Mole Removal Odessa TX

Find top doctors who perform Mole Removal in Odessa, TX. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in Odessa, TX.

Local Businesses

Mole Removal FAQ in Odessa, TX

How do you prevent moles?

Remove food sources. Moles feed on grubs and insects. Use nontoxic mole repellent. Spray your lawn and mole tunnel entrances with a homemade mixture of three parts castor oil and one part dish soap. Plant a barrier garden. Use ultrasonic repellents. Dig a trench. Use repellent granules.

When should a mole be removed?

Most moles don’t require treatment. But you might want to have a mole removed if you’re unhappy with how it looks or feels. Talk with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about a mole. Generally, moles are removed if your provider suspects they might be cancerous or for cosmetic reasons.

Why do I get more moles as I age?

You can also develop moles during childhood and early adulthood. Sun exposure and other drivers behind aging skin can lead to nevi as an older adult. Some moles can become cancerous, but the majority are harmless — this is why it’s important to always get a dermatologist’s take on any moles in question.

How much is mole removal on face?

The cost of removing a mole without insurance in 2022 ranges between $150 – $400. Removal costs vary based on the size and location of the mole, biopsy cost, if repeated removals are needed, post-operative treatment, and reason for removal. A certified dermatologist will complete the procedure on an outpatient basis.

Is there a downside to removing moles?

The procedure may leave a permanent scar. People with Black skin are at increased risk of other surgical side effects, such as pigmentary changes at the incision site and keloid scars. If you notice that a mole has grown back, see your doctor promptly.

Is melanoma flat or raised?

It usually appears as a round, raised lump on the surface of the skin that is pink, red, brown or black and feels firm to touch. It may develop a crusty surface that bleeds easily. It is usually found on sun-damaged skin on the head and neck.

What percentage of moles removed are cancerous?

What percentage can we expect? A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests around 7% of suspicious mole removal is cancerous. This number drops when accounting for all moles removed, as most are benign (non-cancerous).

Why am I getting more moles as I get older?

You can also develop moles during childhood and early adulthood. Sun exposure and other drivers behind aging skin can lead to nevi as an older adult. Some moles can become cancerous, but the majority are harmless — this is why it’s important to always get a dermatologist’s take on any moles in question.

When should I be concerned about a mole?

Dermatologists recommend that you examine your skin every month. Most moles are benign (non-cancerous). If you notice changes in a mole’s color or appearance, have your mole evaluated by a dermatologist. You also should have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly, or become tender or painful.

What happens if mole biopsy is positive?

Generally, after a patient receives positive melanoma results, his or her doctors will need to proceed with staging the malignancy— which essentially means determining the extent of the cancer—and developing a treatment plan based on how far the cancer has progressed.

How fast does melanoma spread?

Melanoma can grow very quickly. It can become life-threatening in as little as 6 weeks and, if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun. Nodular melanoma is a highly dangerous form of melanoma that looks different from common melanomas.

Do dermatologists remove moles at first visit?

In most cases, your dermatologist will perform the procedure during the same appointment that they examine the mole.

How long can you have a cancerous mole without knowing?

For example, certain types of skin cancer can be diagnosed initially just by visual inspection — though a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. But other cancers can form and grow undetected for 10 years or more , as one study found, making diagnosis and treatment that much more difficult.

What causes moles?

Moles are caused when cells in the skin called melanocytes grow in clusters. Melanocytes are generally distributed throughout the skin. They produce melanin, the natural pigment that gives skin its color.

Can you tell if a mole is cancerous just by looking at it?

Use a hand-held mirror to look at areas that are hard to see. One part of a mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other. The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.