Is My Mole Cancerous?

It is critical that patients in the sunny area of South Miami, FL are prudent about protecting their skin from sun exposure. UVA and UVB ray exposure can greatly increase a patient’s chances of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer is the easiest to diagnose as it can be visible in the earliest stages. With proper diagnosis and intervention, skin cancer is not a serious threat to most individuals who are prudent about visiting a dermatologist when issues arise. Many patients come to the doctor’s office to ask: is my mole cancerous?

Determining cancerous skin cells

Many patients know that changes in the shape, size, and color of an existing mole may be indicative of melanoma skin cancer. Visiting a dermatologist for an evaluation is the smart choice to get a proper diagnosis. To determine if skin cancer exists, the doctor will take a biopsy, or small sample, of the mole that is concerning. This sample is tested to look for cancerous cells and give patients a proper diagnosis of their condition. Once skin cancer is found, patients speak to their doctor about the treatment required.

How do I know if a mole is cancerous?

It’s always best to play it safe and have any changing moles or skin growths evaluated by a professional. In most cases, moles that change border shape, overall size, coloration, or that bleed or itch may be problematic for a patient. The only way to know for sure if a mole is cancerous is to have a biopsy done. The laboratory will evaluate the growth to determine if cancer is present, and can make recommendations for treatment.

Treatment options

In many cases, removal of the skin lesion during excision is the first step. This can be done with a standard surgical excision done right in the dermatologist’s office, or with Mohs micrographic surgery for more accuracy. Radiation and chemotherapy may be suggested to a patient if the cancer is large or has spread elsewhere to the body.