Moles & Skin Growths

Oak Dermatology offers expert mole evaluation and removal, ensuring optimal skin health and appearance with advanced techniques.

What are Moles?

Moles, also known as nevi, are common skin growths made up of clusters of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, or skin pigment. This pigment gives our skin its color and helps protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Most people develop between 10 and 40 moles by adulthood, and they can appear anywhere on the body.

Common characteristics of Moles:

Moles can range in size from a speck to over half an inch in diameter
Moles appear round, oval, or sometimes irregular in shape
Their color varies in shades of brown, black, tan, pink, or red

Most moles are not a reason for concern. However, if a mole changes in symmetry, the mole has irregular borders, is bigger than ¼ inch, or changes in size, shape, or color, you should have your mole checked by a dermatologist.

At Oak Dermatology, we perform spot checks on a specific mole or skin lesion that may be concerning to you. We also perform annual full-body skin examinations to look at all moles and skin growths, including those that may be difficult for you to see, like those on the back, on the scalp, or on the back of your legs.

Mole Evaluation and Removal

If a mole is determined to be abnormal or suspicious for cancer, your Oak Dermatology provider will biopsy the mole to see if there are signs of cancer. Some moles may also be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they are uncomfortable.

We offer various removal techniques tailored to your medical needs and cosmetic preferences. Our priority is to ensure effective removal while minimizing scarring and achieving the best cosmetic outcome.

Biopsies of moles or other skin lesions include shave biopsies and punch biopsies:

Shave biopsy: Shaving a thin layer of skin with a scalpel.
Punch biopsy: A small piece of tissue about the size of the pencil eraser is removed using a sharp instrument.

Following the removal, the sample will be sent to the pathology lab to determine if the specimen is cancerous.

If a mole is not cancerous, but needs to be removed, common mole removal techniques include:

Surgical excision: Removal of the entire mole, along with a small margin of healthy skin, followed by closing the wound with stitches.
Laser removal: A focused beam of light is used to vaporize the mole. This is often considered for non-cancerous moles and moles in cosmetically sensitive areas.