Mole Check In Boise, ID
Moles
are common and they are usually nothing to worry about. Moles are
caused by melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin color,
aggregating together. However, they can also be a sign of skin
cancer. You can help prevent skin cancer by monitoring your moles
regularly and having regular skin checks with a dermatologist. Visit out team at Idaho Dermatology Mohs Collective for your routine skin exam.
How to Check Your Moles
You should check your moles regularly, looking for any moles that have changed in size, shape, or color. You should also look for new moles. Abnormal moles often:
- Are asymmetrically shaped, with one side different from the other side
- Have ragged, irregular, poorly defined borders
- Have multiple colors, with black being the most concerning
When To See Our Dermatologist About Moles
If you notice any moles with the signs or symptoms listed above, you should visit our dermatologist. It’s also an excellent idea to visit Dr. Layher at least once each year if you:
- Have fair skin, freckles, and burn easily
- Spend a lot of time out in the sun
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
Common Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can be fatal. Most skin cancers are caused by a lifetime of sun exposure, however some patients can have a genetically increased risk of skin cancer.
How Our Dermatologist Can Help
Our dermatologist can examine your skin and take a small tissue sample for a biopsy. The biopsy determines whether the cells are benign, precancerous, or cancerous. If indicated by the biopsy results, our dermatologist can completely treat the lesion through a variety of curative methods including freezing, excision or Mohs micrographic surgery.
Mole Removal Options
Our dermatologist offers several solutions to remove moles. Dr. Layher may recommend:
- Shaving the mole, which is excellent for small moles because it doesn’t require sutures
- Excising the mole, which is used for larger moles and may require a few sutures
Preventing Skin Cancer
Remember that you can do a lot to prevent skin cancer. You should:
- Always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
- Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher if you have fair skin or spend a lot of time out in the sun
- Wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, especially UV protective clothing
Want to Learn More?
To learn more about moles and signs of an abnormal mole, call us at (208) 600-1330.