Mole Biopsies & Removal
Moles are brown or flesh growths, usually round or oval, that can appear anywhere on the skin. They can be rough or smooth, flat or raised, single or in multiples. Generally, moles are less than one-quarter inch in size. Most moles appear by the age of 30, although some moles may appear throughout life.
Most moles are harmless. Should a mole change in size, shape, color or texture, itch, burn, hurt or bleed, it may be indicative of a precancerous or cancerous change. Moles that have the potential of becoming cancerous at some point in one's lifetime include:
- Congenital Nevi
Moles present at birth or soon after. The larger their size, the greater the risk for developing into a skin cancer. - Atypical Dysplastic Nevi
Asymmetrically shaped moles that have irregular borders and color variation. They may be any size but most commonly range from 3 to 15mm. People with many dysplastic nevi may have an inherited form of developing these moles known as dysplastic nevus syndrome. These people are at greater risk of developing malignant melanoma - a skin cancer with metastatic potential.
Signs of Changes in Moles
People with 50 or more moles are at a greater lifetime risk for developing a skin cancer.
Any mole, whether new or present from birth, may start to change. Signs of change which warrant a visit to the dermatologist for further analysis include itching, burning, pain or bleeding, or change in color or size of the mole. It is important to monitor your moles monthly. Dr. Oshman recommends you do a visual check of your body once a month at home. Do not forget to include areas that don't have sun exposure (such as the scalp, armpits or bottoms of feet) when examining your skin.
When to Call Dr. Oshman
People with 50 or more moles are at a greater lifetime risk for developing a skin cancer.
The following changes should be brought to the attention of Dr. Oshman:
- Asymmetry: Half the mole does not match the other half in size, shape or color.
- Border: The edges of moles are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
- Color: The mole is not the same color throughout.
- Diameter: The mole is usually greater than the size of an eraser head, but may also be smaller.
- Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that is different from the rest or changes in size, shape, or color or begins to itch, burn, hurt or bleed.
If any of these conditions occur, please make an appointment to see Dr. Oshman right away. A biopsy of the mole may be necessary to determine if it is cancerous.
Any mole, whether new or present from birth, may start to change. Signs of change which warrant a visit to the dermatologist for further analysis include itching, burning, pain or bleeding, or change in color or size of the mole. It is important to monitor your moles monthly. Dr. Oshman recommends you do a visual check of your body once a month at home. Do not forget to include areas that don't have sun exposure (such as the scalp, armpits or bottoms of feet) when examining your skin.