Mole Removal
Mole Removal Everybody has moles. Not everybody is aware that they should keep their moles under close supervision, however. There are a few different types of moles. Generally speaking, they are mostly benign, but vigilance must always be practiced. Some patients may choose to have them removed for a variety of different reasons, however. Often times, moles may need to be removed because of location, regardless of any malignancy.
Moles are growths on the skin that typically show up with a brown or black color. They are skin cells that have been clustered together and can even protrude from the skin.
How Moles Develop
They may appear by themselves or in groups of two or more. During the first 25 years of the average person’s life, they will have already acquired most of the moles that will ever appear on their body. A normal amount of total moles to have on your body by age 25 ranges from 10 to 40. Over the years, they tend to change in a few different ways, while others may not change at all.
When to Watch Your Moles
Typical changes you may find within the confines of an average mole include color changes, hair growth, and raising from the skin. Some moles may even disappear over time. However, some changes and mutations you experience with a mole can be a bit more alarming. These mutations are often your only warning when determining whether a mole may be cancerous. There is a simple acronym you can use to remember the criteria for potentially worrisome moles: ABCDE.
Examining Mole Borders
A.) Asymmetry: Is the mole asymmetrical? If one half is unlike the other half, you should have the mole checked out by a physician.
B.) Border: Is the border irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined? These are also potential warning signs.
C.) Color: A normal mole should be solid one color. If moles are multiple shades of tan and brown, or if they appear red, white, or blue, this is likely cause for concern.
D.) Diameter: Melanomas are typically larger than a pencil eraser (or six millimeters), but can be much smaller.
E.) Evolving: A mole that looks different from others on your body or changes in size, shape, or color should be checked out by a physician.
As we mentioned earlier, some moles can be a serious issue and indicative of skin cancer. However, that is not the only reason a patient may choose to have a mole removed. Moles may sometimes grow in inconvenient places, such as on an eyelid or around the mouth. These can be uncomfortable or even make a patient feel displeased with their appearance. If a mole does turn out to be cancerous, however, the choice to have it removed becomes much more apparent. And a licensed dermatologist is the way to go.
Seeing a dermatologist to remove a mole ensures the procedure is done safely and with minimal scarring. Dermatologists are trained to evaluate whether a mole is benign or shows signs of skin cancer, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, or color changes. Attempting at-home removal can lead to infection, excessive bleeding, or incomplete removal. Whereas a dermatologist can send the mole for biopsy to rule out serious conditions, you cannot, so seeing a professional is best.
For more information about mole removal, contact our office by texting (786) 321-2681 or click here.