Mole removal

[Kins2]

Hi all,
I had a mole removed on my back (mid back to the right), today for a biopsy. It was years old, pigmented and used to stand up off my back. Just over 1cm x half a cm, it was round for years but has spread at the base making it more oval in shape, with very uneven edges. It's soft to the touch.
The decision was made by a dermatologist at the hospital to remove it.
On the day of my appointment a plastic surgeon did the procedure. Which put me more at ease.
The lidocaine for numbing was very stingy. The procedure itself was very painless. It lasted an hour.
I have read that others have had 2 or 3 stitches on the surface to close the wound.
I had 3 dissolveable stitches in the under layer and 5 stitches on the outside. I can only guess that they cut out the mole pretty deeply and fairly wide.
I know this can be normal dependant on the mole.
The mole has been sent off to check for cancer or suspicious changes. My fingers are well and truly crossed that my results come back clear.
I've read others went back to work next day or after a few days.
I have a sick note for 3 weeks due to the placement of the excision and a chance of it coming open with excessive movement due to my job type.
Has anyone else had this experience?
Thanks for any comments in advance.

I had a large mole removed from the back of my neck. Four stitches on the outside, don't know about dissolvable ones. Due to placement and chance of it coming open, I was told not to twist and signed off for a week. I attempted to go back to work after that week (still with stitches in as they decided they'd need two weeks before they came out) but could barely move with nerve pain down my arm. Went home, saw my GP who signed me off for another week. Was fine after that week. Had stitches out and results back; all healed and all clear.

Thank you WiltedDaffs
For your response.
Whatever I've seen and read I can only find that stitches were used on the outside (top layer).
I haven't come across anyone that the inner layers were stitched also.
My boss would like me back at work earlier.
It's a shame I had to stress the aftercare advice I was given by the plastic surgeon.
If I don't look out for me, they're certainly not going to.
I care that my stitches are at risk of bursting.

It sounds as if your boss thinks you have simply had a mole removed, and has no idea about the margin of tissue that has also been taken, and why. A lot of people have no idea about investigations for skin cancer.

Hi Footle,
You are so right.
I did try to explain but for some strange reason she can't seem to take it in.
I've given up and am doing what's right for me.

Hi WiltedDaffs,
I meant to say its wonderful news that you've had your stitches out and a great negative result. You must be be relieved.

Hi,
How long has anyone had to wait to get their results after the mole biopsy?
Was it a phone call from your Gp or the hospital?

Yes, do what's right for you and don't worry about work.

My results came back in two weeks. Was told when I went for the stitches to be removed.

Hoping yours are all clear.

@Kins2 i work in an area that does this exact procedure. All perfectly normal advice and treatment. Most people don't realise there are internal dissolving sutures. This is all to give it the best support to stay together. Also, plastic surgeons generally use smaller sutures, but more of them so don't be alarmed at so many stitches.

The advice not to work is right, depending where it is, over reaching can split the wound. Some people only need a week, others longer. Really advise that you do what you say... put yourself first

Finally results usually take up to 3 weeks, but rest assured if there is anything concerning you will be contacted.

Thank you WiltedDaffs for your helpful words and the length of time you waited to get your results and your well wishes.
The waiting is not great but I am trying to occupy my mind.
I will update you once I get my results.
Thanks again.

dottyp0104 thank you also for clarity on the procedure and the internal stitching.
I thought it was to strengthen the wound...
due to the depth. Thank you for confirming that for me.
I only realised as 3 were counted and I thought they had finished and asked.
I was told, "no not yet they are the internal stitches".
My wound is just over an inch long which was what I thought as there are 5 external stitches. My stitches are quite spaced.
I understand each surgeon has their individual way of doing things within the guidelines.
Thank you so much for your response.

Hi,
Can anyone tell me how long this horrible itching lasts after a mole excision?
My stitches are in for another 6 days. In total 14 days.
The wound has been very tender when I move, but that is now subsiding.
Thanks in advance.

Hi, some people get itching with sutures (i am one of them). Is the suture line red? And have you had any dressing or tapes on it?

Hi,
The Dr has checked the wound and said its lovely and clean and no redness.
My husband has cleaned it daily with Himalayan salted water dried and dressed it.
I agree it's the sutures. The internal ones. I don't seem to tolerate them well.
I have been taking antihistamine to cut down some of the itching. I've itched from day one.
Thanks so much for your response.

Oh thats annoying that its been constant - nothing worse than an itch you can't touch.

Not long to go now until they are out,

How is the itching @Kins2. I had a mole removed today so have the wait for the results.

Hi mincepiesrule,
The itching has subsided and I can lay on my back now in bed and sit back on the sofa the pain has almost gone. Thanks for asking
It has taken almost 2 weeks to settle down.
I can't wait for friday to have stitches removed.
I was told a 2 week wait for results in clinic, after the procedure.
Today I phoned the dermatologist secretary and she said it's more like a five week wait for results!
That's a bummer.
May I ask where was your mole?
Did you have inner and outer layer sutures?

@Kins2 mole was on my arm. Inner and outer stitches and they told me around a 4 week wait for results. It's a long wait

Ah, at least you were told closer to the right waiting time. Yes it's a very long wait.
How is your arm?

Hi, dottyp0104
Yesturday was my first real day of relief from itching. It felt so good.
I love my baths and haven't been able to have one for 14 days!
Its been quick showers until my stiches are out.
Thank Goodness for my hubby. I wouldn't gave been able to clean and redress it daily myself. It's in a really awkward place on my back.
My thoughts at the moment are on that bath that's waiting for me...

I had one removed, I asked to see what they had cut out & I was horrified to see it was almost 2cm deep. It was right on my spine & I couldn't understand where they had managed to find 2cm of flesh. I had my stitches out 14 days after, they were a bugger to get out, my GP said they should have come out after 7bdays.

I'm surprised they did stitches at all! I had two large ones removed and they left an open wound covered with gauze. I had to clean around it each day. It healed over in about a week or so.

I had 2 miles removed off my back last year. I was given Chloramphenicol ointment to put on it. (The same antibiotic for pink eye but the gooey ointment not the drops). Healed up really nicely and kept it moisturised too.

Hi
Thanks for the last four posts.
My very first detailed post should say, I was given a sick note for 2 weeks, not 3.
Until my stitches are taken out.
For those of you that didn't have your excision stiched, I'm a bit surprised.
I know if a mole is shaved off or a very small mole has been excised and it's not deep, there maybe 1 surface stitch.
If a mole has been shaved off, there are no stitches involved. It is left to heal.
When I saw the dermatologist at the hospital. She said she had no concerns about my mole and that I would be given a non urgent appointment for 8 weeks time and that my mole would be shaved off and sent for testing.
I was concerned when I then recieved an appointment within two weeks.
I took it for granted that I recieved a cancellation.
When I attended my apt I asked the receptionist if I had a cancellation apt.
She said most likely.
When she checked her screen she said, no it was an urgent appointment.
I wasn't expecting this and was a little stunned.
I went in and saw the plastic surgeon who checked my mole and said she would not be shaving it off but doing a full excision with internal and external stitches. I must say the plastic surgeon treated me with care and the procedure went well.
I was told on leaving the hospital that
I would get a result in 2 weeks.
Then after phoning the secretary for an update on time scale to be told 5 weeks, I am even more flabbergasted!
Sorry its all so long, I wanted to say how its all gone so far for me.
I hope it won't be a 5 week wait.
Has anyone else had a similar experience in terms of what they expected to happen?
All the best to those waiting for results.
It feels even harder, that I now have to wait over this coming holiday season.

Hi IdrisElbow,
I was sorry to read that the results of your biopsy was melanoma.
I am glad that you had a good surgeon that cared enough to leave you with a near scar. I know that the amount excised after a positive result is sizable.
May I ask if you needed further treatment?