Moles

If you have suspicious-looking moles or ones you simply don’t like, see the experts at Redwood Empire Dermatology. The skilled dermatology team offers mole removal at their offices in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, and Oakmont, California. Call the office nearest you or use the online scheduler to book an appointment today.

What are moles?

Moles are common skin lesions that are sometimes cancerous. Moles vary in size, shape, and appearance. Many people have between 10 and 40 moles, but everyone is different. If you have a mole that changes in appearance or looks unusual, see the Redwood Empire Dermatology team for an evaluation. 

What do moles look like?

Moles may look like:

• Brown, black, red, pink, tan, or skin-colored spots
• Spots with hair in the middle
• Raised bumps
• Spots with irregular borders
• Lesions with darker dots in the middle

Some moles are very tiny, and others are large or elevated from the surface of the rest of your skin. If you have a mole that grows larger, scabs, has multiple colors, is larger than 6 millimeters in diameter, itches, or bleeds, see your dermatologist for an evaluation to determine if it’s cancerous.

What are the risk factors for moles?

Nearly everyone has multiple moles. Factors that increase your chance of developing new moles include:

• Older age
• Frequent sun exposure
• Family or personal history of moles
• Fair skin

Protecting your skin from the sun using protective clothing or sunscreen is the best way to reduce your risk of new or cancerous moles. 

How does my dermatologist diagnose moles?

Your Redwood Empire Dermatology specialist diagnoses moles after reviewing your medical history and examining your moles. They may use a magnifier (called a dermatoscope) to evaluate it more closely. To find out if a mole is cancerous, they remove all or part of the mole and send it to a laboratory for analysis.

How are moles treated?

If you have a non-cancerous mole that doesn’t bother you, no treatment is needed. However, some cancerous moles must be removed to reduce the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of your body. You might choose to have a mole removed if it’s raised above the rest of your skin and catches on clothing and jewelry or if it makes you feel self-conscious.

To remove a mole, the Redwood Empire Dermatology team numbs the treatment area and freezes, shaves, uses a laser, or cuts the mole from your skin to remove it. If needed, they stitch the treatment area closed with minimal scarring. Your specialist personalizes each mole-removal treatment to match your needs and preferences.

If you have suspicious or unsightly moles, call the Redwood Empire Dermatology office or use the online booking tool today.