What does it mean (melanoma?) when soon after mole removal, the area is itching?
Any time you have a mole removed, it should be biopsied—even if the removal was purely for cosmetic reasons. A mole with early melanoma can still look normal.
“After a biopsy has been performed, the skin is healing from the wound that has been induced, and that means the development of scar tissue,” begins Kally Papantoniou, MD, FAAD, with Simply Dermatology in NY.
“Wound healing signals the regrowth of skin and skin structures, regeneration of nerve fibers and release of cytokines which stimulate tissue remodeling.
“These changes can contribute to the skin itching when it is healing, and is a normal aspect of wound healing that can persist for even six months.
“This should not be alarming as a symptom in an area of a biopsy site, and it tends to improve over time.
“It is important, on the other hand, to observe the biopsy site for any physical changes such as the regrowth of the mole, or any change in the skin and area outside the original size of the mole that was removed.”
Could it be melanoma?
Dr. Kally says, “If the mole removed was proven to be benign by pathology, the chances of the biopsy site developing a melanoma is rare.
“If you are unsure and experiencing discomfort or itching, seek your dermatologist for an evaluation.
“It is always better to be safe, and no question is ever silly in dermatology.”
Dr. Papantoniou
is a board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, laser and surgical dermatology.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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