Moles Specialist

What are moles?

Moles are benign skin growths created when your pigment cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters. They usually appear as black or brown areas.

Moles may initially develop during childhood and continue to appear throughout your life. Your moles may also change color and shape over time. 

What are the types of moles?

There are several types of moles, and some kinds may increase your risk of skin cancer. The types of moles include:

Atypical mole

An atypical mole is usually larger than a pencil eraser and may have an odd shape. This type of mole looks like melanoma, but is not cancerous. 

However, if you have more than four atypical moles or a history of melanoma, you may be at greater risk of developing skin cancer. 

Congenital mole

A congenital mole is a skin growth you’re born with. These moles vary in size. Large congenital moles may increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

Spitz nevus

A spitz nevus is a dome-shaped, raised mole that may be pink, red, or brown in color. These moles look like melanoma. Removal of these types of moles may be recommended due to their appearance, however, these moles are benign. 

Acquired mole

Acquired moles, also called common moles, are moles that appear on the skin after birth. Though it’s not unusual to have 10-40 of these skin growths, you have a greater risk of melanoma if you have more than 50 acquired moles. 

When should I seek medical care for moles?

You should seek medical care for your mole from the experts at Dermatology Consultants P.A. if your mole has changed in shape, color, or size. Though changes in the appearance of your moles may not be anything to worry about, it’s important to have your skin evaluated.

How are moles treated?

Dermatology Consultants P.A. develops an individualized treatment plan for your moles based on the type you have and your skin cancer risk factors. 

If your moles are benign, your provider may take a wait-and-see approach and schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your skin and mole for changes.

Your provider may also suggest removal of the mole if skin cancer is suspected or your mole is bothersome or affects your appearance. To remove your mole, your dermatologic surgeon may shave or excise the mole and then send the tissue out for testing. 

Moles are common and usually not cancerous. However, monitoring your moles is important for skin health. To schedule an evaluation, contact Dermatology Consultants P.A. by phone or book online today.