A dermatologist’s trained eye can often tell whether a spot is a mole. Most moles do not require treatment. A dermatologist will remove a mole that is bothersome (for example, rubs against clothing or jewelry), unattractive to a patient or most importantly, suspicious for skin cancer.

A dermatologist can usually remove a mole during an office visit, but occasionally, a patient may need to return for a second visit. Moles are safely and easily removed.

A dermatologist will use one of the following procedures:

• Surgical shave: The dermatologist uses a scalpel or dermablade (razor blade-like device) to “shave” the mole off. In most cases, a pathologist will examine your mole under a microscope. If cancer or abnormal cells are found, your dermatologist will let you know and additional surgery may be needed.
• Surgical excision: The dermatologist cuts out the entire mole with a scalpel or punch device and stitches the skin closed. A pathologist will examine your mole under a microscope. If cancer or abnormal cells are found, your dermatologist will let you know and additional surgery may be needed.

Once a mole is removed, the skin will heal, sometimes with a small scar. If the mole grows back, immediately make another appointment to see your dermatologist. This could be a warning sign for skin cancer.

Never try to remove a mole at home even if it might seem easy or more convenient.

The reasons a dermatologist should remove a mole in the office are:

• Skin cancer: If the mole contains skin cancer, some of the cancer cells may remain and even spread.
• Scarring: You can disfigure your skin causing a scar.
• Infection: A dermatologist uses sterile equipment to prevent infection

Dermatologists recommend the following to their patients:

• If you see a mole on your skin that is changing, itching or bleeding, immediately make an appointment to see a dermatologist. These are signs that you could have melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Caught early, melanoma can be successfully treated. Without treatment, melanoma can spread and lead to death
• Perform self-skin exams regularly. A self-exam can help you catch melanoma early.
• Protect your skin from the sun. It is believed that being out in the sun increases the number of moles on your skin and increases your risk for skin cancer, in general.
• Avoid the midday sun. Schedule any outdoor activities for early morning (before 10am) and later in the afternoon (after 2 pm). However, still be careful between 2 pm and 4 pm since the sun in Virginia is still damaging during those hours.
• SLATHER on sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days and in the winter. Apply sunscreen with spf of 30 or greater to all skin not covered by clothing. Remember to apply sunscreen very liberally to get the protection you need. Always apply to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors and make sure your sunscreen has broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection and is water resistant.
• Protect your skin with clothing including a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves and pants.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the surrounding skin.
• Avoid getting a tan and sunburn and never use a tanning bed or sun lamp.
• If you have atypical moles or more than 50 common moles, have a dermatologist perform regular full skin exams. People with many moles or atypical moles are at higher risk of getting melanoma.
• Join a support group if you are at higher risk of getting melanoma. People who have noticeable or unusual moles often deal with stares and whispers. Meeting with people who face similar challenges can provide emotional support. Nevus Outreach, Inc and Nevus Network are support groups for people with large and/or congenital moles.

Image property of the American Academy of Dermatology.