Are you Bothered by a Mole? Let’s Talk Removal!

Posted on: Jul 15 2016
By: admin

Moles can be a problem when they affect appearance, when they are located in a place that may catch on clothing, or when they present concerning symptoms. There is a common misperception that moles only need to be removed if skin cancer is suspected; but this is not always true. If you are concerned about a mole for any reason, you are encouraged to schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

What to Expect from your Mole Check

A dermatologic consultation for a concerning mole makes perfect sense. Even if there is no indication of skin cancer, there is no harm in having growths examined before removal. In many cases, microscopic examination will also be conducted after a mole has been removed.

The mole check process takes place in a well-lit treatment room. Sometimes, special instruments can also be used to magnify the appearance of the mole, or to shine bright light onto to the tissue in order to more accurately observe characteristics. Because moles can develop on any part of the body, as can melanoma, a standard mole check observes areas you may not initially consider, such as the scalp and between the toes. If you have moles in the breast or groin area, you should also request that your physician check those.

Should you Schedule a Mole Check NOW?

Moles can be checked by your dermatologist, or by you. If, during a self-exam, you notice certain characteristics, go ahead and follow up with your doctor. Some of the things to keep track of include:

Is a mole inflamed or itchy? Does it bleed? These symptoms may indicate a change in cellular activity.
Has a mole changed size, color or shape? This is something that can actually change rather quickly. Even if the size hasn’t changed, but a mole becomes “rounded” in the middle or has changed around the edges, a dermatologist should double-check the growth. A mole should be only one color.

Mole removal is not something you should do at home. Not only could this be uncomfortable, but a self-removal could lead to infection or scars. It may also remove a mole that has developed skin cancer.

Posted in: Mole Removal