Moles

These are small clusters of pigmented skin cells (melanocytes) that form dark spots or raised bumps on the skin.They are usually brown, black, or skin colored and can be flat or raised off the skin. They are usually genetic and can also appear due to sun exposure. UV light can trigger pigment cells. Moles often develop in childhood years and can appear due to change in age or hormone changes such as pregnancy.

Types:

Atypical/Dysplastic Moles: Irregularly shaped or colored moles that may look different from common moles and sometimes carry a higher risk of becoming cancerous.
Congenital Moles: Moles that are present at birth, ranging in size and appearance, which should be monitored as they can occasionally pose health risks.

Treatment

Reasons for removing a mole could be a suspicion of cancer such as melanoma or just not liking how it looks! A shave excision could be done where the mole is shaved down to skin level or a surgical excision can be done. This is where the mole gets cut out with some surrounding skin as well. This is a quick procedure where the location can be numbed or under anesthesia. A biopsy is usually completed to rule out cancer. Unlike warts moles typically do not grow back when fully removed.