How to Get Rid of a Mole
Your Levy Dermatology provider will examine your moles and determine whether any should be removed as a preventative measure. Most moles pose no risk and will not cause any harm, but if you have a mole somewhere that bothers you, you can always choose removal. Some moles might behave in a way that makes your provider want to remove them to prevent potential skin cancer. Fortunately, even odd-looking moles are typically benign, but you should let your doctor make this determination.
Your Levy Dermatologist can remove moles using a punch or shave biopsy. These methods either punch out a small area, including the mole, or shave off the layer of skin containing the melanocytes. They may choose excision if they want to remove the mole and surrounding tissue for testing. Excision is often used for moles that cause concerns about potential skin cancer.
Should I Be Concerned About My Mole?
Some moles can transform into a skin cancer called melanoma. This type of skin cancer can be dangerous. Dermatologists recommend being on the lookout for any moles that meet any of the “ABCDE” criteria:
- Asymmetrical shape
- Borders that look uneven or ragged
- Color changes
- Diameter greater than 6 mm
- Evolution or change in the mole over time
Most moles remain relatively constant, so if you notice that a mole has noticeably changed, you should contact your dermatologist. Caught early, problematic moles can be safely removed.
