Mole Removal

What Can You do About Your Moles?

Three Different Types of Moles

Most moles are benign or non-cancerous. It’s very common to have several moles on your body.

Here are three common mole types:

• Skin Tags
  These are small growths that generally form because of friction. They are usually found on places like the collar bone or under the arm where clothes rub against the area. They are usually skin-colored but may also be darker in color.
• Flat Moles
  A flat mole is considered to be a dark spot or irregularity in the skin.
• Raised Moles
  These moles can be a variety of colors. They run deeper into the dermal layers of the skin than flat moles.

The A, B, C’s of Suspicious Moles

Most moles aren’t anything to worry about. But you should be aware of the moles you have in case they change. If a mole suddenly changes color or shape, then you should have a dermatologist look at it. Also, pay close attention to any moles that may bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly, or that become painful. These are also signs that you should see a doctor about your mole.

Here are the A,B,C’s to consider when questioning about your moles:

• Asymmetry – Does half of your mole not match the other half?
• Border – Are the edges or borders of your mole ragged, blurred, or irregular?
• Color – Is the shade the same throughout? Are there shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red?
• Diameter – Is the size larger than an eraser on a pencil?
• Evolving – Is the size, shape, or color changing?

When to be Concerned?

Moles don’t typically cause serious health concerns, but they need to be monitored for melanoma. If you have any of the changes in the A, B, C’s we listed above, then you should contact the dermatologist to have the mole examined.

The American Academy of Dermatology says that if you have more than fifty common moles, or at least several atypical moles, then you should perform a monthly self-examine and see a dermatologist at least once a year.

Mole Diagnosis

Your doctor will identify the type of mole you have by examining your skin. During the exam, your doctor will inspect your skin from head to toe. If your doctor thinks a mole may be cancerous, then they may take a biopsy to examine the tissue under the microscope.

There are three main types of skin biopsies:

• Shave biopsy – A tool similar to a razor will take off the top layer of the skin.
• Punch biopsy – A doctor will use a circular tool to remove a small section of the skin. This will remove some of the deeper levels.
• Excisional biopsy – A doctor will use a small knife to remove the entire lump or area.