Removed a Mole/Freckle/Raised brown spot myself.

Around 2 years ago I saw that people were removing moles or freckles/raised brown spots off their skin using apple cider vinegar and then cutting it off with a scalpel. I always had this mole/freckle/raisedbrown spot on my nose which I never liked so I decided to try this. I used the vinegar and it essentially flattened it and eventually I was able to cut/scrape it off (Disgusting I know) it healed extremely well with barely any scar noticeable and you would never have known anything was there. I did follow up with my GP to show him pictures of what it was like before and told him that I had the mole from as young as 1 or 2 years old. He had a name for it which I've forgotten and said that it looked harmless. Also when I used to get a cold or infection around that time the area would become a little grey? Almost like something was reappearing, but that may have had something to do with the healing process as that doesn't seem to happen anymore now when I get a cold.

It's been 2 years since I did that and it hasn't grown back or anything, but the problem I'm having is that I've caused myself anxiety that if the mole were to become skin cancer later in life (as moles are like roots so there might still be something under the surface) I would then never know about it and by the time I know it could be too late for me to do anything about it. I don't know if I'm being ridiculous or if I'm just ignorant on how moles and stuff work but I've put myself into a big scare that I won't ever know about it if something goes wrong with it. I know that I cut off the head of the mole, but is that fully gone and now I'm safe or can there be stuff below the surface which could cause me major problems later in life that I would never know about? 

  • Hello and thank you for posting. 

    I am sorry you are worried about the 'remains' of a mole you removed.

    Anyone who has concerns about their health is best talking it through with a doctor as they can assess and decide if further investigation is needed. It sounds like you have told your GP, so it is best now to keep an eye on the area, and if you notice any changes do report it back to them

    I am unable to give you a medical opinion on what may happen in the future for this area of your skin, but certainly being aware of all changes in our bodies and having concerns checked out by a doctor is the best thing.

    We have information on our website about risks and causes of skin cancer and the symptoms to look out for in case helpful.

    Take care and if you find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.