Unlike other minor skin discolorations, such as skin tags, moles have the potential of being cancerous. Get your moles thoroughly evaluated by an experienced dermatologist at Century Medical and Dental Center. You leave the office knowing whether your mole is infected with any cancer cells. You’re also armed with the knowledge of what to watch for if the mole changes in any way. Moles may be unsightly, but they’re almost always benign. Still, if they turn cancerous, you must have them removed. Get safe, effective mole removal before it’s too late.
Moles are very common growths on the skin that are usually flesh-colored, black or brown. These clusters of pigmented cells can appear anywhere on your skin. While most moles are harmless, if you have one or more moles, have your Brooklyn dermatologist monitor them because occasionally, they can become cancerous.
The medical term for moles is nevi. You may want to consider mole removal if a mole rubs uncomfortably against your clothing or if it makes you feel self-conscious. Your dermatologist may recommend removal of a mole if he suspects skin cancer or if tests show that the mole is malignant. If you’re prone to having moles on your body, consider getting annual cancer screening tests from your doctor at Century Medical and Dental Center. It consists of just a thorough visual exam of your skin — and may save your life.
Things to Look for When Examining Moles
A dermatologist is the best person to give an accurate diagnosis of any skin condition. In addition to a firm diagnosis and effective treatment for skin discolorations, you learn what signs may indicate that a skin growth is suspicious and may reflect melanoma. When you monitor your skin between checkups, look for the A-B-C-D-E signs of cancer, which involve:
- A for asymmetrical. The two sides of the mole don’t match each other.
- B for border. A mole with an irregular border that appears ragged or notched is suspicious.
- C for color. Uneven color or changes in color can be a sign of a mole that should be examined by a medical professional.
- D for diameter. A mole that’s larger than ¼-inch in diameter or a mole that’s getting larger may be cause for concern.
- E for evolving. If your mole has changed size, shape or appearance, especially if part of it is turning black, see your dermatologist.
If your mole begins itching or bleeding, this could be another sign that it should be examined, especially if it doesn’t heal. Whenever a mole grows, changes or looks unusual, don’t leave it to chance. Let your doctor determine whether it’s something to worry about or not.
Methods of Mole Removal
Mole removal is usually done on an outpatient basis. Your Brooklyn dermatologist numbs the area and removes the mole using one of several methods, including:
- Surgical shaving. A very thin surgical blade is used to remove the mole. You’ll barely feel the excision and usually have very little, if any bleeding. If necessary, your doctor can numb the area with a wipe-on anesthetic. A small bandage is sufficient to cover the spot and you can leave immediately.
- Surgical excision. The entire mole is removed and if necessary, the skin is stitched closed. This procedure may require the use of a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort. In addition to the actual discolored mole, your doctor also may remove a small margin around the mole to ensure all the potentially harmful cells are gone. This also is a short procedure, after which you can leave.
In both methods, your dermatologist examines the cells under a microscope to determine if they are cancerous. Instead of removing the entire mole, your dermatologist may take a biopsy, which involves taking a very small sample of the mole to investigate, before deciding to remove the whole thing.
After Having a Mole Removed
Mole removal is usually done in less than an hour. During the procedure, you may feel some pressure, but shouldn’t feel pain. Your dermatologist courteously checks with you frequently to ensure you’re not feeling any discomfort.
The area should heal within a few weeks. The length of time it takes to heal depends on the size and depth of the mole that was removed. If you needed stitches, you may need to keep the area dry for a few days. After having a mole removed, you may have a small scar. If the mole starts to grow back, or if you experience a lot of discomfort after the procedure, let your doctor know right away.
Why You Shouldn’t Attempt Mole Removal at Home
When you have a mole that’s bothersome, you may be tempted to try to remove it at home. Mole removal should only be done by a dermatologist for several reasons, including:
- The risk of infection is higher outside a medical setting.
- Your attempts at removing a mole may cause permanent scarring.
- There’s a possibility that your mole is skin cancer. If so, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Your doctor of medicine in Brooklyn can remove these skin growths safely and quickly with very little discomfort. At the same time, any suspicious cells can be examined and tested. Contact the medical experts at Century Medical and Dental Center today for the simple procedure that can save you from serious consequences, while giving you peace of mind in the process.