Are you concerned about a mole? It may make sense to remove the skin growth if it bothers you or looks suspicious. Fortunately, mole removal is one of the services offered by your McAlester, OK, dermatologist, Dr. Martha Robinson.
Common reasons for mole removal
Mole removal at the in Okmulgee, OK, dermatology office may be a good idea if you have:
- An Unattractive Mole: Some people consider moles "beauty" marks while others think they're just plain ugly. If you feel that your mole detracts from your appearance, removing it can make you feel more confident about the way you look.
- An Uncomfortable Mole: Does your mole rub against your collar or waistband? Mole removal is a simple way to improve your comfort.
- A Suspicious Mole: Changes in a mole can be a sign of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Your skin doctor can remove the mole and send it to a laboratory for testing. Your mole may need to be removed if it grows larger, changes color, is no longer symmetrical, has blurred edges, becomes bumpy, or itches or oozes. Moles that are larger than a pencil eraser should also be removed.
How moles are removed
Depending on the size of your mole, your dermatologist may use one of these methods to remove your mole:
- Shaving: Shaving offers a quick way to remove moles from the surface of the skin.
- Burning: Moles can also be burned off with a device that generates an electrical current.
- Freezing: Your dermatologist may recommend removing the mole by freezing it with liquid nitrogen
- Laser Removal: It may be possible to remove a small, shallow mole with a laser.
- Surgical Excision: Excision may be the best choice if your mole extends below the surface of your skin. After cutting away the mole, stitches will be used to close the wound.
All moles, even ones that look perfectly healthy are sent to a laboratory for analysis. If your mole happens to be cancerous, your skin doctor will explain the various treatment options available.
Improve your appearance or protect your health with mole removal. Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist in Okmulgee, OK and serving McAlester, Dr. Robinson, by calling (918) 758-3750.