Mole Removal

Mole Removal Q&A

When do moles become a health concern? Most moles are harmless and remain unchanged throughout a person’s life. However, specific changes in a mole's appearance can signal a potential health concern, particularly skin cancer, such as melanoma. You should be on the lookout for moles that exhibit any of the ABCDE warning signs:
Asymmetry: one half looks different from the other
Border: edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
Color: uneven shades of brown, black, red, or even blue
Diameter: bigger than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser)
Evolving: changes in size, shape, color, or elevation over time
If a mole begins itching, bleeding, crusting, or causes pain, you should visit Dermatology of Glens Falls for medical evaluation. Early detection is vital to treating skin cancer effectively. When should I consider mole removal? Your Dermatology of Glens Falls practitioner may recommend mole removal for medical and cosmetic reasons. You should consider having a mole removed if:
It shows signs of being suspicious or potentially cancerous
It’s in an area prone to irritation from clothing, shaving, or jewelry
It causes discomfort or becomes inflamed
You don’t like the way it looks
Your dermatologist can examine the mole and determine whether removal is necessary or advisable. If your provider suspects cancer, they may perform a biopsy at the time of removal to examine the cells further. How does mole removal work? Mole removal is a straightforward outpatient procedure performed at the Dermatology of Glens Falls medical office. The two main methods of mole removal include: Shave excision Your dermatologist shaves the mole off the surface of your skin using a surgical blade. The method is often used for small, raised moles and leaves minimal scarring. Surgical excision Your dermatologist cuts out the entire mole and a small margin of surrounding skin. They use this method when there's a concern about skin cancer or if the mole is deeper. Next, they clean the area and, if necessary, close it with stitches. Recovery is generally quick, and you should be able to return to normal activities the same day. If you have moles you’re concerned about, book an appointment at Dermatology of Glens Falls today. Call or use the online scheduling feature.