Mole Evaluation & Skin Cancer Screening in Chicago | Illinois Dermatology Institute
Moles are extremely common. Most adults are between 10 and 40, and it’s normal to notice new ones through your teens and twenties. While most moles are harmless, certain changes in size, shape, or color can be an early sign of skin cancer.
At Illinois Dermatology Institute, our board-certified dermatologists provide thorough mole evaluation and skin cancer screening in Chicago Lakeview, Chicago Loop, and Schaumburg, along with Oak Park and surrounding areas.
What Are Moles?
Moles, known clinically as melanocytic nevi, are overgrowths of the skin’s pigment-producing cells. Most are brown or dark brown, though some appear tan, pink, or blue.
They’re usually round or oval, under a quarter-inch across, and can develop anywhere on the body, including the scalp, palms, soles, and underneath the nails.
What Causes Moles to Form?
Moles form when melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, cluster together instead of spreading evenly through the skin. Some moles are present at birth, while most develop later in childhood or early adulthood.
Common factors linked to mole development include:
- Genetics and family history
- Sun exposure
- Hormonal changes, such as puberty or pregnancy
- Fair skin type
Types of Moles
- Congenital Nevi: Moles present at birth. Most are harmless, though larger congenital moles carry a higher lifetime risk of developing into melanoma.
- Acquired Nevi: Common moles that develop after birth, typically through childhood and early adulthood. These are the most common types.
- Atypical (Dysplastic) Nevi:Moles with irregular borders, uneven color, or a larger-than-average size. They aren’t cancerous but require closer monitoring.
- Congenital Giant Nevi:A rare form of congenital mole large enough to cover a significant portion of the body, associated with an elevated melanoma risk.
Mole & Skin Cancer Warning Signs That Should Not Be Ignored
You should schedule a mole evaluation if you notice:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
- Border irregularity: Edges that are blurred, notched, or poorly defined
- Color variation: More than one color or an uneven shade within the mole
- Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, about 6mm
- Evolving changes in size, shape, color, or texture
- A new mole that looks different from your others
- Bleeding, itching, or a sore that won’t heal
Mole Diagnosis & Skin Cancer Screening
If a mole raises any of the warning signs above, your dermatologist begins with a visual examination. If you have numerous moles, a full-body skin exam checks every growth and area of discoloration.
If a mole appears concerning, a skin biopsy confirms whether it’s benign or requires further treatment.
Mole Removal Options
When removal is appropriate, whether due to a diagnostic finding or your own preference, your dermatologist selects the technique that best minimizes scarring.
Surgical Excision
The mole and a margin of surrounding tissue are removed and closed with stitches. This approach is typically used for larger or deeper moles, or when a biopsy sample is needed.
Surgical Shave
The mole is shaved down to skin level using a specialized blade. This technique suits smaller, raised moles and generally heals with minimal scarring.
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What Is the Most Effective Treatment for a Concerning Mole?
The most effective approach depends on the mole’s size, depth, and location on the body, along with whether a biopsy is needed. Many patients benefit from a combination of regular monitoring and prompt removal when a mole shows any warning signs.
How Long Does Mole Removal Take?
Most mole removal procedures take 15 to 30 minutes in a single office visit. Biopsy results, when needed, typically take about 1 to 2 weeks. Healing time varies by technique and location, but most patients see the treated area fully heal within 2 to 4 weeks.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
You should see a dermatologist if:
- A mole has changed in size, shape, or color
- You notice a new mole that looks different from your others
- You have a personal or family history of melanoma
- You have more than 50 moles
- A mole is itching, bleeding, or won’t heal
Mole Evaluation & Skin Cancer Screening in Chicago, Oak Park & Schaumburg
Illinois Dermatology Institute provides mole evaluation and skin cancer screening at multiple convenient locations, including:
- Chicago Lakeview
- Chicago Loop
- Oak Park
- Schaumburg
Our dermatology team makes annual skin checks and mole evaluations easy to fit into your schedule.
Our Mole & Skin Cancer Screening Specialists
Our board-certified dermatologists specialize in mole evaluation and skin cancer screening, using thorough visual exams and biopsy when needed to catch concerns early. We focus on personalized care to protect your skin’s long-term health.
Book a Mole Evaluation
If you’ve noticed a change in a mole or simply want peace of mind, our dermatology team can help.
Schedule a mole evaluation today and get the screening you need for healthy skin.