What are Moles?
Moles are common skin growths that appear as small, dark brown spots, and are caused when cells in the skin called melanocytes grow in clumps. While they usually appear in childhood and adolescence, they can appear at any age, and on any area of the body. While most moles are harmless, they can become cancerous in some instances. That is why it is so important to regularly monitor your moles and other pigmented areas of skin.
While most moles are brown circles, they can also appear in different shapes, sizes, and colors.
- Shape: Most moles appear as either round or oval-shaped.
- Size: Moles are commonly less than ¼ inch in diameter. However, some moles that are present at birth can be much larger, covering large areas of the face, torso, or a limb.
- Color: Moles can appear as brown, tan, black, pink, or blue.
A skin examination should be a regular part of your preventative medical care, during which your doctor will carefully examine your skin to check for suspicious-looking moles. If a mole looks atypical, a biopsy may be taken for examination under a microscope to check for cancerous cells.
Treatment Options for Moles
While most moles do not require treatment as they are not harmful, some people may wish to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Be sure to tell Dr. Erwin if you are experiencing any new symptoms associated with a mole, or if you have noticed any changes in the mole over time. Some of the most popular techniques to remove a mole include:
Excision: Your doctor will remove the mole using a scalpel. Local anesthetic will be injected into the mole before the procedure so the process is not painful.
Ideal Candidates for Mole Treatment
Individuals who are bothered by the look or feel of a mole are often candidates for mole removal treatment. The best way to determine candidacy is through a consultation appointment with Dr. Erwin, during which she will assess your mole to determine the best treatment option for you.
Contact Us Today
If you are interested in scheduling a skin exam to ensure your moles are healthy or are bothered by a mole and would like to learn more about removing it, contact our office by calling 979-543-9933. We will be happy to assist you in scheduling your appointment with Dr. Erwin.