Moles and Lesions

Moles and lesions are common skin irregularities that usually pose no risk to your health. Even though they are typically benign (harmless), it is important to monitor them because they could be an early sign of an underlying condition, such as skin cancer. Even when non-cancerous, some moles and lesions may cause someone to feel self-conscious. Our dermatology providers diagnose and treat moles and lesions at our Trinity, Port Richey, and Spring Hill, FL, locations.

What Are Moles?

Sometimes called nevi or beauty marks, moles are spots that can appear brown, tan, pink, or sometimes blue. They can be flat or raised, and they may be present at birth or develop later in life. They may be anywhere on the skin and can grow or change in appearance over time.

If you notice a mole changing or the sudden appearance of a new mole, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to ensure the changes don’t signal skin cancer. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty or pregnancy can often trigger changes in how moles look.

When Should You Schedule a Mole Check?

Moles usually remain unchanged throughout your life. Certain tell-tale signs called the ABCDEs should prompt you to schedule a mole check at Gulf Coast Medical Center Dermatology & Aesthetics.

Asymmetry (part of the mole doesn’t look like the rest of the mole)

Border irregularity

Color that is not uniform

Diameter is more than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)

Evolving size, shape, or color

How Are Moles Treated?

No treatment is necessary for most moles unless you’re self-conscious about their appearance. Makeup may help camouflage a mole, but surgical removal is also possible. Mole removal is a common dermatologic surgical procedure that, in most cases, is performed as outpatient surgery. Your dermatologist will numb the area around the mole before meticulously excising it. If warranted, we will screen the mole for cancer or other diseases.

What Are Skin Lesions?

Skin lesions is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of marks, spots, growths, or other abnormal changes in the skin compared to the surrounding tissue. Some common types of skin lesions include:

• Freckles
• Skin tags
• Lentigines (age spots)
• Seborrheic keratosis

Acne is another common type of skin lesion. Most skin lesions are harmless; others, such as actinic keratoses, are precancerous lesions that require treatment. Genetics, sun exposure, and age are primarily responsible for the appearance of skin lesions.

How Is Actinic Keratosis Treated?

Sun exposure causes actinic keratosis, which appears as small areas of thick, scaly crust on the skin. It usually develops after age 4O in people who have spent much of their lives in the sun. If left untreated, the lesion can develop into skin cancer. If a dermatologist diagnoses actinic keratosis, you’ll have some treatment options that may include topical medications applied at home. This treatment is often recommended if you have multiple actinic keratoses.

Actinic keratosis treatments provided at our dermatology clinics include: