Moles are very common, and for the most part, they are simply harmless skin growths, but in certain cases, they can become cancerous. Some are more likely to develop cancerous moles than others, depending on factors such as family history and extended exposure to the sun's rays. But it's important for everyone to learn to recognize potentially dangerous moles. Early detection typically translates to early treatment, like mole removal by our Ladera Ranch, CA, dermatologist, which can greatly reduce your chances of complications. You can learn more about your treatment and prevention options by reaching out to your local skin experts at The Dermatology Center at Ladera.
Mole Removal
If our doctor has determined that mole removal is your best treatment option it's usually because the mole is potentially cancerous or already cancerous. However, moles can also be removed if they cause discomfort.
There are a few ways that dermatologists can remove moles, which can be done by freezing, burning, or shaving off the mole with a surgical blade. Freezing removals are done with liquid nitrogen, and burning simply means using an electric current to burn off a mole.
A mole that is already shown to be cancerous can be removed by excision, which involves a more thorough removal of tissue.
When Is a Mole Cancerous?
ABCDE is a common acronym that you can use when performing a self-checkup of your own skin, the letters of which stand for asymmetry, borders that are uneven, a color that is not uniform, diameter larger than a quarter of an inch, and evolving, as in keeping track of any moles that are changing.
You can then report any issues to your dermatologist during one of your regular in-office examinations.
Mole Removal in Ladera Ranch, CA
You can dial (949) 364-8411 to schedule a visit today with our Ladera Ranch, CA, dermatologist at The Dermatology Center at Ladera to learn how to best protect your skin against skin cancer and if treatments like mole removal can help.
