Moles that undergo unusual changes in shape, color, size, elevation, or symptoms need rapid medical evaluation. If found early and surgically removed, it is often curable. If the melanoma is ignored or found late, it can be fatal because cancerous cells may have spread through the body. Treatment must be individualized for each person. The decision on whether and how to treat a nevus is based on a person's age and health, and the size, appearance, location, and growth history of the mole.
Surgery is the only effective treatment at present.
Most doctors would recommend surgical excision to decrease cancer risk and to improve cosmetic appearance. All surgery leaves scarring. However, surgery should decrease the risk of melanoma in the excised area. Unfortunately, surgical excision of external skin nevi will not decrease the risk of internal brain or spinal cord melanoma in those patients who have neurocutaneous melanosis. Smaller nevi can be cut out directly and the wound edges sewn together.