A mole is a raised growth on the skin that appears darker than the rest of skin due to a higher concentration of melanin. While most moles are harmless, any changes in color, shape, or size should be checked out by a licensed dermatologist. If the mole is found to be cancerous, or if it is causing other health issues, the patient may need Mole Removal in Fairfax County VA.
Moles
Most moles appear on the body before the age of 25. It is not uncommon for a person to have between 10 and 40 moles by the time they become an adult. There are three groups of moles: regular and symmetrical, irregular (also known as atypical), and cancerous moles.
Congenital and Dysplastic Nevi
Congenital nevi are moles that a person is born with, and depending on the size, this type of mole is at a slightly higher risk for becoming cancerous at some point. Dysplastic nevi are larger and more irregularly shaped moles that form on the body after birth. These moles often turn into melanoma, especially if a person has more than 10 of them on the body, and they usually require Mole Removal in Fairfax County VA.
Dermatologist
Whenever the skin is involved, an individual should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, who is a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating skin disorders. Any unusual spots or changes in moles or the skin may signal health issues that should be addressed. The dermatology team at Tamjidi Skin Institute can diagnose and treat all concerns of the skin, including cosmetic issues, aging concerns, and checking for any type of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Screening
One of the things that a dermatologist will look at during a screening for skin cancer is moles. By examining them, and the rest of a person’s skin, a dermatologist can catch any suspicious spots early on. The dermatologist may use a dermatoscope with a light on it to get a clearer, magnified picture of what’s being examined and, if any spots raise a concern, a biopsy will be performed on them.
Skin is the largest organ in the body, and it is always changing. Addressing any concerns early on can help to keep it healthy. If anything suspicious is noted, a biopsy should be performed to determine if it’s cancerous or benign. Visit our Google+ page for more information.
