Moles are pigmented skin growths, also called nevi, that can appear anywhere on the body singly or in groups. Almost all adults have at least a few; some may have up to 40. Usually appearing as a dark brown spot, a mole may also be blue, black, pink, or flesh-colored or may be raised and highly visible. Some may change over time or even gradually disappear. Whatever their color or shape, most moles are harmless and cause no symptoms other than discomfort when they rub against something.
Skin tags, similar to moles, are harmless, soft pieces of skin that stick out on a thin stem. Often appearing on the neck, armpits, body folds, and upper trunk, the cause of skin tags is unknown.
Surgical mole removal is an effective procedure for improving cosmetic appearance and dealing with suspicions of skin cancer. Call us at CSDERM today to schedule an evaluation:
When should I have a mole checked?
Your dermatologist may become concerned if one of your moles has changed shape or color, which may indicate skin cancer. Most moles are less than a ¼-inch in size, so any larger mole should be checked by your doctor. Identifying and treating skin cancers early helps avoid spreading the cancerous cells to other body parts. Uncommon moles, also called dysplastic nevi, may:
- be larger than a pencil eraser
- have an unusual shape – not round
- have more than one color, such as mixes of brown, red, pink, and tan
New moles may also be a concern, as most facial moles are present at birth. While some moles may appear later in life, any new moles appearing after age 50 should be looked at by a dermatologist. Sun exposure, pregnancy, and certain steroid drug therapies may also affect mole color.
What is the testing and treatment process?
If your dermatologist is concerned about a mole’s appearance, it will be excised and sent to a lab to be checked for cancer. Moles may also be removed for cosmetic reasons.
How is a mole removed?
Depending on the size, location, and shape, moles may be removed in several ways.
Cutting
With smaller nevi, the growth is cut or ‘shaved’ off flush with the skin with a scalpel or surgical scissors, while larger moles may require cutting out and stitching of wound edges. Very large nevi may require gradual removal, in which case your physician will remove a little more at each appointment until the entire growth is removed. This more significant procedure requires a skin graft from another body part.
Freezing
A mole may also be removed with liquid nitrogen. The doctor sprays a small amount of ultra-cold liquid nitrogen on a mole or skin tag, causing a small blister to form. When it heals, the mole will be gone.
Burning
Moles or skin tags may be burned off using an electric current passing through a hot wire. The area is first numbed with an anesthetic, and the heat helps prevent bleeding. Freezing and burning do not normally leave scars or marks.
Reference: webmd.com
How long will the treatment take?
Unless it is very large, a single mole can usually be removed during an office visit. Several moles or a very large mole may require additional visits.
What should I expect afterwards?
Typically, once a mole is removed, it will not return. If the mole grows back immediately, make a return appointment with your dermatologist, as this could be a sign of melanoma.
Can I remove a mole at home?
It would be best if you did not try to shave off a mole at home for several reasons:
- a doctor should always check the mole for signs of cancer; if you remove it at home and it is cancerous, some of the cancer cells may stay in the skin or spread
- you could cause an infection
- you could scar or disfigure your skin
Our dermatology clinic locations
We offer medical dermatology at four CSDERM locations:
Central Colorado Springs
170 Parkside Dr
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Phone: (719) 471-1763
North Colorado Springs
2060 Briargate Pkwy, Ste 150
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Phone: (719) 471-1763
Pueblo
406 North Main St
Pueblo, CO 81003
Phone: (719) 566-0176
Cañon City
1332 Bauer Ln
Cañon City, CO 81212
Phone: (719) 275-7485