eight inches across, it poses the greater risk for developing melanoma. \n\nMoles known as dysplastic nevi or atypical moles are larger than average (usually larger than a pencil eraser) and irregular in shape. They tend to have uneven color with dark brown centers and lighter, sometimes reddish, uneven borders or black dots at edge. These moles often run in families. \n\nPersons with dysplastic nevi may have a greater-than-average chance of developing malignant melanoma. These people should be seen regularly by a dermatologist to check for any changes that might indicate skin cancer. They should also learn to do regular self-examinations, looking for changes in the color, size or shape of their moles or the appearance of new moles. They should also shield their moles from sun exposure using sunscreen and/or clothing. \n\nRecognizing the ea
563816
They sound like moles..but have checked out by your doc, You will feel better when you know for sure.....
149900
I have done been a registered mammographer for about 15 years.  I would leave a fibroadenoma alone with these "ifs" satisfied:\nIF it has been proven with needle/core biopsy to be a fibroadenoma\nIF it is not large enough to cause me pain or interfer with my daily life\n\nA fibroadenoma is not malignant.  It may grow, it may not.  Once you have an open biopsy (aside from cost, surgical risks etc), your mammogram will never look the same.  It is very hard to tell the difference on film between an old scar and a cancer.  You can safely monitor a proven fibroadenoma and you can always change your mind if it does get too large, etc.
298694
If the borders are well defined and the colour is solid and uniform then it is probably just a regular mole.  If you're unsure, you should always ask a professional opinion.
251732
yes it is safe..as long as you go to a Dermatologist (skin doctor)as they have special training doing it.mush safer than how they used to do it..which was to freeze it and scrap or cut it off...it can be done right in the office,some will do it the first visit.It doesn't take very long to do.\n I have light skin and have had a few flat moles removed to test for skin cancer.....had it done both ways...the laser didn't hurt very much..the scraping/cutting did as it is like any scrap or cut...cutting they may stitch it up...and it can leave a scar.
193818
i studied the skin in anatomy and physiology...pigment cells (like cells of a mole) are on the very last layer of the epidermis (1st layer). laser will help prevent scaring becasue it uses light to break up these pigment cells. regular surgery is more likely to cause scaring since these pigment cells are so close to the dermis (2nd layer of skin; if cut it can easily be scared)...also since u r dark skined many dermatologist won't recomend laser surgery since all of your skin has these pigment cells, therefore the laser can differentiate between mole pigment cells and your regular skin pigment cell
325951
My husband had a black mole on his face, about 3mm in \ncircumference and about 1mm thick.  The dermatologist\ncharged $250 and got rid of five or six of his other spots.  Local anesthetics and stitches on the mole was required. Plus, the check up a month later was free.\n\nIf your mole is unusally wide and thick, with uneven roughness, check with a licensed doctor to make sure it's not symptoms of a serious skin disease.  If you go to\none of those shady places that operate without a medical\nlicense (which exists in major US cities), the cost will be considerably less but they sure\nwould not have malpractice insurance...