Moles are usually brown or black and they are growths that can appear anywhere on the skin, either alone or in clusters. There are two different groups of moles, the first being Congenital Nevi which are moles that are present at birth. Moles can develop into skin cancer depending on how large they become. The second group is Atypical Dysplastic Nevi which are moles that have an irregular shape and different shades of colors. The more moles that an individual has, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer.
What Causes Moles?
Typically, when skin cells develop they spread throughout the skin. But if these new skin cells do not spread, they become clumped together causing a mole. While moles start out as a lighter color, they may darken over time due to pregnancy, sun exposure or puberty. It is very important that you keep an eye on the moles that are on your body and new moles that may form. If you see a mole changing or growing larger you should consult one of our dermatologists right away.
What are Treatment Options?
If you are worried about a mole on your body or it has become irritating, our expert dermatologists will let you know your treatment options. If the mole looks suspicious we can do a biopsy to see if it may be cancerous. If it is cancerous, we will remove it by surgical excision or surgical shave depending on the severity. If you are worried about a suspicious mole on your body, come into our offices today for a consultation.
