Mole Biopsy
A mole biopsy is a quick and reliable procedure that allows us to assess suspicious moles for signs of skin cancer, helping you stay proactive about your skin health.
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Our consultants are members of leading UK and international dermatology and hair specialist bodies.
- Royal College of Physicians
- European Hair Research Society (EHRS)
- British Association of Dermatologists
- British Hair & Nail Society
- American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)
- European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology (EADV)
What is a mole biopsy?
A mole biopsy is a medical procedure where we remove a small sample of a mole or the entire mole to examine it for signs of skin cancer or other abnormalities. This procedure is typically quick, performed under local anaesthesia, and essential for diagnosing potentially harmful skin conditions.
Types of biopsies
We will typically perform one of three biopsies during the procedure. The type will depend on size, depth, and appearance of the mole, as well as our risk evaluation. These include:
Shave biopsy
We use a small flexible razor blade to shave off raised moles. This method is used for raised or superficial moles that don't require deep tissue removal. It usually doesn't require stitches and heals quickly, though a small scar may remain.
Punch biopsy
This involves using a circular tool to remove a cylindrical section of skin, including deeper layers of the dermis. This method is used for moles or lesions that need a more thorough tissue sample. Punch biopsies often require a couple of stitches to close the wound and may leave a small scar.
Excisional biopsy
We remove the entire mole, along with a margin of surrounding skin. This is commonly done for larger moles or ones that have a higher suspicion of being cancerous. Stitches are typically needed to close the wound, and it results in a linear scar but provides the most comprehensive tissue sample for analysis.
What happens during the biopsy?
Understanding what to expect during a mole biopsy can help ease any concerns you may have. The procedure is straightforward and typically completed in a short office visit. Below, we walk you through the key steps involved, from preparation to lab analysis, so you know exactly what happens during the process:
Preparation
The area around the mole is cleaned and sterilised. A local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area, so you won't feel pain during the procedure.
Removal
Depending on the type of biopsy, we will either shave off a part of the mole or the entire thing using a specialised tool.
Closure
If the mole is fully removed, the area may be stitched closed, especially in excisional biopsies. Smaller biopsies might not require stitches and will heal on their own.
Lab analysis
The removed tissue is sent to a lab where it's examined under a microscope to detect any cancerous or abnormal cells.
What happens afterwards?
After the biopsy, you'll typically receive your results within a couple of weeks. We will arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings with you. If the biopsy indicates that the mole is benign, you may not need any further action.
However, if the results show abnormal or cancerous cells, we will explain the diagnosis and discuss potential next steps. This will likely include additional treatments and further monitoring.
We will always discuss your findings with you and plan the best way forward.
Alternatives to a mole biopsy
There are no real alternatives to a mole biopsy, as often we will need to directly examine the tissue in order to determine if a mole is cancerous. For moles that are less suspicious we can arrange localised mole mapping and surveillance looking for change in size and appearance over time to prevent unnecessary biopsies or surgery.