What Are Acquired Moles?
Acquired moles are moles that develop after birth due to genetics and sun exposure. They are usually harmless, but should be monitored for changes that may indicate the presence of skin cancer. Moles develop when melanocytes, the cells that give your skin its color and tan, produce melanin in clusters instead of spreading it evenly throughout your body. Prolonged sun exposure causes more melanin to be produced by your melanocytes, increasing the likelihood that moles will develop. This happens most frequently in those who have fair skin or a family history of melanoma.
Patients experiencing sudden bursts of mole formation should get the professional opinion of a medical doctor as soon as possible. Our dermatologists in Gainesville, FL, have years of experience working with, monitoring, and removing problematic moles, and will be able to quickly diagnose and treat any health conditions that your new mole growths may indicate.
Common Acquired Moles
Most acquired moles are common moles. These moles are symmetrical, small, and regularly colored, with a clearly defined border that does not change or grow significantly over time. Most common moles are completely harmless and will not develop into skin cancer without warning.
Most people develop between 10 and 40 common acquired moles during adolescence and young adulthood. Excessive mole formation or rapidly growing moles may be a cause for concern and should be evaluated in-office by a professional dermatologist, regardless of the moles' shape, location, or size.
Atypical Acquired Moles
Atypical acquired moles develop after birth and have an abnormal growth pattern or appearance. These moles may be asymmetrical, large, or oddly colored. While atypical moles are usually harmless, they do indicate an increased risk of melanoma and should be closely monitored, biopsied, or removed by a board-certified dermatologist.
Identifying problematic moles can be difficult and should be left to the experts whenever possible. If you are concerned about the growth or appearance of any moles on your body, reach out to your local dermatologist as soon as possible. Depending on the appearance and size of your mole, your dermatologist may opt to perform a surgical biopsy, wherein they test a sample of your mole for precancerous or cancerous cells.
If any cancer is detected, total mole removal will follow. Our Gainesville dermatologists specialize in the early detection and treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. We regularly perform Mohs micrographic surgeries, excision surgeries, and other non-surgical procedures to catch and remove cancerous growths before they can spread. To learn more about early detection and surgical remediations, reach out to Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery today!
Acquired Mole Removal in Gainesville, FL
Our Gainesville dermatology clinic performs mole removal surgery on all kinds of acquired moles. While most common acquired moles are small, unobtrusive, and non-cancerous, patients can opt to have them removed if they are impacting their confidence, mobility, or comfort.
Atypical moles are more commonly removed due to their large size, unsightly appearance, and increased risk of developing skin cancer over time. Contact us to learn more about our mole removal procedures or to schedule an appointment today!