WHAT ARE MOLES?

Most moles are harmless and safe. However, moles are checked and treated or removed under the following conditions: A mole that bleeds, is an unusual shape, grows rapidly, or changes markedly in color may be malignant and should be removed and analyzed by a pathologist; OR An annoyance mole that is irritated by your clothing, hair utensils or razors are often removed to prevent ongoing irritation. A mole that is unattractive to the patient is removed for cosmetic reasons. Treatments may need to be repeated as the deeper layers of the mole and islands of pigment may push to the surface with time. Moles sometimes grow annoyingly coarse hairs, which may be safely removed by shaving or tweezing. Permanent removal of the hair, which have roots deep within the skin, requires laser, electrolysis or complete surgical excision of the mole.