Seeing A Dermatologist For Moles In Lansdowne, VA
Moles are common, and they typically don’t cause problems. Moles can also be a sign of skin cancer, but it’s important to know what to look for. Our dermatologist Dr. Smeena Khan and the skincare professionals at The Skinstitute, in Lansdowne, VA can help.
What Are Moles?
Moles develop from melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for skin color. When melanocytes clump together, a mole forms.
Moles, Freckles, and Skin Tags
Moles are different from freckles and skin tags. Freckles are caused by an overproduction of melanin, and skin tags develop in areas where skin rubs against skin, jewelry, or clothing. All of these skin issues are usually normal.
When To Visit a Dermatologist About Moles
Moles can be a sign of skin cancer, so you should visit our dermatologist if you notice a mole that is:
- Large, with a diameter of 6 millimeters or greater
- Uneven, with ragged, poorly defined borders
- Asymmetrically shaped, where both sides are not uniform with each other
- Itching, burning, painful, bleeding, or oozing
- Recurrent, and has grown back after the previous removal
What To Expect When You Visit a Dermatologist for Moles
Our dermatologist will perform a thorough skin check of your body, looking for abnormal moles and other skin abnormalities. Our dermatologist may recommend removing the entire mole or taking a small tissue sample. The sample may be sent off for a biopsy to determine whether cancerous cells are present.
Mole Removal Options
There are several ways our dermatologist can remove a mole. Depending on the size of the mole, location, and other factors, your dermatologist may recommend:
- Freezing the mole with liquid nitrogen
- Shaving the mole, which is an excellent option for smaller moles, and doesn’t require sutures
- Removing the mole with an instrument, which is a great option for larger moles, and may require a few sutures
Learn More About Moles
To learn more about moles and when to visit a dermatologist about a mole, call Dr. Smeena Khan at The Skinstitute in Lansdowne, VA. You can reach her in the office by calling (703) 914-3602, so call today.