Levy Dermatology is a team of providers dedicated to improving your skin health. Skin cancer screenings and identifying potentially harmful moles are an important part of skincare. We specialize in mole removal in Memphis, TN, also serving Collierville and Jackson, TN, to protect patients from skin cancer.
What Is a Mole?
A mole is made of a cluster of skin cells called melanocytes. These are the cells that produce the pigment in our skin, creating a dark spot. Moles can appear anywhere on the body. Most people have moles and many moles are harmless, so how do you know when a mole should be removed?
Does My Mole Need To Be Removed?
Your dermatologist examines your moles using a guide published by The American Academy of Dermatology for how to identify a potentially cancerous mole. They look for the following characteristics:
- Asymmetrical - a mole that does not match the other half of itself in size, shape, or color
- Border - the edges of a mole look irregular, jagged, or poorly defined
- Color - variations in the color of a mole
- Diameter - moles greater than 6 millimeters across
- Evolving - moles that change in size, shape, or color
Mole Removal Methods
Your dermatologist can remove a mole in several ways. The best treatment for your mole will depend on the mole's location, size, and risk of spreading cancer. We use:
- Excision is usually recommended for cancerous moles to stop the spread of cancer. Your doctor uses a numbing agent before cutting the mole out.
- Freezing off a mole is done with liquid nitrogen.
- Shaving involves using a thin blade to shave off the outer layers of a mole.
- The Burning method uses an electric current, which burns off the top layers of the mole.
We will remove moles that could become cancerous, but your dermatologist can also remove bothersome moles. If you have a mole in a location that always rubs against clothing or other skin, ask your Memphis dermatologist about mole removal.
Get Mole Removal Today
Come to Levy Dermatology for mole removal in Memphis, Collierville, or Jackson, TN, when you need a mole removed. Examine your moles regularly and see your dermatologist at least annually for a skin cancer screening.
Contact us for an appointment at (901) 624-3333.