You recently had a mole removed with a shave technique; the biopsy was normal; and now the mole is already growing back quite fast.
Melanoma could very well be the first thing that pops into your mind, as you did not expect the mole to grow back, let alone so quickly, after a shave removal.
And even though the biopsy was normal, you can’t help but wonder if the rapid regrowth of this benign mole means melanoma.
Moles have been known to grow back very soon following a shave removal.
This is far from unheard territory among dermatologists.
“There are two methods of removing a mole: a shave biopsy and an excision,” says Estee Williams, MD, a board certified medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatologist and assistant clinical professor in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Dr. Williams continues, “A shave biopsy refers to a procedure in which the mole is anesthetized with local anesthesia (via a small needle) and then removed with a thin blade, either level with the surrounding skin (for cases where a mole is being removed for cosmetic reasons) or with a slight scoop (for cases where a skin cancer is suspected and the full lesion needs to be tested).
“If any of the mole’s roots are left behind, there is potential for the mole to grow back, typically within the confines of the scar.
“If a mole grows back very rapidly or grows back outside the confines of the scar, it should be evaluated again.”
The roots may be there even though you cannot see them. So don’t initially be alarmed if the mole starts growing back.
However, rapid regrowth, as Dr. Williams points out, is cause for a re-evaluation.
More suspicious, though, is if the mole’s regrowth occurs beyond the confines of the shave removal.
You should check your moles at least once every two months for any unexplained changes in their color, size, texture or border.
Don’t forget to check behind your ears, on your ears, your eyelids, your genital area, inside the bellybutton, between the toes and on the soles of your feet.
Melanoma is highly curable when caught early, so don’t be afraid to make an appointment with a dermatologist if a mole is making you feel uneasy.
Dr. Williams strives to be at the forefront of her field, being active in local, national and international medical and cosmetic dermatology conferences.
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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