A mole (also known as a nevus) is a common type of skin growth that appears as a dark or brown spot on the skin. They can vary in size and shape, and may be flat or raised. They are usually benign and do not require treatment, but in some cases they may develop into skin cancer.
What causes a mole
Moles are caused by an overgrowth of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. They may
- appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp, face, neck, and torso
- appear at birth but may also develop later on in a person’s life
- show up alone or in groups
- change in appearance or size over time
- darken as a result of puberty, pregnancy or increased sun exposure.
Is it necessary to have a skin check?
It is recommended that adults perform self-skin checks every three months and make an appointment for a full skin check every year.
A dermatoscope may be used during a skin check. It is a specialized handheld instrument used to examine the skin in detail, and is non-invasive and painless. It consists of a magnifying lens and a light source that helps to see the structures beneath the skin’s surface clearly. Suspicious growths or lesions that may not be visible to the naked eye can be identified.
Dermatoscopes are an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, and it is used at Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skin Care.
- It can help to improve the accurate diagnosis and early detection of skin cancer.
- It helps to reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies.
Most moles are considered benign (non-cancerous), but some may eventually develop into a type of skin cancer called melanoma. It’s important to monitor them for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture. The ABCDE system to determine if your mole may be cause for concern is a recommended guideline.
If a mole appears to be changing or growing, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as itching or bleeding, it’s important to have it assessed by a surgical dermatologist. When in doubt, check it out.
What to expect if the mole needs to be removed
Dr. Novikov can remove a mole as an office procedure. His expertise as a skin specialist and surgical dermatologist allows for expert removal techniques and precise attention to detail. This results in minimal scarring.
Surgery ensures complete removal, minimal chance of the lesion returning, and allows analysis of the tissue to ensure there is no abnormal or unhealthy tissue. By applying expert surgical techniques and precise attention to detail of a surgical dermatologist, Dr Novikov can surgically remove moles with minimal scarring. Mole removal by a non- surgeon (such as a cosmetic physician) or using non-traditional methods, like laser, may result in a greater risk of scarring and a worse overall outcome.
As a surgeon, Dr. Novikov does not use lasers to remove skin lesions. Laser causes collateral damage to an area wider than the initial lesion, resulting in a wider scar. Laser also results in a burn injury, with the skin taking longer to heal and resulting in a higher risk of hypertrophic and keloid scarring. Furthermore, using laser results in the skin lesion not being able to be analyzed for cancer.
Is it time for your annual skin check or do you have a concerning mole? Call Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skin Care at 508-936-1657 to schedule an appointment.