How your dermatologists in East Greenwich, RI, can help you protect yourself against skin cancer
Everyone has moles. They happen when the cells that cause skin color, called melanocytes, clump together. Most moles are normal, but there are some signs and symptoms your mole might be the start of a more serious condition, such as skin cancer. Fortunately, the dermatologists here at South County Dermatology in East Greenwich, RI, offer skin cancer screening and mole removal to help protect you against skin cancer.
More about skin cancer
You should examine your moles regularly, and you should make a note of any moles that have:
- A diameter greater than 6 millimeters
- An asymmetrical, or non-uniform shape
- Ragged, irregular borders
- A noticeable change in color, size, height, or shape
You should seek out help from your dermatologist if any of your moles have the characteristics listed above, especially if you have a mole that is itching, burning, or is painful. Moles that are oozing fluid or bleeding should also be checked out as soon as possible.
Your dermatologist may recommend removing a mole and doing a biopsy of the mole tissue to determine if the mole is abnormal, precancerous, or cancerous. Mole removal is a simple, outpatient procedure, during which the area is numbed completely and removed by:
- Shaving the mole by cutting underneath and around the mole; this procedure is best for small moles and doesn’t require sutures.
- Excising the mole using a punching instrument to remove the mole completely; sutures are typically needed for this procedure.
Concerned? Give us a call
Keep an eye on your moles and regularly check your skin. As always, use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 if you are spending a lot of time outside. To learn more about moles and mole removal, skin cancer, and other dermatology topics, talk with the experts. Call the dermatologists of South County Dermatology in East Greenwich, RI, at (401) 471-3376. Call today!