Moles are a common skin condition, and they are usually nothing to worry about. Moles can also be a sign of skin cancer, but you need to know what to look for. Your dermatologist can help. The dermatologists at Gardens Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, offer a wide range of dermatology services, including mole removal. 

What You Need To Know About Moles 

Melanocytes are a type of skin cell responsible for skin color. When melanocytes clump together, a mole forms. Moles are usually uniformly shaped, brown or black circular spots on your skin. When you have an abnormal mole, it’s time to seek out the expertise of a dermatologist. An abnormal mole is a mole that is: 

• Larger than 6 millimeters in diameter 
• Irregularly shaped with ragged borders 
• Itching, burning, or painful 
• Bleeding or oozing 
• Regrowing after previous removal 

It’s a good idea to check your skin regularly for any moles with abnormal characteristics, like those listed above. When you visit the dermatologist for your moles, your dermatologist will remove the mole completely or take a small sample of the mole for a tissue biopsy. The biopsy determines whether the mole is benign, precancerous, or cancerous. 

Our dermatologist may use Mohs micrographic technology. Mohs treatment involves removing tissue one layer at a time and examining it under a microscope for abnormal cells. The process continues until a normal layer of cells is found. Mohs micrographic technique is conservative because only abnormal tissue is removed. The result is an excellent cosmetic outcome. 

Most moles are benign, but it’s important to visit our dermatologist as soon as you can. Early diagnosis is vital to effectively treating skin cancer. 

Want To Know More? 

To learn more about when to see a dermatologist about your moles, talk with an expert. Call the dermatologists at Gardens Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. You can reach them in the office by calling (561) 776-7041, so call today.