Moles services offered in Mooresville, NC

You’re probably familiar with most or all of the moles on your body, especially because many of them are present from childhood. Board-certified dermatologist Blake Sanders, DO, FAAD, and his team examine moles with dermoscopy and can treat them for cosmetic purposes at Sacred Heart Dermatology in Mooresville, North Carolina. They also treat skin cancer, such as melanoma, which can affect moles. Learn more about moles and how to treat them by scheduling an appointment over the phone or online at Sacred Heart Dermatology today.

Moles Q&A

What is moles?

Moles are spots, either raised or flush against your skin that are darker than your natural skin tone. Most of them have regular colors and even borders. In many cases, they gradually grow larger over the course of your life.

While most moles are harmless features on your skin, it’s possible for skin cancer (particularly melanoma) to affect a mole because of sun damage. At Sacred Heart Dermatology, Dr. Sanders examines your moles during routine skin cancer screenings.

You should always report new moles to your dermatologist and look for any unusual changes to existing moles. If a mole changes in shape, color, symmetry, or size, it’s always a good idea to let Dr. Sanders know.

How are moles evaluated?

When you come in for a routine skin cancer screening or for an examination of a specific mole or spot that concerns you, there are a few steps you can expect. Dr. Sanders inspects every part of your body for new moles and lesions if you’re there for a screening.

To examine any moles that seem suspicious or possibly cancerous, Dr. Sanders uses dermoscopy. It’s a noninvasive test involving a magnifying instrument that lets Dr. Sanders examine your skin cells closely. Using this technique, he can detect features and cells that aren’t visible to your naked eye.

In some cases, Dr. Sanders might use a biopsy to examine a mole, removing a portion of it or the entire growth for further examination in a lab.

Can I have a mole removed?

If you have a non-cancerous mole you’d like to have removed, there are a few procedures that Dr. Sanders might recommend. He can also make recommendations or referrals for skin cancer treatment if one of your moles develops cancer.

To remove moles, Dr. Sanders uses surgical excision. This involves removing the mole and possibly a margin of skin around it with a scalpel or other sharp medical tool. Cancerous moles might require other treatments, including:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Mohs surgery (referred)
• Cryosurgery

Dr. Sanders offers you tips on how to protect your skin from UV damage and keep all of your moles healthy.

Learn more about moles and treatments for them by scheduling an appointment over the phone or online at Sacred Heart Dermatology today.