Moles Specialist

Adult and Pediatric Dermatology > Our Services > Moles

Adult and Pediatric Dermatology

Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Dermatology located in Forest Hills, NY

Most people have 10-40 moles –– growths that form on the skin of your upper body due to sun exposure. At Adult and Pediatric Dermatology in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York, the team of medical dermatologists specializes in identifying and treating benign and cancerous moles. Call the office or use the online booking feature to make an appointment.

Moles Q & A

What are moles?

A mole is a growth that forms on your skin. Moles are usually small, dark brown, and develop in clusters. The majority of moles are harmless, but they can become cancerous. If you notice one (or several) moles that are large, asymmetrical, or abnormally colored, make an immediate appointment with the team at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology.

What are the symptoms of moles?

Most moles are round or oval-shaped. They’re typically less than a quarter-inch in diameter and tend to form on areas of your skin above the waist — your chest, back, neck, and face. Most are brown, but they can also be black, red, blue, even pink.

Moles change in appearance and can fade as you age. They usually aren’t a cause for concern unless they grow rapidly, itch, or bleed.

When should I see a dermatologist about moles?

Make an appointment with the Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team if you have one or more moles that look unusual, continue growing, or change. When diagnosed early, skin cancer is easier to treat.

How can I protect my skin from moles?

There’s no way to entirely prevent moles, but you can do several things to protect your skin and reduce the risk of cancer. The Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team recommends:

It’s also a good idea to visit a dermatologist at least once a year. Routine skin exams will alert you to potentially serious problems early on.

How are moles diagnosed?

To diagnose moles, your Adult and Pediatric Dermatology provider reviews your medical history and examines your skin from head to toe. If you have any moles that are abnormally large, itchy, or painful, make sure to let your provider know.

Most moles aren’t anything to worry about, but if your provider suspects that you have a precancerous or cancerous lesion, they order a biopsy. To do that, your provider removes a small piece of tissue and sends it to a lab for analysis.

How are moles treated?

Most moles don’t require treatment unless they affect your confidence or interfere with your quality of life.

If you have a cancerous mole, the Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team removes it during an outpatient procedure. First, your provider numbs your skin with a local anesthetic. They then carefully remove your mole and the surrounding tissue and close your incision with stitches.

Contact the Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team right away if your mole returns after removal.

To learn more about the treatment options for moles, make an appointment today at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology by calling the office or booking an appointment online.