Many people have moles, and most are harmless. However, some moles may signal skin cancer. Regularly checking your skin and scheduling skin screenings with our team at Newton Wellesley Dermatology Associates is essential for your health. To help prevent skin cancer in its earliest stages, here’s what you should know about monitoring your moles in Wellesley Hills, MA.

What Should You Look for in a Mole?

A mole forms when the melanin-producing cells in the skin create extra pigment. Moles can appear on any part of the body, from the face to the legs. Most people will develop the majority of their moles by the time they reach 20 years old, though new moles can appear at any time. When new moles do develop, it's important to monitor them for any changes.

A healthy mole is usually symmetrical and round. If any new moles appear asymmetrical, have irregular borders, change in color or texture, grow in size, or begin to bleed, it’s time to have a professional check them out. The diameter of a healthy mole is usually less than ¼ inch.

What Will Your Dermatologist Do?

If you find anything suspicious after checking your moles in Wellesley Hills, MA, schedule an appointment with the team at Newton Wellesley Dermatology Associates. Even if you’ve already had your annual skin screening, it’s important to schedule another checkup if you notice changes in existing moles, new moles, or other skin lesions.

Your dermatologist will begin by examining the suspicious mole and will likely check your body for others. The doctor may take a skin biopsy to determine if the mole is benign or malignant. If the mole is found to be cancerous, there are several treatment options available.

Many dermatologists use excision removal, cryotherapy (freezing the lesion), radiation, scraping, or Mohs surgery to remove cancerous skin tissue. The sooner your doctor can diagnose the condition, the sooner you can receive treatment. Early treatment increases the likelihood of preserving healthy skin and may allow for less invasive treatment methods.

Regular Skin Checks Are Important

Having a mole can be a distinctive characteristic for many people. However, a mole with unusual features may be cancerous, making regular skin checks essential. While our team at Newton Wellesley Dermatology Associates is here for medical intervention, it’s important to understand what to look for in your moles. If you have existing or new moles in Wellesley Hills, MA, stay vigilant by monitoring them for unusual changes. To learn more and schedule an appointment, call us today at 781-237-3500.