Moles can be medical or cosmetic concerns for people of all ages. With locations in Houston, Rosenberg, Lake Jackson, Portland, Corpus Christi, Palacios, Columbus, Gonzales, Dallas, Mansfield, Beaumont, Bay City, New Braunfels, and San Antonio, Texas, Heights Dermatology provides comprehensive mole removal treatments. Call Heights Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about mole removal.
What is mole removal?
Moles are common growths that can appear anywhere on the skin. Also called nevi, moles are typically brown, black, or tan, but can be pink, red, or even blue. Moles rarely cause health concerns, but some can evolve into cancerous lesions.
The only way to determine whether you have a cancerous mole is to visit a dermatologist for a skin cancer screening.
Whether you have a suspicious mole or simply don’t like its appearance, the dermatologists at Heights Dermatology can perform a mole removal procedure.
How do I know if I need mole removal?
Some people choose mole removal techniques for cosmetic purposes. If you’re unhappy with the size, shape, or color of your mole, talk to your dermatologist at Heights Dermatology about your removal options.
More often, your dermatologist may recommend removing an abnormal mole. Depending on the size of the mole, they may remove the entire growth or take a small biopsy for testing. You may benefit from mole removal if your growth fits the ABCDE guide’s standards for an abnormal mole:
A is for asymmetry
Asymmetry means your mole is a different shape, size, or color on one side than it is on the other.
B is for border
Mole borders that appear irregular, jagged, or scalloped can indicate melanoma.
C is for color
While moles can be many different colors, darkening moles, or those that develop different shades of white or blue, require testing.
D is for diameter
Most melanomas are larger than the size of a pencil eraser. A mole that increases in size may be cause for concern
E is for evolving
Any mole that changes in shape, size, color, or diameter requires a comprehensive skin cancer screening to rule out melanoma.
What happens during mole removal?
There are several types of mole removal procedures that your dermatologist can perform, depending on the size or location of your mole:
Shave biopsy
During a shave biopsy, your dermatologist uses a thin razor blade to shave off the mole and its surrounding skin.
Punch biopsy
A punch biopsy involves a tube-shaped tool that quickly punches out a mole and its deeper tissue.
Scalpel removal
Scalpel removal involves cutting your mole away from your skin. This method requires stitches to promote healing.
To learn more about mole removal, call Heights Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.
