Moles Specialist
Adult and Pediatric Dermatology > Our Services > Moles
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Adult and Pediatric Dermatology
Moles Q & A
What are moles?
What are the symptoms of moles?
Most moles are round or oval-shaped. They’re typically less than a quarter-inch in diameter and tend to form on areas of your skin above the waist — your chest, back, neck, and face. Most are brown, but they can also be black, red, blue, even pink.
Moles change in appearance and can fade as you age. They usually aren’t a cause for concern unless they grow rapidly, itch, or bleed.
When should I see a dermatologist about moles?
How can I protect my skin from moles?
- Staying inside during peak sunlight
- Using sunscreen year-round, even when it’s cloudy
- Protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays
- Avoiding tanning salons and tanning beds
How are moles diagnosed?
To diagnose moles, your Adult and Pediatric Dermatology provider reviews your medical history and examines your skin from head to toe. If you have any moles that are abnormally large, itchy, or painful, make sure to let your provider know.
Most moles aren’t anything to worry about, but if your provider suspects that you have a precancerous or cancerous lesion, they order a biopsy. To do that, your provider removes a small piece of tissue and sends it to a lab for analysis.
How are moles treated?
Most moles don’t require treatment unless they affect your confidence or interfere with your quality of life.
If you have a cancerous mole, the Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team removes it during an outpatient procedure. First, your provider numbs your skin with a local anesthetic. They then carefully remove your mole and the surrounding tissue and close your incision with stitches.
Contact the Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team right away if your mole returns after removal.
To learn more about the treatment options for moles, make an appointment today at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology by calling the office or booking an appointment online.