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Nearly everyone has moles — those small, often dark spots on the skin. While most are completely harmless, some may change in ways that signal a problem. At Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, Seth Goodman, DO, and Matt Goodman, MD, have the expertise to distinguish between harmless moles and those that may need medical attention. They can spot potential concerns early and take the necessary steps to protect your skin’s health. They can also safely remove unwanted moles. If you have moles, book an appointment at the Sun City West and Sun City, Arizona, office today. Call or schedule online.
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What are moles?
Moles are common skin growths made up of clusters of pigmented cells called melanocytes. They typically show up as small, round, or oval marks on the skin and may be brown, black, pink, or close to your natural skin tone.
It's common to have 10-40 moles by the time you reach adulthood. They can be flat or elevated, smooth or textured, and sometimes, contain hair.
While most moles are harmless, you should monitor them for any changes over time.
What are the signs of an abnormal mole?
An abnormal mole may look different from your other moles or show signs that raise concern for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. To help spot moles that may be a cause for concern, dermatologists often rely on the ABCDE rule.
Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the otherBorder: edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
Color: uneven color or multiple shades (red, white, brown, black, or blue)Diameter: larger than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller
Evolving: change in size, shape, color, or behavior, such as itching, bleeding, or crusting
If you notice any of these signs, book an appointment with the Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery team to check your moles.
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What causes moles?
Moles form when melanocytes grow in clusters rather than being evenly spread throughout the skin. They can be caused by genetics, sun exposure, or hormonal changes such as puberty or pregnancy.
Some individuals have moles at birth, while others develop them as they age. If you’re fair-skinned or have a family history of atypical moles or skin cancer, you may be more prone to developing concerning moles.
How are moles treated or removed?
Most moles don’t need treatment unless they’re bothersome, irritating, or show signs of abnormality. If a mole needs to be removed, your dermatologist may recommend one of the following options.
Surgical excision
Your provider removes the entire mole surgically and closes the area with stitches.
Shave removal
Your provider uses a small blade to remove the mole at skin level.
If you have a suspicious mole, your dermatologist sends it to a lab for biopsy to check for cancer.
If you have concerns about moles, contact the Goodman Dermatology office by phone or online today for a skin check.