The vast majority of moles are not dangerous.  The only time they are of medical concern are when they look different than other existing moles or those that first appear after age 30.  If you notice changes in the color, height, size, or shape of the mole, consult with a Beverly Hills dermatologist especially if there is bleeding, oozing, itching, or they become tender or painful.

Examine your skin or ask someone to help you. Look for any areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest, neck, face, and ears.

If a mole does not change over time, there is little reason for concern.  If you see any signs of change in an existing mole, if you have a new mole, or if you want a mole to be removed for cosmetic reasons, talk to your dermatologist.

Here are some important characteristics to consider when examining moles.  If a mole displays any of the signs listed below, see a dermatologist right away to have it checked to see if it could be cancerous.

[checklist icon=”fa-times-circle” iconcolor=”” circle=”” circlecolor=”#65c2f0″ size=”small” class=”” id=””][li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other half.[/li_item][li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Border. The border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular.
[/li_item][li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Color. The color of the mole is not the same throughout or has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red.[/li_item][li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Diameter. The diameter of a mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil.[/li_item][li_item icon=”fa-times-circle-o”]Evolution. The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.[/li_item][/checklist]

If a dermatologist believes a mole needs to be evaluated further or removed entirely, they will either remove the entire mole or first take a small tissue sample of the mole to examine. This is a simple procedure. (If the dermatologist thinks the mole might be cancerous, cutting through the mole will not cause the cancer to spread.)

If the mole is found to be cancerous, and only a small section of tissue was taken, the dermatologist will remove the entire mole by cutting out the entire mole and a rim of normal skin around it, and stitching the wound closed.

The Kopelson Clinic can advise you about how to get rid of moles, and offers a number of solutions to remove moles. Peter Kopelson, M.D. and Sheri G. Feldman, M.D. are both expert diagnosticians either of whom can safely perform mole removal procedures.

Click here or contact The Kopelson Clinic today to schedule an appointment.