Moles are very common. Most Americans have at least one. Moles affect people of all skin tones. Dr. David Thomas and Dr. Margaret Dupree of North County Dermatology Center In Encinitas, CA are both board-certified and can provide the information and care you need for any skin growth that you may have.

Moles Defined

Moles often appear in childhood or adolescence. They are clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes and are often referred to as nevi.  They may lighten or darken over time and that is normal. Lighter-skinned individuals can have as many as 40 moles, and they are usually located in areas on the body that are exposed to the sun. 

Mole Types

Common moles

A common mole is just the run-of-the-mill mole that everyone has. They are harmless and not cancerous. 

Atypical moles

An atypical mole can be larger than the eraser of a pencil, may be more than one color, and is usually irregular in shape. They can appear anywhere on the body, even on the trunk or the scalp. 

Congenital moles

A congenital mole is one that a person is born with. Often called a birthmark, these moles appear in 1–2% of the population. If they are unsightly or in an area that shows, they can be removed, but there is no reason to remove it otherwise. 

Signs of concern

• If your mole is bleeding for no reason or growing rapidly
• If your mole feels hard to touch or has a lump
• If each side of the mole is not symmetrical
• If it has an irregular border
• If the colors vary within the same mole
• If it is a large mole
• If it is in the process of changing 

Schedule a dermatologist visit

If your moles have any signs of concern, it is important to make an appointment with a dermatologist. All of these are potential symptoms of melanoma, which is the most serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer. The dermatologist will do an evaluation of the mole and may do a biopsy to check the cells and determine if cancer is present. The earlier that cancer is discovered, the better the chance of a complete cure.

If you have concerns about moles in Encinitas, CA, contact Dr. Thomas and Dr. Dupree of North County Dermatology Center. They are board-certified dermatologists and will give your skin the care it deserves. Give the office a call for an appointment today at (760) 230-2805.