Mole Check in Draper, UT

What are Moles?

Moles are clusters of melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for skin color, which have clumped together.

Types of Moles

There are several different types of moles, including:

• Common nevus, which is a normal mole
• Congenital nevus, which develops before birth
• Dysplastic nevus, which is an irregularly shaped, larger mole that can develop into melanoma

What a Normal Mole Looks Like

A normal mole is usually small, round, and well-defined. Normal moles are typically light to medium brown.

What an Abnormal Mole Looks Like

An abnormal mole is a large mole, typically over 6 millimeters in diameter. Abnormal moles also have ragged, poorly defined borders and can itch, bleed, or ooze fluid.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is the most serious and aggressive form of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes, the same skin cells that cause moles.

Risk Factors for Melanoma

You are at greater risk of developing melanoma if you:

• Have fair skin and freckles
• Have a previous history of skin cancer
• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Spend extended periods out in the sun

How To Check Your Skin at Home

Regular self-checks of your skin are an excellent way to help detect abnormal moles. Check your skin over your entire body at least once each week and look for:

• Large moles, with a diameter over 6 millimeters
• Irregular, asymmetrical moles that have ragged borders
• Moles that have grown back after previous removal
• Moles that have changed in size, shape, or color

When To Visit Your Dermatologist

You should visit your dermatologist every 6 to 12 months for a skin exam, especially if you are an adult or senior because sun exposure accumulates over time. You may need to visit your dermatologist more often if you are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

Treatment of Moles

Most moles are normal, requiring no treatment. If your dermatologist detects an abnormal mole, they may remove part or all of the mole for a biopsy. During a biopsy, the sample is examined on a cellular level to determine if cancerous cells are present.

When You Should Have a Mole Removed

You should have a mole removed if the mole is abnormal or cancerous. You may want to have a mole removed if it is in a highly visible place.

Mole Removal Options

Your dermatologist offers several methods to remove a mole and may recommend freezing, burning, shaving, or excising the mole.

Want To Know More About Moles?

To learn more about moles and mole removal, call Dr. Angela Brimhall at Sage Dermatology & Mohs Surgery in Draper, UT. You can reach her in the office by calling (801) 882-9995, so call today.