Stay Safe With Mole Checks and Removal In Queens
Moles (nevi) are common skin growths that form when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters. Most moles are benign, but certain changes in a mole’s size, shape, color, or texture may indicate atypical or malignant changes that require immediate evaluation. At Adult & Pediatric Dermatology in Forest Hills, Queens, Dr. Michael Paltiel evaluates moles using dermoscopy and clinical examination to distinguish benign lesions from those that require biopsy or removal. Patients with many moles, a personal or family history of melanoma, or atypical-looking lesions should undergo regular skin checks. Cosmetic mole removal is also available for lesions that are bothersome in appearance or location.
Trusted Dermatology for All Ages in Forest Hills
Moles
Most people have 10-40 moles, growths that form on the skin of your upper body due to sun exposure. At Adult and Pediatric Dermatology in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York, the team of medical dermatologists specializes in identifying and treating benign and cancerous moles. Call the office or use the online booking feature to make an appointment.
What are moles?
A mole is a growth that forms on your skin. Moles are usually small, dark brown, and develop in clusters. The majority of moles are harmless, but they can become cancerous. If you notice one (or several) moles that are large, asymmetrical, or abnormally colored, make an immediate appointment with the team at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology.
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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, or 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.
Most Major
Insurances Accepted
Most Major Insurances Accepted
Please call our office if you do not see your insurance plan listed below. If your insurance plan requires you to obtain a referral from your primary care doctor, please obtain one prior to your visit or call our office to ask if a referral or authorization is needed for your insurance. If referral is not available at the time of the visit, your appointment will be rescheduled.
When should I see a
dermatologist about moles?
Make an appointment with the Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team if you have one or more moles that look unusual, continue growing, or change. When diagnosed early, skin cancer is easier to treat.
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
It’s also a good idea to visit a dermatologist at least once a year. Routine skin exams will alert you to potentially serious problems early on.
Choose Your Provider
Meet our team of board-certified specialists dedicated to your skin health and beauty
Michael Paltiel,MD
Dermatology
Zina Goldvekht, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Aleksey Babakhanov, FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
John Perrotti, MD
Plastic Surgery
Irma Meni
Cosmetologist
Frequently Asked Questions About Moles
When should I be concerned about a mole?
Any mole that is changing in size, shape, or color, has an irregular border, appears multicolored (different shades of brown, black, red, or white), bleeds, itches, or is new and growing should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist. The ABCDE criteria – Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter (larger than 6mm), and Evolving – are useful guides for identifying potentially concerning moles.
How is a mole biopsy performed?
If a mole is suspicious, Dr. Paltiel will perform a skin biopsy to examine the cells under a microscope. The area is first numbed with a local anesthetic, and a small sample of tissue is removed using either a shave technique (for surface lesions) or an excisional technique (full removal including deeper tissue) depending on the mole’s characteristics. The tissue is sent to a pathology lab for analysis, and results are typically available within 7 to 14 days.
Can moles be removed for cosmetic reasons?
Yes. Moles that are bothersome due to their appearance, size, or location can be removed for cosmetic reasons. Cosmetic mole removal typically involves a shave excision or elliptical excision under local anesthesia. The procedure is performed in the office and leaves a small, typically well-healed scar. Cosmetic removal is generally not covered by health insurance unless the mole is also medically suspicious.
How many moles is it normal to have?
Most adults have between 10 and 40 common moles. Having more than 50 moles increases the risk of melanoma and warrants regular monitoring. People with many moles (atypical mole syndrome), a history of severe sunburns, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma should have annual full-body skin examinations to detect any changes early.
Do children need to have moles evaluated?
Most moles in children are benign and develop normally during childhood and adolescence. However, moles that are present at birth (congenital melanocytic nevi), particularly large ones, may carry a slightly elevated risk of melanoma over a lifetime and should be monitored by a dermatologist. Any mole in a child that is unusually large, irregular, or changing rapidly should be evaluated promptly.
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.
