Mole Evaluation Overview

Moles are a common skin growth that can occur on the upper body and face. The majority of people have anywhere from 10-40 on their bodies. Raised moles can be pink, tan, or shades of brown.

woman at dermatology examination

What Causes Moles?

Moles are often caused by prolonged sun exposure to clusters of melanocytes – a type of skin cell.

Are There Different Types of Moles?

Normal moles (Nevi) are typically round or oval and come in a variety of shades. Nevi are often smaller than a pencil eraser.

Abnormal moles (Dysplastic) are larger and do not adhere to a traditional round or oval shape. Dysplastic moles can be a combination of multiple colors.

atypical moles diagram

What Treatment Options Are Available?

In many cases, moles are harmless and do not require treatment. During your total body skin check, we’ll examine your skin with our melanoma-detecting device for early skin cancer diagnosis.

If a mole is suspicious or requires urgent removal, our board-certified dermatologists can schedule removal during the same in-office visit. We’ll use the latest techniques (excision or Mohs surgical removal) to quickly and effectively extract your mole.