Mole Treatment

Moles | Prevalence & Cause

Most people refer to dark irregular patches of skin as moles (not to be confused with birthmarks or freckles). Most adults have between 10-40 common moles. Moles can be individually located or found in groups and clusters. Some people have hundreds of moles and others have few if any. Moles can be found on most any part of the body.


Moles are concentrations or clusters of skin cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin which is the pigment that gives color to our skin. Moles can be present at birth, grow over time, or develop due to genetic reasons. Sun exposure also seems to have an effect on mole development. Little is known about what actually causes a mole to form, but people with fair skin have them more commonly.


Mole Biopsy

Although moles, like tumors, are an over-concentration of cells, most moles are benign (ie. non-cancerous). Yet some moles can be cancerous. At Fall Creek Skin and Health Clinic in Rexburg we can put your worries to ease by performing a simple biopsy of any worrisome mole or other suspicious lesion. A biopsy is performed by taking a small sample of skin tissue and performing a microscopic examination.


Dermatologic care providers typically remove moles if 1) the patient finds the mole unattractive and wants it gone, or 2) one or more of the ABC’s are present (see below).

A woman is getting a mole removed from her neck.

What are the ABCs of Mole Evaluation?


A is for Asymmetry

If a mole is asymmetric, then it lacks symmetry or balance. This can be determined by imagining the mole was to be cut in half. The sides would not be proportional to each other. Normal moles are symmetrical.


B is for Border

A regular mole is usually rounded in shape. Borders that are blurred, jagged, notched, or otherwise irregular often indicate a possible problem.


C is for Color

Moles should be uniform in color. Variations in color, darker spots, inconsistent shading from one side to the other, or patches may need to be evaluated.


D is for Diameter

As a general rule of thumb, moles should not be larger than 6mm. That is roughly the size of a pencil eraser. They should not be increasing in size.


E is for evolving

Any time a mole begins to bleed, itch, or becomes otherwise inflamed; it can be a cause of concern. Change can be an indicator of developing melanomas.

IF YOUR MOLES HAVE EXHIBITED ANY SIGNS OF THE ABC’S, IT IS PROBABLY A GOOD TIME TO VISIT FALL CREEK SKIN AND HEALTH CLINIC IN REXBURG.


How Are Moles Removed?


In removing a mole, the skin around the area is sterilized and cleansed and an anesthetic is applied to numb the area. Depending on the mole or lesion a few different procedures can be used or variations of which to most effectively eliminate the mole.


  1. Cauterization- with the area now numbed, the mole is carefully burned away. Cauterization does not usually require stitches.
  2. Excision- a scalpel or a medical blade is used to cut the mole carefully out. Stitches may or may not be needed to pull the skin back together depending on the severity of the mole.
  3. Excision followed by Cauterization
  4. Shaving Method- Most commonly used for protruding moles. The mole is lifted and removed with a scalpel, leaving the area flush with the surrounding skin. Next the area is cauterized to stop bleeding. Topical antibiotics are then used and the area is bandaged and covered.
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