Get a mole check from a skin doctor this May during National Skin Cancer Awareness month. Melanoma, which only accounts for 5 percent of skin cancer cases, kills one American every hour, according to the According to the American Cancer Society. Melanoma also accounts for the vast majority of skin cancer deaths, which is why getting a mole check is so important.

Skin cancers affect more people than lung, breast, colon and prostate cancers combined, with more than 76,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with melanoma in 2013. While most birthmarks — including moles — are harmless, a doctor should evaluate the birthmark when it appears. This allows a definite determination of type and if it needs monitoring or treatment. However, moles require a regular mole check for changes in size, color or texture due to the possibility of a sign of skin cancer.

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Consult with a skin doctor to have a birthmark and/or mole check on a regular basis.*

LASER MOLE REMOVAL TREATMENTS AVAILABLE

Pigmented birthmarks result from an overgrowth of cells that create pigment. They include moles, “café-au-lait spots,” and Mongolian spots. When moles are harmless but the aesthetic is problematic, laser mole removal treatments offer solutions to the cosmetic issue. Laser treatments alter the tissue structure of pigmented birthmarks without an incision.

Other options for mole removal include surgical removal and cryogenic therapy. Surgical mole removal involves either cutting moles off at the base or by excising the skin around the mole. Surgically removed moles should be submitted for histological analysis to determine specific nature and for cancer cell potential.

Cryongenic therapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the mole and destroy the abnormal tissue. Liquid nitrogen is either applied topically or deeper into the skin with needles or probes if the melanocyte cluster is deeply imbedded within the skin. There is an increased chance of loss of natural skin pigmentation with cryotherapy.

Q-switch laser mole removal targets pigmented birthmarks by vaporizing melanocytes. The advantage of treatment of mole by laser instead of surgery is mainly because of less scarring and a cosmetically more appealing result

MOLE CHECKUPS WITH A RENOWNED SKIN AND REMOVAL OPTIONS

Dr. Umar, a renowned skin doctor, uses Spectra’s Q-switch Nd:YAG laser for benign mole removal. The dual mode Nd:YAG Q-switched laser has four wavelengths: 532, 585, 650 and 1,064 nanometer. The longer wavelength allows for treatment on those with darker skin and pigmented lesions.

It’s important to consult with a board certified skin doctor mole specialist to determine the best course of treatment. Differences in pigment, skin type and depth of the mole are all guiding factors for removal. To figure out the best laser resurfacing treatment, contact Fine Touch Dermatology for a consultation at (310) 318-1500.

To learn more about a mole check by a skin doctor, read https://www.finetouchdermatology.com/mole-removal-services/.