What kind of moles should be removed

Pharmacies and online stores also sell mole removal creams. To use these creams, you first scrape off the top part of the mole. Then you rub the cream into the mole. The products claim that within a day after applying the cream, a scab will form. When the scab falls off, the mole will go with it. Home mole removal methods sound pretty easy and convenient. A few studies have reported on side effects from mole removal creams available at drugstores and online stores.

These creams can cause thick scars to form in the area of the mole. Removing moles by cutting them off with a sharp object like scissors or a razor blade carries risks, too. You can also create a permanent scar where the mole once was.

A mole could be melanoma. See a dermatologist if you want to remove a mole that bothers you. And definitely see a doctor if the mole has changed, which could be a sign of cancer. With surgical excision, the doctor numbs the area around the mole and then cuts out the whole mole.

Then the doctor stitches or sutures the wound closed. With a surgical shave, the doctor numbs the area around the mole and uses a blade to shave off the mole. Definitely see a dermatologist if the mole has changed color, size, or shape, or if it scabs over. These could be signs of melanoma , the deadliest kind of skin cancer. Getting the mole checked out and removed could save your life. There are three main types of moles, also called nevi. Do you know which types you have? Get to know more about moles and why you should know yours….

Number of moles could predict breast cancer risk. Wolff K, et al. Melanoma precursors and primary cutaneous melanoma. New York, N. Prevention guidelines. Skin Cancer Foundation. Gibson LE expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. What does a mole look like? National Cancer Institute. Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma. Hawryluk EB, et al.

Pediatric melanoma, moles, and sun safety. Pediatric Clinics of North America. American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen: How to help protect your skin from the sun. Food and Drug Administration. Skin cancer including melanoma — Patient version.

Niederhuber JE, et al. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. Philadelphia, Pa. Laser Hair Removal. Skin Rejuvenation. Spider Veins. Bethesda, MD. Germantown, MD. Patient Forms. Patient Financing Options. Participating Insurance Plans. Important Patient Information.

Current Promotions. Contact Us. Patient Portal. Shop Now. Bill Pay. But you should know: A type of skin cancer, melanoma, can grow in or near a mole. Caught early and treated, melanoma can be cured. Just a mole or melanoma? A mole on your body has these traits: One color - Often brown, but a mole can be tan, black, red, pink, blue, skin-toned, or colorless. Round in shape. Flat or slightly raised. Looks the same from month to month.