Almost everyone has a mole or two. Though most are benign, you should have your moles checked regularly by a dermatologist who can screen them for signs of skin cancer. The Elite Dermatology team offers mole checks at their practice locations throughout the greater Houston area, empowering patients to take a preventative and proactive role in managing their skin health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Mole Check?
A mole check is a type of skin examination performed to assess the appearance of moles and determine whether they are healthy and benign or if medical intervention is needed to protect the patient from the risk of skin cancer. Regular mole checks can help identify early signs of skin cancer and improve treatment outcomes.
What Are Moles?
Moles are a type of skin growth that are usually brown or black in color. They typically appear on your body during childhood up through your mid-20s. It’s normal to have as many as 40 moles on your body. Over time, moles can change shape and size, become raised, or even disappear.
Most moles aren’t harmful to your health. However, a mole that looks different from your other moles, changes in appearance, and/or develops after age 25 should be checked by a board-certified dermatologist at Elite Dermatology.
Who Should See a Dermatologist for a Mole Check?
Anyone with one or more moles should have the experts at Elite Dermatology examine their skin each year to monitor their moles for signs of skin cancer. Patients who notice changes in the appearance of a mole should contact our office to schedule a mole check, even if it’s been less than a year since their previous check. Early intervention is often key for the successful treatment of skin cancer, including melanoma, so it is important to make mole checks part of your preventative healthcare strategy.
What Happens During a Mole Check Visit?
During a mole check, a qualified and experienced medical provider at Elite Dermatology will thoroughly examine your skin and your moles. Our providers look for any abnormalities that may indicate early signs of skin cancer, using the ABCDEs:
- Asymmetry: A healthy mole should be symmetrical.
- Borders: Even borders usually indicate a benign mole.
- Color: A healthy mole is typically a single shade of color.
- Diameter: Benign moles are usually about the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolving: Healthy moles maintain a consistent size, shape, and color.
Regular visits to Elite Dermatology for mole checks allow the team to get to know your skin and your moles, so they can easily identify any changes that may be of concern.
What Happens If Abnormalities Are Identified?
If abnormalities are identified during your mole check, the mole(s) in question may need to be removed. Our medical provider will create a treatment plan based on an in-depth assessment of the irregularities, your medical history, and other factors.
If a mole looks cancerous, the most common course of action is to remove it by cutting it out or shaving it off. It will then be sent out for biopsy. We will contact you once the results of your biopsy come back and will make appropriate treatment recommendations as needed.
Schedule a Mole Check at Elite Dermatology
The experts at Elite Dermatology are exceptionally qualified to identify and treat abnormal moles. For your convenience, we offer mole checks and comprehensive medical dermatology services for other skin conditions at our practice locations in Fulshear, Heights, Vintage Park, Kingwood, Pearland, and River Oaks. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and access the personalized care you deserve.
