Mole Biopsy During Surgery: Why is it Performed?

The doctor likely ordered a biopsy because:

- The mole was changing in size, shape, or color.

- The mole had irregular borders.

- The mole was larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).

- The mole was located in an area that was frequently irritated or exposed to the sun.

A biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the body and examined under a microscope. This can help to determine if a mole is cancerous or not. If the mole is found to be cancerous, the doctor can then develop a treatment plan.

Biopsies are relatively simple procedures that can be performed in a doctor's office or clinic. The area around the mole will be numbed with a local anesthetic, and then a small incision will be made. The doctor will then remove a small piece of tissue and close the incision with stitches.

The results of a biopsy are usually available within a few days. If the mole is found to be cancerous, the doctor will discuss the treatment options with the patient. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.