Moles are extremely common, but changes in their size, shape, color, or appearance can sometimes signal a more serious concern. The board-certified dermatologists at Northstar Dermatology evaluate moles for Fort Worth patients and can determine whether a spot should be monitored, biopsied, or removed.
If you have noticed a new or changing mole, or would like a mole evaluated for cosmetic reasons, contact Northstar Dermatology to schedule a consultation.
Moles are clusters of melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells, that appear as growths on the skin. They are very common and may range in color from your natural skin tone to pink, brown, blue, or black.
Moles often begin appearing during childhood and may continue to develop or change during adolescence. New or changing moles that appear in adulthood should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist, particularly if they have unusual features.
Regular skin exams with a board-certified dermatologist can help identify suspicious moles. You can also perform self-skin checks between appointments and watch for the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma:
If a mole shows any of these characteristics, looks different from your other moles, bleeds, or becomes uncomfortable, schedule a skin evaluation with a dermatologist.
Fort Worth patients with significant sun exposure may also benefit from regular monitoring of new or changing spots as part of their broader medical dermatology care.
If a mole appears abnormal or suspicious during an examination, your dermatologist may recommend a biopsy.
The area is first numbed, and a small sample of tissue is removed and sent to a pathology laboratory for examination. A pathologist evaluates the tissue under a microscope to determine whether the mole is benign, atypical, or cancerous.
If skin cancer or another concerning abnormality is identified, additional treatment or excision may be recommended. Some atypical moles may also require removal, while others may simply be monitored over time.
Dermatologists are trained to evaluate the characteristics of moles and may use a dermatoscope to examine the skin more closely. If you are searching for a mole dermatologist near you, contact Northstar Dermatology for evaluation of new, changing, or unusual moles.
