What are moles?
Formally called nevi, moles are simply little clusters of pigmented cells that can appear anywhere on the body. Everyone has moles and easily recognizes them. While the majority of moles are harmless and should cause no alarm, some can develop into skin cancer, making it crucial to be on the safe side and have all your moles examined.
How are moles formed?
Normally, melanin (your skin’s pigment) is what gives your skin color. It is produced by cells called melanocytes. When the melanocytes grow in a cluster, they create a mole.
How do I know if my moles are harmless?
Most of the time, moles are generally harmless. But, it never hurts to have all of them checked. The ones that typically should give rise to a checkup include those with which you were born (congenital nevi) as well as atypical moles (those that are irregular in their shape, change colors, or are of a larger size, that is, bigger than a pencil eraser) because these can be precursors of skin cancer. Basically, when looking at moles, think of the ABCDE Rule:
- Asymmetry: if a lesion does not look the same on both sides if it were divided in half
- Border: if the edges are blurry or jagged
- Color: if there are color changes or multiple colors within a lesion
- Diameter: if the lesion is larger than ¼” in diameter
- Elevation: If the lesion is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface
What is the best treatment for moles?
A full body check is the first course of action when it comes to treating moles. For the ones that are questionable, one of our skilled physicians will excise them to have them biopsied and examined for cancer. If the results are positive, they will make a recommendation for the best course of action for treating skin cancer.
What is the cost of treating moles in Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, FL?
The cost of treating moles varies depending on the extent of the skin condition. Our staff is happy to help you determine if health insurance will cover all or part of the costs. We can also help you with financing options.
What do I do to get started treating moles?
It is important to schedule a private consultation so that we can evaluate your moles and make a recommendation for the most effective way to treat them.
Additional Skin Condition Treatments Available:
- Acne
- Athlete’s Foot
- Psoriasis
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Shingles
- Keloids
- Lichen Planus
- Warts
The physicians and staff at Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center in Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale provide personalized care for all our Cosmetic Laser Dermatology patients. We use the most advanced technologies in dermatology to help our patients maintain optimum skin health and restore self-confidence by revitalizing their appearance. To receive more information or schedule a consultation, give us a call at 561.886.0970 to speak with our friendly staff.