Discover what your mole means in Baton Rouge and Prairieville, LA, after consulting Dr. Trent Massengale of Atlas Dermatology.

When Should You Be Worried About Your Moles?

Moles are small skin growths that appear darker than the rest of your skin. It’s normal for people to have moles, and some even have plenty of them. Most of the time, moles present absolutely no threat to your well-being. Unfortunately, there are still rare occasions when they may be hinting at serious health issues.

There’s a chance that the moles growing on your skin are cancerous. So, how can you tell if that’s the case? Dermatologists recommend using the ABCDE checklist.

The first thing to be mindful of is asymmetry. If one side of your mole looks noticeably bigger, you should take that as a sign to contact a dermatologist.

Next, you should inspect the borders of your mole. Regular moles have smooth edges. Irregular or jagged borders are indicative of melanoma.

Colors can also indicate if your mole is a cause for concern. Moles that feature different shades of black or brown are more likely to be cancerous. They should be evaluated by dermatologists.

Any mole with a diameter larger than a quarter of an inch could also be a melanoma. Moles in that size range are usually bigger than erasers on pencils.

Finally, the evolution of your mole is also worth tracking. You should consult a dermatologist if the appearance of your mole has changed. While moles can change over time, even if they aren’t cancerous, you should still get yours checked to confirm that nothing’s wrong.

Dr. Massengale of Atlas Dermatology can help if you need a mole evaluation in Baton Rouge and Prairieville, LA.

How Will a Dermatologist Manage Your Potentially Cancerous Mole?

Booking an appointment with a dermatologist should be your priority if you’re worried about a mole. During that appointment, your dermatologist will perform a skin exam to check if your mole is a potential indicator of trouble. Your dermatologist may also extract your unusual-looking mole and conduct additional testing if they suspect it could be cancerous.

What happens if your mole turns out to be a melanoma? After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor will discuss your treatment options. Treatment options include surgically removing the melanoma, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. You may have more control over your treatment if the melanoma is caught early, so count that as another reason to remain vigilant.

Melanomas can return following treatment. Regular check-ups can help you catch any returning melanomas before they can cause problems again.

Book your mole screening appointment in Baton Rouge and Prairieville, LA, by calling (225) 313-4560 for the office in Baton Rouge, LA, and (844) 313-4560 for the office in Prairieville, LA and speaking to Dr. Massengale of Atlas Dermatology.