About Moles
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Reuel Aspacio of Summerlin Dermatology offers routine mole checks for patients throughout the greater Las Vegas, NV area. Most people currently have a mole of some sort on their body somewhere. A mole is a benign growth on the skin that results from the development of a cluster of pigmented cells. During mole checks, we examine, measure, and document the size, shape, and growth of moles on the body to confirm they are not changing or cancerous, to determine their nature.
Skin growths can be brown, black, or a variety of these colors, and can appear alone or in groups. Moles can also be flat or appear as a round bump. Although most are harmless, some can develop into cancer. If you have moles on your body and are unsure about the health of one, or if one becomes bothersome, it is necessary to see a professional — especially if one begins to change in size or shape or becomes irritating. We do not recommend removal of every mole on your body. We do recommend continuous examination of your skin by you and your dermatologist to monitor any changes in the moles. If any of your moles are suspicious or changing, please schedule an appointment.
Moles Reviews
Known Causes
Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. These cells are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Moles may darken after exposure to the sun, during the teen years, and during pregnancy.
Presenting Symptoms
Dr. Aspacio recommends that patients watch for any changes and get moles checked on a regular basis. By using the ABCDE test to determine whether a mole could be cancerous, you can easily recognize what to look for in a suspicious mole that could be cancerous if the following characteristics are present:
- Asymmetrical: They are not even or equal in size when cut in half
- Borders: They have irregular or scalloped borders
- Color: They begin to change color or have an uneven color
- Diameter: They are larger than 6mm in diameter
- Evolves: They begin to evolve (grow or change) in color, shape, size or height
Treatment Options
Most moles don't warrant treatment unless they become suspicious, cancerous, or if they cause discomfort, irritation or cosmetic issues. In these situations, Dr. Aspacio may need to remove the mole(s). In surgical excision, the area around the mole will be locally numbed and a scalpel or similar device is used to remove the mole and some surrounding skin. The wound will then be closed with stitches. Sometimes, if the mole is surface level, a surgical shave can be performed where the area is numbed and a small blade is used to cut all around and beneath the mole. Stitches are not required for this method.
Related Procedures
Schedule Your Mole Check!
If you are searching for a dermatologist to evaluate your moles, we understand you may have a suspicious mole you want to be screened for disease. Our Las Vegas, NV office specializes in treating a wide variety of moles from those that are benign to cancerous ones. If we find that you have a mole(s) that is cancerous, we will select the ideal approach for the health of your skin. We are committed to providing you with a level of care that you deserve.