At Affinity Dermatology, we strive to help patients take pride in their skin. While certain moles and bumps on the skin are entirely normal, others may need to be removed if they pose a serious health risk. Some patients may prefer that benign, or not malignant, moles be removed cosmetically. If you are interested in this cosmetic procedure, make sure to work with one of the best dermatologists in Frisco, Texas!
What is a Mole or Skin Tag?
Moles, seborrheic keratoses, lentigines (singular: lentigo, also known as a sunspot), and skin tags are common skin growths. These growths are typically brown but may also be red, pink, black, purple, tan, skin-colored, or colorless. These are generally round or oval, flat or slightly raised, but they should not change significantly in size or shape over time.
They are often benign (non-cancerous), but the experienced dermatologist and physician assistant at Affinity Dermatology is here to assist you. We can help distinguish which moles are benign and which are potentially cancerous.
Mole or Skin Tag Removal
While most moles or tags do not require removal, a dermatologist can help identify which moles may indicate a possible health risk for cancer. Furthermore, Dr. Carter and her team can help remove a mole that a patient might find unattractive, causes discomfort or looks like potential cancer.
Suspicious features of a mole can be tracked using your ABCDEs:
- Asymmetry – This can be an issue if one side of the mark is different from the other.
- An irregular Border – Poorly-defined or fuzzy borders of the mole can indicate a cancer.
- Color – A multi-colored mole, or a mole that suddenly becomes darker, multicolored or loses color in some areas may be cancerous.
- Diameter – Moles larger than 1/4 inch, or the size of a pencil eraser, should prompt close monitoring.
- Evolution/Everything Else – Changes in the appearance of a mole, irregular bleeding, itching, or pain, may indicate a lesion suspicious for cancer. Meeting 2 to 3 or more of these signs should prompt a visit and evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist.
If you have any concerns over a mole, particularly with a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of blistering sunburns and extensive sun exposure, you should have a skin check annually. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to schedule your skin check.
Causes and Treatments
Moles develop when cells that produce pigment grow in clusters or clumps. Almost all adults have some sort of mole or skin tag that is likely harmless and has no cause for concern.
Removal methods include biopsy removal, excision, cryotherapy, electrocautery, and laser, such as the Aerolase or Cutera Xeo IPL.
Symptoms
You will likely know if you have a mole since they are widely evident. A mole has these traits:
- One color
- Round in shape
- Flat or raised
- It looks the same as time passes