Mole removal is most commonly associated with screenings for melanoma, but it's also important for preventing other types of skin cancer before they develop. Contrary to popular belief, a suspicious mole isn't always a cancerous mole; many of our patients who come for a skin screening usually have atypical moles that don't develop into anything serious. Regardless, we still advise all our clients to have any mole, skin lesion, skin growth, or any marks in otherwise normal skin examined by our team immediately.
Aside from cosmetic reasons, any abnormal mole can always be a cause for concern, especially if it's suddenly developed or grows in size. While treatments like laser skin resurfacing can help with the surface appearance of moles, we advise our patients to proceed with mole removal treatment. This option is not only safe and easy for most people, but can also prevent any further skin cells from possibly developing into something cancerous.
If you're worried about a newly grown mole possibly being cancerous, it's crucial to get a professional screening and removal to make sure the entire mole is removed. Aside from preventing any potential developments of conditions like skin cancer, mole removal is best done when the mole itself is small and can be easily removed.
Medical intervention for removing moles is the best way to make sure that your skin remains blemish-free - arguably even more so than cosmetic mole removal, which may not catch other skin conditions developing beneath the surface. We always recommend our patients to look for a medical expert on what to do next if they find a new mole, to guarantee that it's medically screened and cleared by a licensed professional.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, we offer world-class services done by award-winning doctors who have proven their knowledge and skills in this field. Start your journey towards achieving your best skin by contacting us today.
Generally, three types of moles grow on your skin. By learning the difference between the different types of moles, identifying which ones need immediate medical attention can be a lot easier.
A regular mole usually has a uniform color, shape, and elevation. It's the size of your average pencil eraser. Think of them as a small dot on your skin, not unlike something you’d get from quickly poking it with a marker: generally harmless.
An atypical mole is a little messier than a regular mole, especially with its color, shape, and overall size. While they’re still generally nothing to worry about, they should still be screened by a medical expert. Most of the time, nothing is of major concern.
A cancerous mole (or a melanoma) can develop from an irregular mole, or sometimes just appear on its own. These moles typically don’t behave like normal moles: growing in size, changing in color, and spreading on your skin.
Most moles aren’t dangerous; only those that are of major medical concern are the ones that look different from other existing moles or those that first appear after age 20. If you notice changes in a mole's color, height, size, or shape, you should have a dermatologist or a medical specialist evaluate it. You should also have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly or become tender or painful.
The following ABCDEs are important characteristics to consider when examining your moles. If a mole displays any of the signs listed below, have it checked immediately by a dermatologist, as there’s a likely chance it could be cancerous.
If you see any signs of change in an existing mole, observe a new mole growing out of nowhere, or just want a mole removed for cosmetic reasons, it’s best to talk to your dermatologist. Examine your skin with a mirror or ask someone to help you see the mole more clearly. Pay special attention to areas of your skin where moles grow a lot and are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest, neck, face, and ears.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, our excellent dermatology services are guaranteed to be safe and effective, performed by the top doctors in their respective fields. Treat your skin problems by contacting us today.
DSH has been a steadfast partner to our clients for many years, helping keep their bodies healthy and their minds aware of the ways they can live healthier lives. Mole removal can be a scary process for people who may not be familiar with how it works – which is why we strive to be providers you can trust with your treatment.
A: If your dermatologist believes a mole needs to be evaluated further, either the entire mole will be removed or just a small tissue sample of the mole will be taken, so as to examine its thin sections under a microscope (or a biopsy). This is quite a simple procedure: if the mole is found to be cancerous and only a small section of tissue was taken, the dermatologist will cut out the mole and a rim of normal skin around it.
A: If done properly, a medical mole removal leaves behind a smooth patch of skin where the mole used to be. You may need to follow a few instructions after your procedure to avoid any infections from the site while it’s healing, but your downtime shouldn’t last too long. If any adverse complications happen, you can contact DSH immediately to get yourself examined.
A: While mole removal may sound like a cosmetic procedure on paper, Medicare may actually cover the cost of your treatment if your provider deems it medically necessary. This makes it important to have your mole screened with a medical examiner since it can give you the paperwork needed to help with the costs of your mole removal.
If you have questions about mole removal surgery, skin cancer screening, or melanoma management, schedule a consultation with us today. We have a variety of treatments and services that can help you look and feel like yourself again. To get started, schedule your consultation online, or give us a call at (603) 742-5556 (Dover & Newington), (978) 525-0100 (Peabody), (603) 965-3551 (Londonderry), (603) 742-5556 (Bedford).
At Dermatology & Skin Health, we offer world-class services done by award-winning doctors who have proven their knowledge and skills in this field. Start your journey towards achieving your best skin by contacting us today.
If your desired appointment type or preferred provider is unavailable online, kindly call (978) 525-0100 for Peabody, MA and (603) 742-5556 for all New Hampshire locations. Alternatively please feel free to send us your request via the patient portal, or via email at info@dermskinhealth.com
*For medical dermatology appointments in MA please dial (978) 525-0100 or fill out the appointment request form above.
