Mole Removal Maple Valley WA

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

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Mole Removal FAQ in Maple Valley, WA

What size mole should be removed?

As a general rule, a healthy mole should be no more than 6mm in diameter, or about the size of the width of a pencil eraser. If you have a mole that is noticeably larger than this, schedule an appointment with your physician.

Can you remove moles by yourself?

Between the cosmetic risks, potential for incorrect removal and very real risk of not properly addressing a dangerous skin cancer, Dr. Sarnoff says trying to remove a mole at home is highly inadvisable. “I would never recommend at-home mole or skin tag removal,” she says.

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 long can you live with a cancerous mole?

Survival for all stages of melanoma almost all people (almost 100%) will survive their melanoma for 1 year or more after they are diagnosed.

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.

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.

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.

Can you buy mole removal over the counter?

Currently, there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for treating moles, seborrheic keratoses, or skin tags.

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

A visual check of your skin only finds moles that may be cancer. It can’t tell you for sure that you have it. The only way to diagnose the condition is with a test called a biopsy. If your doctor thinks a mole is a problem, they will give you a shot of numbing medicine, then scrape off as much of the mole as possible.

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).

Do you need stitches after mole removal?

Stitches are placed depending on the depth of the mole. They may be placed deeper, where they are absorbed by the body and do not have to be removed. Stitches also may be placed on the surface of the skin. Surface stitches may need to be removed later.

What are the 5 warning signs of malignant melanoma?

Asymmetry. The shape of one-half of the mole does not match the other. Border. The edges are ragged, notched, uneven, or blurred. Color. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Diameter. Evolving.