Moles are common skin growths that are generally not a cause for concern, but in certain cases, these can be cancerous so it's important to know how to recognize them. There are factors that can put you at a higher risk of developing cancerous moles, such as extended sun exposure and family history, but there is also a lot you can do to prevent complications. Your Omaha, Columbus, and Papillion, NE, dermatologist can help with prevention as well as treatment and mole removal, so learn more by reaching out to Dr. Herschel Stoller of the Center of Dermatology.
Self Exams
Although skin cancer can be dangerous, with early detection successful treatment can be simple and non-invasive. Regular checkups with your dermatologist are important but experts also recommend self-examinations in between these visits.
A commonly used strategy to determine if a mole is possibly concerning is to follow the acronym ABCDE.
Each of the letters stands for a trait that should raise suspicion, the traits to look for are asymmetry, jagged borders, non-uniform color, large diameter, and if it's evolving, as in, if any of the other traits are changing.
Mole Removal Treatment in Omaha, Columbus, and Papillion, NE
When your doctor determines that a mole should be removed, either preemptively or because it is already cancerous, they can turn to a variety of removal types depending on the mole, its size, and where it is on your skin.
But these procedures generally involve just a general anesthetic to numb the area, and the removal itself is typically fast and simple, and produces few side effects and no significant scar tissue.
If you are concerned about skin cancer and are interested in prevention, treatment, and mole removal, and live in or near the areas of Omaha, Columbus, and Papillion, NE, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Stoller of the Center of Dermatology by dialing (402) 398-9200 to reach the Omaha, NE, office, (402) 564-4422 for Columbus, NE, and (402) 592-5140 for Papillion, NE.