What is a Mole?

Moles, also medically known as melanocyte nevi, are skin lesions that we develop naturally throughout our life. Almost everyone has a few moles. Hormonal changes, especially during adolescence or pregnancy, often cause more moles to appear and existing ones to enlarge or darken. Moles can be classified as either typical or atypical.

Typical moles, might be unwanted cosmetically

Typical moles which have not changed in shape and color for years may be a “beauty mark” to some or annoying and unappealing to others. If you don’t like your moles cosmetically, come in for a complimentary consultation to learn about your removal options.

Above, you can see the before and after photos from one of our mole removal cases. If you have an unwanted mole that you do not like cosmetically and you would like to have it removed, simply give us a call to schedule a free consultation. We will educate you about how easily it can be removed and usually with a barely visible mark or scar. Learn more about typical moles and cosmetic mole removal.

Atypical Moles, might be Suspicious for cancer

Atypical moles are unusual looking moles, also known as dysplastic nevi. Such a mole may resemble melanoma; diagnosis can be confirmed only with a skin biopsy and not with naked eye or evaluation with a dermoscope. In general, these types of moles are not cancerous themselves but their presence is a sign of increased risk of developing melanoma in a mole or elsewhere on the body. The risk of a single atypical mole to become cancerous is 1/100 compare to an ordinary mole to become cancerous 1/3000. If you have such a suspicious mole then you inherited increased chance of developing melanoma and you need to be well educated regarding your knowledge of Melanoma and have regular skin check by your doctor.

Other Skin Lesions That Look Like a Mole