Reasons You Might Need To Get Your Mole Removed

When it comes to healthcare, many people do not know if or when they need treatment for certain ailments or parts of their body. Moles, for example, are a source of confusion and mystery to most people. While nearly everyone has dozens of moles in various areas of their body, most of the people who do have moles do not know if or when they should have the moles removed. Mole removal is a dermatological procedure that can be performed for a variety of reasons. Get to know some of the best reasons that you may want or need to remove a mole from your body so that you can schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible if you need one.

It Changes Shape

If you have had a mole for a long period of time, you get used to what it looks like, particularly its shape. However, if your mole begins to change over time and the shape changes or becomes asymmetrical, then you may have a problem.

The change in shape of your mole can be a sign that it is malignant (cancerous). You should go to the dermatologist to have the mole checked out if this occurs. The dermatologist will likely recommend that you have the mole removed. If it is large, they may only recommend a biopsy to test the cells, but this is not the norm.

The Mole Turns Red Or Is Otherwise Discolored

Another sign that your mole should be removed is a change in color rather than in shape or size. A mole that goes from being a standard brown color to a bright red (like it is a pimple or infected) is a sign of a potentially big problem. Red moles can be a sign of melanoma and should be removed as soon as possible once they change color.

On top of the change from brown to red, you can also have a problem with moles that change to different shade of brown within the same mole. In other words, if your mole has a dark spot and then lighter brown around it or it appears to fade from dark to light brown, you may also have an issue with skin cancer to be concerned with.

It Is Aesthetically Unappealing Or Causes Discomfort

Some moles protrude out from the body and can cause you discomfort. These moles are best removed to help you feel more comfortable on a day-to-day basis.

On the other hand, if you have a prominently visible mole on your face, neck, chest, or anywhere else that you dislike because of its appearance, you can opt to have that mole removed as well. Dermatologists are willing and able to remove moles for aesthetic reasons. However, it is important to keep in mind that these elective mole removal procedures will likely not be covered by insurance and you will need to pay for them out of pocket.

Now that you know a few of the reasons that you may need to get a mole removed from your body, you can better care for yourself and your skin. For more information, contact a company like Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists.

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