Mole Removal

Your body has skin cells called melanocytes and these cells produce melanin, which determines the color of your skin. Melanocytes can grow in clumps, producing a mole. Nearly everyone can have between 10 and 40 moles and they can be many different colors or textures, but they are usually less than 6 millimeters in diameter.

Moles can be an early sign of skin cancers like melanoma, and melanoma can be fatal. This is why you should do a self-exam periodically. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are signs to look for, including:

1. An asymmetrical shape
2. An irregular border
3. A change in color
4. A diameter larger than 6 millimeters
5. A change in shape, color, size or height

You should see your dermatologist at Ivan D Flint Dermatology if you have a mole that is:

• Showing any of the signs listed above
• Burning or itching
• Bleeding or oozing
• Painful
• Growing back after a previous removal
• New and you are over 30 years old

Ivan D Flint Dermatology has offices in Tooele and Salt Lake City, UT to serve your needs. They offer a full range of skin services including mole removal. Your dermatologist may recommend:

• A surgical shave of your mole-- your dermatologist will numb the area and cut around the mole and underneath it. Shaving is often used for smaller moles and no suturing is required.
• A surgical excision of your mole-- your dermatologist will numb the area and cut out the mole with a punching instrument. Surgical excision requires sutures.

If you think your mole might be the beginning of something worse, like skin cancer, you need to make an appointment with Ivan D Flint Dermatology at our Salt Lake City, UT office. Don’t wait, call us at (801) 262-3600 today!