Skin cancer has become well-known in the last several years, but still, many who are diagnosed with it are caught off guard. Unfortunately, it’s a type of cancer that people know about, but don’t worry about. But the truth is, skin cancer is one of the most common types of diagnosed cancers, so you need to be diligent in checking your skin and watching any existing moles for changes.
When trying to decide whether or not a mole might be cancerous, the safest thing you can do is visit Dr. Perri at Perri Dermatology annually for a quick skin check. During your appointment, he will look over every inch of your skin, beginning at your scalp and ending at your toes. Surprising? Well, skin cancer doesn’t show up on just the areas that are most often exposed to the sun’s rays—it can show up anywhere, so you NEED to have your entire body checked by a dermatologist at least once a year.
In between your annual check-ups, it’s helpful to know what to look for when checking your skin at home. Changes in moles can be a telltale sign that you need to see Dr. Perri right away, as you may require mole removal. Keep reading as we discuss some of the signs a mole might be cancerous.
What Are the Characteristics of a Potentially Cancerous Mole?
As we mentioned above, it is important that every man and woman visits Dr. Perri for an annual skin check to ensure there are no suspicious-looking moles requiring mole removal. But while you’re at home, be sure to do frequent self-examinations to ensure you see no changes to your existing moles. You should immediately call Dr. Perri for a mole removal appointment if you notice a mole on your skin that has:
- Uneven borders
- Changed in color
- A large diameter (over ¼ inch)
- Evolved over time
These are the first signs of skin cancer, and Dr. Perri will need to perform mole removal and a skin cancer biopsy to determine if they are, in fact, cancerous.
Why Do I Need Mole Removal?
Dr. Perri will only perform mole removal on moles that are suspicious in appearance. By removing them, they can be tested for cancer. Early diagnosis is the key to treating all types of skin cancer, which is why Dr. Perri stresses the importance of regular skin checks to all his patients.
Mole Removal at Perri Dermatology
If Dr. Perri determines that you do have a mole that could be cancerous, he will perform a mole removal in his office. To perform this procedure, Dr. Perri will use local anesthetic by injecting a small amount near the mole that will be removed. He will then shave a small layer of the mole to send away for testing. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes and is painless. You can even come in during your lunch break for a quick check and treatment and return to work with no downtime at all.
Choose Dr. Perri For Your Mole Removal
If you have a mole or moles that look abnormal or suspicious in any way, call Dr. Perri today to book an appointment. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
You can reach a member of his friendly team by calling (281) 943-2749.
