Moles

Most moles are harmless, and it’s common to have many of these round or oval skin growths that range in color from pink to brown or black. They grow primarily on parts of the body that get sunlight, but they can appear anywhere.

Moles, or nevi, may change slowly, getting lighter in color or more raised over time. It’s important to get any changing moles checked, but especially if the mole is itchy, bleeding, painful or changes colors.

Your dermatologist can safely remove a mole during an office visit. A few moles will require a second visit. A dermatologist will use one of these procedures:

Shave biopsy: The medical provider uses a surgical blade to remove the mole.

Surgical excision: The medical provider cuts out the entire mole and stitches the skin closed. If the dermatologist suspects that the mole contains cancer, he or she will send the mole to a lab so it can be examined under a microscope.

After a mole is removed, the skin will heal. If the mole grows back, immediately make another appointment to see your dermatologist. This is a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Never try to shave off a mole at home. Here’s why:

  • If the mole contains skin cancer, some of the cancer cells can stay in the skin — and even spread.
  • You can disfigure your skin, causing a scar.
  • You can cause an infection.

Skin checks make a difference

Some moles develop into skin cancer, which is why skin checks with your True Dermatology team are so important. You should be especially proactive if you:

  • Have fair skin
  • Have many moles
  • Have family members who fit the same profile and have a history of skin cancer.

You should examine your moles every month to look for changes. Use a mirror or ask someone to help you. Look most closely at areas that have been most exposed to the sun. In women, that is the face, hands, arms and legs. In men, it’s the arms, chest and back.

One of the easiest ways to remember what to look for is the ABCDE system:

A=Asymmetry: Does one side of the mole match the other?
B=Border: Is the border of the mole irregular?
C=Color: Is the mole the same color throughout or does it have different shades of color?
D=Diameter: Is the mole bigger than a pencil eraser?
E=Elevation: Has your mole changed from being flat to being elevated? Did it change quickly?

If your mole shows any of these changes, book an appointment to get it checked at True Dermatology.

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