Does My Mole Need To Be Removed?

A mole could be an unsightly problem that bothers you when you look at it. Although most moles aren't an indication that anything is wrong, some could be cancerous and potentially spread. At Newton Wellesley Dermatology Associates in Wellesley Hills, MA, we'd like to give you some insight on when a mole should be removed and when it's only optional.

A majority of moles are benign and never need to be addressed. However, in about seven percent of cases, they're malignant. After testing, one of our dermatology specialists can determine if your moles are malignant or benign. This is done through a biopsy. A small piece of tissue is removed during a biopsy. It's then examined closely under a microscope to look for abnormal cells.

Moles most likely to be cancerous include ones that have an irregular shape, size, or color. Be leary of moles that bleed, are itchy or sore, or begin to change quickly. Most moles remain on the skin and never change in size, color, or texture. 

A cancerous mole should be removed to prevent cancer from worsening. It can affect your deep tissue and even reach to the bones and cause disfigurement when left untreated. If it's a melanoma, it's more likely to grow and spread. This form is more likely to affect the organs in later stages. 

Could be Precancerous

While all moles are either benign or malignant, some are more likely to become cancerous. These are referred to as precancerous moles. 

A physician from our Wellesley Hills, MA, practice will determine if this is the case by examining the mole and performing a biopsy. If the mole looks or feels different than a standard one but is malignant, our practitioner will classify it as a precancerous mole. In this case, you may want to have the mole removed to prevent cancer from setting in at a later date. 

Is Bothering You

If you're bothered by a mole on your body, feel free to get it removed. Removing moles is a very basic procedure. It's quick and requires no downtime. You also won't be given a general anesthetic for this procedure because of how minimally invasive it is. 

Therefore, if you have a mole interfering with your self-confidence, feel free to contact a dermatologist to have it examined and determine the best course of action for removal.  

The doctors of Newton Wellesley Dermatology Associates in Wellesley Hills, MA, can help you decide if mole removal is right for you by examining any peculiar moles. Therefore, if you have a mole that doesn't seem right or is just bothersome, contact us today for an appointment at (781) 237-3500.