Mole Removal During Pregnancy: Safe Or Not?

Pregnancy can cause changes in the skin, including the appearance of new moles or other marks. While most of these are harmless, it is possible to develop melanoma, a type of skin cancer, during pregnancy. As such, it is important to monitor moles and consult a doctor if you notice any worrying changes in their colour, size, or texture. While mole removal is generally safe during pregnancy, it is typically recommended for medical rather than cosmetic reasons. Local anaesthetics used to numb the area during mole removal are considered safe for pregnant women, but only in small doses.

Pregnancy can cause new moles to appear

Pregnant people may develop new moles or other marks on their skin. Most are harmless, but it is possible to develop melanoma during pregnancy, so it is important to have a doctor check any marks that are causing concern. Existing moles may also become more noticeable, particularly those on the chest or abdomen. As the skin expands to accommodate the growing fetus, moles may spread out and become larger and darker. This can happen to more than 10% of pregnant people.

Hormonal changes may make moles darker or bigger during pregnancy. Moles may also become itchy when the nerves of the skin get irritated or experience changes. This irritation may be caused by chemicals applied to the skin, peeling of the skin from sunburn, or dry skin. In some cases, a mole could turn itchy solely due to the changes it undergoes, such as stretching skin or a hormonal surge.

New moles may develop due to hormonal changes in pregnancy. The increasing levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone stimulate melanocytes (cells that produce melanin pigment) to produce more pigment. Melanin is a natural pigment that gives skin its colour and is also known for causing skin pigmentation. Moles appear where there is a concentration of pigment-making cells in the skin.

Existing moles may change or disappear

Existing moles may change or even disappear during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes in the body, which can cause moles to become darker or bigger. Moles on the abdomen and breasts are especially prone to these changes, as the skin stretches to accommodate the growing fetus. It's important to note that these changes are usually benign and do not indicate any risk. However, if you notice worrying changes in the color, size, or texture of a mole, it is crucial to consult a doctor.

Pregnancy-related changes in moles include becoming larger, darker, or more noticeable. More than 10% of pregnant people may experience these changes. However, it's important to distinguish between benign changes and potential warning signs of skin cancer. Common moles generally have even pigmentation, a smooth surface, and distinct edges. On the other hand, potentially dangerous moles may be large in size, have an uneven surface, color variations, and blurred edges. Additionally, keep an eye out for any bleeding, itching, or flaking.

While most moles are harmless, it's crucial to be vigilant about monitoring any changes. Early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma, can significantly improve the success rate of treatment. Therefore, if you notice any concerning changes in your moles during pregnancy, it's recommended to consult a skincare specialist for an assessment.

Local anaesthetic is safe during pregnancy

Local anaesthetics are considered safe during pregnancy, but only for essential procedures. Local anaesthetics are usually injected to numb a specific area during a procedure, so that pain is not felt. The most common local anaesthetic used in dental cartridges is lidocaine.

The British Journal of Anaesthesia affirms that "local anaesthetics have a good safety record for use during pregnancy". The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend that pregnant women undergo dental treatment.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), local anaesthetics such as lidocaine and prilocaine are rated as category B, meaning they are considered safe with no adverse effects on the foetus.

However, it is important to tell your medical team that you are pregnant so that only pregnancy-safe medications are used.

Treatment for melanoma is safe during pregnancy

Pregnancy does not increase the risk of developing melanoma, but it can develop during pregnancy. Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that can spread to the placenta and, in rare cases, the fetus. Treatment for melanoma during pregnancy depends on the stage of the cancer.

For early-stage melanoma, treatment may involve surgery to remove the melanoma after administering a local anesthetic. This treatment is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Local anesthetics are relatively safe to use during pregnancy, but only in small doses. The early detection and treatment of melanoma during pregnancy lead to a better prognosis for both the pregnant person and the fetus.

For advanced-stage melanoma, treatment options during pregnancy are limited. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are not recommended during pregnancy as they can cause serious side effects such as birth defects and spontaneous abortion. Radiation therapy is also not advised for areas other than the head and neck, as it can cause birth defects if performed on the pelvic area.

In summary, while some treatments for melanoma are safe during pregnancy, others are not, and the specific treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. It is important for pregnant people with melanoma to consult medical professionals for personalized advice and treatment plans.

Some mole removal methods are unsafe during pregnancy

It is generally safe to have a mole removed during pregnancy, but some methods are better avoided. While most mole removal techniques pose no risk, some low-scarring techniques have not been extensively tested and could be harmful to the fetus.

The local anaesthetics used to numb the area for a mole excision, such as lidocaine, are considered safe in small doses. However, higher doses and exposure during the first trimester may have teratogenic effects on the fetus.

Suspicious moles, which resemble skin cancer, are best removed using surgical techniques such as excision with stitches or shave excision. These procedures and the medications used for anaesthesia are proven safe during pregnancy.

If the mole removal is for cosmetic reasons, it is often recommended to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding are concluded. This is because some of the lowest-scarring techniques, such as radiofrequency surgery, laser and IPL treatments, have not been extensively tested during pregnancy and could potentially be harmful.

Additionally, certain prescription creams used for treating sun-damaged skin or pre-cancerous lesions are not safe during pregnancy, including fluorouracil, imiquimod, and tretinoin.

It is always advisable to consult a doctor when contemplating mole treatment or any other skin condition during pregnancy. They can provide guidance and recommend the safest approach for both mother and fetus.

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