It is not unusual for patients to have moles, which are skin growths that re often present at birth. However, patients wrongly believe that all moles are cancerous. Most moles are benign, but skin cancer is often spotted in moles that have changed in shape, size, color, or border. Regardless, patients with a mole in a highly noticeable area, such as the face, or one that is in the folds of the skin and causing discomfort may be interested in learning about mole removal options. At The Menkes Clinic, patients can discuss the benefits of mole removal with our team.
What are moles?
Moles, or “nevi,” are growths that may be present on the skin. They are often brown in color and raised. They can develop anywhere on the skin, including noticeable areas where patients will often consider removal.
How are moles removed?
There are a few ways in which benign or cancerous moles can be removed. This includes:
- Laser therapies
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
- Surgery (manual excision)
The type of removal chosen for a growth will be determined based on the size and location of the mole. During a consultation appointment and initial evaluation, if our doctors are concerned that a mole might be changing and a sign of cancer, a small portion of the mole will be manually removed and sent off for testing. This is called a biopsy and is the method used by dermatologists to spot areas of skin cancer.
5 Signs to have a mole checked
If you’ve noticed a mole on your skin that seems different from the rest, it might be time to get it checked by a dermatologist. Here are the top five signs to watch for:
- Size Changes – If the mole grows larger over time, especially beyond 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Asymmetry – One half of the mole doesn’t match the other, which can be a warning sign.
- Irregular Borders – Blurred, jagged, or uneven edges may indicate something unusual.
- Color Variations – If the mole has multiple colors, such as shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue, it should be evaluated
- Changes in Sensation – If the mole starts to itch, bleed, or feel painful, it’s important to get it checked.
Early detection is crucial, as these changes could indicate skin cancer, including melanoma, which is most treatable when caught early.
Ready to remove one or more moles from your skin?
The team at The Menkes Clinic can help. We serve both new and current patients in our state-of-the-art facility conveniently located at 2490 Hospital Drive, Suite #201 in Mountain View, CA. Call us today to request an appointment with our team and take a proactive approach to skincare! Our friendly front office team can be reached at (650) 962-4600.
