Mole Screening and Removal Near Chattanooga, TN
Moles are generally diagnosed by your dermatologist during a skin examination in which a specialized instrument, called a dermatoscope, is used to examine and diagnose different skin conditions. If any mole appears suspicious your dermatologist will perform a skin biopsy.
Our board-certified dermatologists provide medical and surgical dermatology at our dermatology office near Chattanooga, TN. To schedule a skin examination or discuss a previous diagnosis, contact Uderm at (423) 206-2777 or request an appointment online.
What Causes Moles?
Moles are caused by a collection of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. The exact reason for the formation of moles isn’t well understood. Some moles are present at birth, while others develop as an area of growth over the course of your lifetime. Many of the moles that develop during adulthood are related to sun exposure and effects on melanin production.
If a new mole appears when you’re older, or if a mole changes in appearance, you should see a dermatologist to make sure it’s not cancerous.
Atypical Moles have an asymmetrical irregular border, and they have several colors within them. The color is uneven with some areas darker. These moles can run in families, and if you have several of this type of mole, your risk of skin cancer increases.
How Are Moles Removed?
Depending on size and location, our dermatologists might remove a mole by either shaving it flat or surgically removing it. Depending on the size of the mole removed, you may need stitches. Uderm offers different mole removal options based on your diagnosis.
A shave biopsy will leave a flat scar and a surgical excision of a mole will leave a straight-line scar. The scar size will be dependent on the size of the mole removed.
A punch biopsy requires stitches, a shave biopsy does not. The type of scar that results will depend on the size of the lesion. Sometimes, if the mole is too large, a larger removal of skin, called an excision, may need to be performed.
What to Expect During a Mole Screening and Removal?
Our residency and fellowship-trained dermatologists at Uderm are equipped to give you the best possible outcome for the evaluation and possible removal of your mole(s).
If a person would like their moles examined, they can choose a full-body skin exam, in which they change into a gown and have their skin examined head to toe. If they prefer a spot check they would tell the physician what areas they would like examined.
Based on your full-body exam or spot-check your dermatologist will determine the type of removal necessary. After the procedure, you will be provided with the information needed to care for your treatment site.
Aftercare is simple and you should cleanse the area daily with soap and water and a small bandage can be worn for 1-2 weeks if desired. The treatment area will likely scab over for a few days after the procedure, but if sutures were placed, they will likely need to be removed in 1-2 weeks.
Schedule a Mole Screening and Removal near Chattanooga, TN Today
If you have questions about mole screenings or removals, contact Uderm to meet with our board-certified dermatologist. To schedule your consultation at our dermatology office near Chattanooga, TN, please call (423) 206-2777 or request an appointment online today.