Mole Removal
Mole Removal in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Pittsboro & Sanford, NC
There are many reasons why your dermatologist might recommend removing a mole. Whether it’s causing you issues by being in a sensitive place or it’s infected and possibly cancerous, there are all types of reasons that may lead to a mole being removed. It’s important to talk to our dermatologists and keep an eye on your moles so that you know when it may be time for a mole to be removed.
When To Visit a Dermatologist About Moles
Moles can be a sign of skin cancer, so you should visit a dermatologist if you notice a mole that is:
- Large, with a diameter of 6 millimeters or greater
- Uneven, with ragged, poorly defined borders
- Asymmetrically shaped, where both sides are not uniform with each other
- Itching, burning, painful, bleeding, or oozing
- Recurrent, and has grown back after the previous removal
What To Expect When You Visit a Dermatologist for Moles
Our dermatologist will perform a thorough skin check of your body, looking for abnormal moles and other skin abnormalities. Our dermatologist may recommend removing the entire mole or taking a small tissue sample. The sample may be sent off for a biopsy to determine whether cancerous cells are present.
Should You Consider Getting a Mole Removed?
The most common reason for a mole being removed is because it may be cancerous. You should keep an eye on all of your moles at home and check for any changes. You should contact your dermatologist if you notice a mole that is asymmetrical, has irregular borders, isn’t uniform in color, has a diameter larger than the eraser on a pencil, or that changes size, shape, or color. Your dermatologist will be able to examine your moles and determine whether or not it needs to be removed.
Mole removal is usually fairly simple and can be done in a number of different ways. Mole removal may be done through:
- Freezing- This uses liquid nitrogen to remove a mole.
- Burning- Your dermatologist will use an electric current to burn off the upper layers of a noncancerous mole.
- Shaving- This is done using a surgical blade. The skin’s surface is shaved off of the mole.
- Excision- This process goes deeper than the others to remove the entire mole. The skin is then stitched back together. This is typically done for cancerous moles.
Mole removal can also be done for moles that are constantly irritated by rubbing or clothes, or for moles that are unsightly and distracting.
Are you concerned if a mole on your body is cancerous? Contact our team at Central Dermatology Center in our Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Pittsboro, or Sanford, NC office today at (919) 401-1994!