Board-Certified Mole Removal Treatment at Westerville Dermatology
What are Moles?
Moles are benign skin growths that occur when melanin cells, otherwise known as the pigmented cells that give the skin its color, cluster together in one area and form a spot.
Moles generally show up during childhood and adolescence, and can be colored black, brown, or blue. Most people have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles, and they may change, shift, or go away over time.
Moles & Mole Removal FAQs
Are you interested in learning more about moles and how the board-certified dermatologists at Westerville Dermatology remove moles? Read through our comprehensive FAQs section to get a better understanding of moles and mole removal treatment.
While most moles are benign (not cancerous), moles can evolve and certainly become cancerous. People who have more than 50 moles have an increased risk of skin cancer, as many types of skin cancer begin as a suspicious mole, or dysplastic nevus.
This is why the board-certified dermatologists at Westerville Dermatology recommend an annual skin cancer screening to identify and track any changes of the skin.
An atypical mole can take on several different appearances. However, a good rule of thumb when examining your skin for atypical moles is to follow the ABCDE guide (asymmetrical, borders, color, diameter, and evolving). The ABCDE guide is:
Furthermore, keep an eye out for any moles that bleed, itch, or look different than the surrounding moles. If you notice any suspicious spot or atypical mole, make an appointment for a professional skin examination with a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible.
Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body. However, there is an increased chance of skin cancer developing in moles, especially when moles are irregular or larger in size. Furthermore, people with 50 or more moles have an elevated risk of developing melanoma.
Most moles are hereditary. In fact, research suggests that genes play a big role in how many moles a person has, as well as where these moles are found on the body.
There are a few different ways moles can be removed from the body. At Westerville Dermatology, we use surgical excision, shave excision, cryotherapy (freezing), or electrodessication (burning) to remove moles.
Removing a mole does not mean your risk of skin cancer is decreased. This is because skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, not just in moles or skin blemishes.
However, even though mole removal does not automatically reduce your risk of skin cancer, a dermatologist may recommend the removal of an atypical mole as a preventive measure.
Some discomfort may be experienced during mole removal. However, your dermatologist will typically use a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable through your visit.
Photos of Moles
In many cases, moles are harmless. However, sometimes they can develop into something more dangerous, such as skin cancer. These photos of atypical moles and suspicious spots below will provide a better understanding of what they may look like on your skin. And make sure to schedule your annual skin cancer screening at Westerville Dermatology!
Board-Certified Mole Removal in Westerville, OH
If you’ve noticed a strange or suspicious mole on your body recently, we recommend visiting a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough skin evaluation. While most moles are harmless, it’s always best to get them checked regularly to prevent or detect skin cancer early.
Schedule your mole removal treatment in Westerville, Ohio, by requesting an appointment online or by calling our clinic at (614) 895-0400.
Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 614-895-0400.