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How Does Your Specialist Determine if Moles Are an Issue

Skin moles that are typical and benign don’t need to be eliminated (doing so will leave a scar). If Dr. William T. Long believes the mole to be problematic, he will do a skin biopsy in which a little sample of the mole is removed for microscopic examination. In most cases, a diagnosis may be determined in less than a week. If a malignant mole is discovered, it must be thoroughly removed.

An overview of skin moles

Skin moles are growths that can range in color from your normal skin tone to brown or black. Moles can occur on your skin or mucous membranes, either individually or in clusters. Most skin lesions develop within the first 20 years of life and early infancy. An average mole survives for roughly 50 years. Moles often gradually shift over time, becoming higher and lighter in color. The mole frequently grows hair. Additionally, some moles won’t change, while others will vanish progressively over time.

Various types of moles

Moles come in three primary categories:

  1. Congenital moles: The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) estimates that one in every 100 newborns is born with congenital moles. Congenital moles can be flat and come in different colors, but they often don’t progress to malignancy.
  2. Acquired moles: The moles that appear later in life are called acquired moles. The majority of these are brown and have been affected by the sun. Additionally, they maintain their spherical shape as you mature. These moles can also darken with time, although they won’t always progress to melanoma.
  3. Atypical moles: Atypical moles have a higher chance of developing cancer than congenital and acquired nevi. According to the AOCD, one in ten Americans has at least one unusual nevus. Atypical moles are larger and have irregularly formed borders than congenital and acquired moles. While atypical nevi can have a range of colors, melanomas are categorized as darker moles.

Causes of a bleeding mole

Raised moles may catch on objects like jewelry and begin to bleed. They may also be irritating, and if they are scratched too vigorously, the skin may be broken. Although a bleeding mole might be uncomfortable, it is typically treatable at home. However, you should contact a doctor if a mole bleeds suddenly, especially if it also itches. Moles bleeding or resembling open sores may occasionally be signs of skin cancer.

Moles, also known as nevi, are a frequent feature of the skin. Moles are far more complicated than benign bumps on your body or malignant lesions. Although you can be born with moles, they are more likely to grow in later childhood and adulthood. Most moles do not develop into cancer, but those that do can be fatal if not detected in time. It’s crucial to know your limitations and perform self-checks. It’s also essential to contact your dermatologist if you notice any unexpected changes in your skin and to schedule routine checks with them. Call Manhattan Dermatology or book your consultation online to determine which mole therapy is ideal for you.