Moles

Many people develop 10-45 moles, which are pigmented lesions on the skin. While many moles are harmless, they sometimes indicate cancer and require removal. At Integrated Dermatology of Chesterfield, in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, serving New Hampshire, Southern Vermont, and Massachusetts, skilled dermatologists Lisa Ahava, PA-C, and Jorge Crespo, MD, screen for skin cancer and remove moles to optimize your skin’s overall health. Schedule an evaluation at Integrated Dermatology of Chesterfield by phone or online today.

What are moles?

Moles are growths of varying sizes, shapes, and colors that can appear anywhere on your skin. They form when melanocytes (pigmented cells) grow in clusters. 

Many moles aren’t cause for concern, but some are cancerous and must be removed to prevent serious complications. If you don’t like the way a mole looks, you might also choose Integrated Dermatology of Chesterfield for mole removal.

What do moles look like?

The appearance of moles varies. They may be brown, black, red, tan, or pink. Moles can be rough, smooth, flat, or raised and appear alone on the skin or in clusters. Some moles (congenital moles) are present at birth, while others form later in life. Many are round or oval, but moles can appear in other shapes, too. Many forms develop by age 40 and can change over time.

What are the risk factors for moles?

Nearly everyone has moles on their skin. Risk factors include unprotected sun exposure, tanning bed use, and a family history of moles. Protecting your skin from the sun may help reduce the risk of moles, skin cancer, and other skin conditions. 

What indicates a cancerous mole? 

The only way to know for sure if a mole is cancerous is to remove all or part of the mole and have it tested in a lab. A mole may be cancerous if it has irregular borders, uneven color, or an asymmetrical shape. The mole might itch, bleed, or change in color, size, or shape if it’s cancer. Report moles that change in appearance to your dermatologist as soon as possible.

How are problematic moles treated?

You don’t need to have your mole removed if it isn’t cancerous. However, some people choose mole removal because they don’t like its appearance, or clothing or jewelry irritates the mole by rubbing against it. 

The experts at Integrated Dermatology of Chesterfield take a biopsy (skin sample) of a suspicious mole to determine if it’s cancerous. They use various methods, such as surgical excision, shave excision, or Mohs surgery, to eliminate a cancerous or unwanted mole during mole removal. 

Schedule a mole evaluation at Integrated Dermatology of Chesterfield by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.