Why Should I Get a Mole Removed?

Find out whether your moles are healthy or may need to be removed.moles

Moles are common skin growths that most people have at least one of, if not a few. While those with fairer skin may sport more moles than someone with darker skin, it’s important that if you do have moles that you can continue to monitor them regularly for any changes. Our East Greenwich, RI, dermatologists, Dr. Robert Dyer and Dr. Vincent Criscione, are here to tell you the telltale warning signs that may mean it’s time to have that mole removed.

Most of the moles that we have on our bodies appeared during childhood or our teen years. Moles come in a variety of different sizes and colors. Of course, if you are starting to notice any changes to a mole this could be an early warning sign of melanoma, a very serious type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

You should schedule a consultation with our East Greenwich skin doctor if you have:

  • An asymmetrical mole (if you were to draw a line down the middle of mole, both sides would be symmetrical in size and shape, if they aren’t this could be an early warning sign)
  • A mole that contains several different colors
  • A mole that itches, bleeds or scabs over or becomes raised
  • A mole that has a fuzzy, poorly defined border
  • A mole that is larger than the eraser end of a pencil

Everyone from children to adults should come in once a year to get a full skin cancer screening. While you should certainly be examining your skin on your own and checking moles once a month this thorough professional evaluation will ensure that if there is melanoma present that it’s detected and treated right away.

Of course, not all moles are cancerous but patients just find them unsightly or a nuisance. If you have a mole that makes you feel uncomfortable to bear your arms in the summer or you have a mole on your face, then you may just want to have it removed to improve your appearance. Luckily, a mole can easily be removed right here in our office. While you should never try and remove a mole at home, our dermatologists can easily perform a simple surgical procedure to remove the mole and stitch up the area. A mole can often be removed in just one visit.

If in doubt, call South County Dermatology in East Greenwich, RI, to find out if you need to have a mole removed. No matter whether you are noticing any changes to the mole or it’s in a less-than-ideal spot, we can help.

Our Location

Find us on the map