Moles in Webster, TX

At Clear Lake Dermatology in Webster and League City, TX, our dermatologists offer regular mole checks for people in the Greater Houston area. The majority of people have a mole of some kind on their bodies. A mole is a growth on top of the skin comprised of a cluster of darker skin cells and can look black, brown, or a combination of the two. Moles may appear alone or in groups and may feel flat or look like a round bump. Even though many are harmless, some can develop into cancer. During a skin examination, we'll analyze, measure, and document the size, shape, and growth of any moles on your body. This helps us determine whether they're safe and benign or changing, which can indicate skin cancer. If you have moles on your body and are unsure about the severity of them, or if one has become bothersome, then it's important to see a professional — especially if one starts to change in shape or size or begins to bleed or itch.

Moles appear when your skin cells develop in a bunch rather than spreading out. These types of cells are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives your skin its standard color. Moles may become darker in color after exposure to the sun, throughout adolescence, and during pregnancy. Patients can have two types of moles, including congenital nevi and dysplastic nevi.

• Congenital nevi - develop before birth and are round or oval.
• Dysplastic nevi - develop before birth but are larger with uneven edges.

Our dermatologists recommend that patients watch for any changes to their moles and that they receive regular skin exams. By remembering this ABCDE test to determine if a mole is cancerous, you can easily recognize what to look for. A mole may be cancerous if you notice the following characteristics:

• Asymmetrical: They are not even or equivalent in dimensions if cut in half
• Borders: They have scalloped or jagged edges
• Color: They begin to change color or have an abnormal color
• Diameter: They are larger than 6 millimeters in size
• Evolves: They start to evolve (grow or change) in color, shape, size or height

Most moles will not require treatment unless they become cancerous, look questionable, or cause discomfort. Some people choose to have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons. In these situations, our dermatologists might surgically excise the mole(s) by numbing the region around the mole with a local anesthetic and using a scalpel or similar device to excise the mole and some of the surrounding skin. Next, we close the wound with sutures. Sometimes, when the mole is flush with the skin, we may use a surgical shaving method. If we use this technique, we numb the area with an anesthetic and use a small blade to cut around and beneath the mole. Stitches are not required with this technique.

When should I be alarmed about a mole?

If you find a change in a mole's coloring or appearance, we encourage you have it evaluated by one of the practitioners at our Webster, TX office. In addition, if they seep blood, are stinging, are dry in form, or begin to hurt, we recommend you visit our office. We advise you to assess your skin for variations in moles each month.

Does a mole biopsy hurt?

It's our objective to make you feel as relaxed as we can throughout your treatments here at Clear Lake Dermatology. We utilize the latest innovations and technologies to impart as calming an event as we can. When having a mole examined, you may sense a subtle squeeze as we inject the numbing agent; however, you can expect to have minimal to no discomfort while we remove the mole.

Can you know if my mole is cancerous just by observing it?

There's no way to figure out whether a mole is cancerous only by observing it. The only solution to properly establish whether a mole is cancerous is with a biopsy. There are some signs that a mole might be suspect. These include:

• Jagged edgings instead of an even border
• Coloring that extends onto the skin through the mole
• A few different shades (such as brown, tan, and black)

Whether you have a mole that causes discomfort, looks unattractive, or seems odd in appearance (which could indicate melanoma), then we highly recommend contacting Clear Lake Dermatology to explore your treatment choices. Located near the beautiful Clear Lake region of the Greater Houston area, our League City and Webster, TX offices both specialize in treating a wide variety of moles, including harmless and cancerous ones. If we find that you have an at-risk mole, we'll help you determine the best treatment plan for you. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best skin-care treatments available.