How your dermatologists in Santa Monica, CA, can help when you need a mole removed.
Moles can just be a normal characteristic of your skin. Unfortunately, they can also be an early sign of skin cancer. Your dermatologist is an expert at diagnosing an abnormal mole that needs to be removed.
The dermatologists at Santa Monica Dermatology in Santa Monica, CA, offer comprehensive skin care, including mole removal.
A mole is caused by melanocytes, which are the skin cells responsible for the color of your skin. When the melanocytes clump together, a mole forms.
Normal moles can be:
- Flat or elevated
- Round or irregularly shaped
- Red, brown, or black
Abnormal moles which should be removed can:
- Have poorly-defined, irregular borders
- Be asymmetrical, with a non-uniform shape
- Have changed color, shape, or size recently
- Have a diameter larger than 6 millimeters
- Be painful, itchy, or bleeding
- Grow back after previous removal
If you notice any of the signs or symptoms listed above, you should visit your dermatologist for mole removal and potential biopsy to diagnose precancerous or cancerous tissue.
There are several effective methods of mole removal. Your dermatologist may recommend:
Cutting or shaving underneath and around the mole; this method is an excellent choice for small moles, and it doesn’t require the placement of sutures.
Using a punching instrument to remove the mole; this method removes the entire mole, and you will need sutures to close the area.
Mole removal can also be performed with using the MOHS microscopic technique. The mole is removed layer-by-layer and each layer is examined under a microscope.
Mole removal is often the first step to diagnosing skin cancer. Check your moles regularly, and if you have a mole that looks abnormal, visit an expert–your dermatologist.
To learn more about when you might need to have a mole removed and mole removal treatment, call the dermatologists at Santa Monica Dermatology in Santa Monica, CA. You can reach them in the office by calling (310) 829-4484, so call now.