How Often Should You Get Your Moles Checked?

Moles are a natural part of our skin and are usually nothing to worry about. But when was the last time you checked yours? Keeping an eye on any changes — like size, shape, or color — is important because some moles turn into melanoma, a serious kind of skin cancer.

So, how often should you schedule these check-ups? And how do dermatologists remove moles? At Oak Dermatology, we understand that patients have questions about their skin health. Dr. Nour Al-Hadidi, Dr. Sharon Fang, and Dr. Anthony Janiga recommend booking a skin cancer screening annually or more often if you have certain risk factors. You should also check yourself for issues like asymmetric moles at home once a year.

Whether you want to know when to get a mole checked or are interested in seeing skin cancer pictures, our team is here to help. Call now to book an appointment in Naperville, Itasca, or Joliet, IL.

Why is it important to get moles checked regularly?

Not all moles turn into melanoma, but melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer. The good news? When caught early, it's highly treatable. This is where regular mole checks come in. By keeping a close eye on these areas, you can notice changes and bring them to the attention of a dermatologist right away. Early detection and treatment increase your chances of a positive outcome.

How do you know if a mole is cancerous?

Moles are small brown or black spots on the skin that can be flat or slightly raised. Most moles are harmless, but you should watch for changes that could indicate melanoma. The ABCDE rule is a well-known guide for identifying potential warning signs: asymmetric moles, border irregularity, color variation, diameter greater than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), and evolving shape or size.

How often should you get your moles checked?

As mentioned, an annual skin cancer screening with a dermatologist is ideal for most people. However, if you have these risk factors for skin cancer, you may need to get checked more frequently:

• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Fair skin that burns easily
• Excessive sun exposure, including tanning beds
• History of blistering sunburns

If you fall into these categories in Naperville, Itasca, or Joliet, IL, consult with Dr. Al-Hadidi, Dr. Fang, or Dr. Janiga about when to get a mole checked. Our trained team can assess your risk factors and offer suggestions. We can also show some examples of skin cancer pictures to help you better understand what to look for during at-home checks.

How do dermatologists remove moles?

So, how do dermatologists remove moles? Depending on the size and location of the mole, there are a few different techniques that may be used. During a surgical excision at Oak Dermatology, the mole and a small amount of surrounding skin are cut out and then stitched closed. We may also use a shaving technique, where the mole is shaved off at the skin level. Regardless of the method, we take great care to minimize scarring and ensure a seamless recovery.

Book a skin cancer screening today

If you're not sure when to get a mole checked or have concerns about an asymmetric mole, don't hesitate to reach out to Oak Dermatology. Dr. Nour Al-Hadidi, Dr. Sharon Fang, and Dr. Anthony Janiga are dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy, beautiful skin. We offer comprehensive skin cancer screenings and can provide skin cancer pictures if needed. Together, we can catch potential issues early and keep your skin safe and healthy in Naperville, Itasca, and Joliet, IL.