Mole Removal Orinda CA

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

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Mole Removal FAQ in Orinda, CA

How long do stitches stay in after mole removal?

The stitches from a surgical mole excision are usually removed 1–2 weeks following the treatment.

Is it better to remove moles or leave them?

If you’re wondering if removing moles prevent skin cancer, the answer is no. Cutting out a mole does not mean your cancer is reduced. Precancerous moles may need to be removed to reduce the cause of contracting skin cancer. Although moles are harmless, some people may want to remove their mole for cosmetic reasons.

What do early stage cancerous moles look like?

Border that is irregular: The edges are often ragged, notched, or blurred in outline. The pigment may spread into the surrounding skin. Color that is uneven: Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue may also be seen.

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.

How do you avoid getting moles?

Eliminate Their Food Sources. Moles love grubs. Apply A Repellent. In some cases, a mole repellent is an effective solution for an infestation. Use Plants As A Barrier. Dig A Trench. Create An Unfriendly Environment. Keep Your Lawn Tidy. Create an Artificial Drought.

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.

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.

How fast can a mole turn into melanoma?

Although there are rare cases of rapidly growing melanomas, most melanomas grow very slowly — over the course of several years — during which time the mole changes in ways that often can be spotted by eye. This highlights the importance of knowing the features that make a mole concerning and what to do if you spot one.

Why do dermatologists remove moles?

Removing a suspicious mole and examining it for cancer cells is an important step in catching melanoma early, when it’s easiest to treat. During a skin cancer screening exam your dermatologist may find an abnormal mole. An abnormal mole could be a melanoma symptom, or it could be benign, meaning it’s not cancerous.