Moles
Moles are a natural skin lesion and appear on most people’s bodies. It is very normal for an adult to have between 10 and 40 moles. Some people are born with these growths, but it is more common to develop moles within the first thirty years of life. Moles are typically nothing to worry about, but they can develop into skin cancer. The most dangerous moles are those caused by malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
If you have a new mole, a growth that changes shape or color, or more moles than the average person, it is important to receive regular skin checks by a dermatologist. This is the best way to protect yourself from developing skin cancer. Doctors are trained to identify the differences between malignant and benign growths, putting you at ease and allowing you to receive the treatment you may need.
Mole Causes
Melanocytes are the cells in your body that create skin color pigment. Moles appear when there are clusters of melanocytes. Rather than allowing the cells to spread evenly across the skin, they cluster together, creating a well-defined focal area of darker skin pigmentation. This results in a mole. Mole often appear spontaneously, but those who have fairer skin or who are frequently exposed to direct sunlight may experience them more.
Mole Symptoms
Over time, moles may change color due to age, exposure to sun, and/or pregnancy. It is very important to remain aware of sudden mole appearances or changes, as this could indicate a more serious condition. If a mole develops any of the following characteristics, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
- Asymmetry (when half of the mole is not the same shape as the other half)
- Irregular or undefined edges (when the border of the mole appears ragged or blurred)
- Multi-colored
- Large (when the size is bigger than a pencil eraser)
- Evolves or changes over time
Moles with these characteristics may be early warning signs of malignant melanoma, but only a doctor can provide a definitive diagnosis. Schedule an appointment at one of our Minneapolis-area offices to receive the diagnosis and treatment you need.
Mole Treatment
Normal moles do not need medical intervention, but they should be removed if they are bothersome in appearance. Similarly, mole treatment may be recommended if the growth is irritating, painful, rubs on clothing or bleeds. Mole treatments often include removal by shave removal or excision. Typically, moles that are removed are examined under a microscope by a dermatopathologist. This specialist will look for abnormal changes or signs of melanoma.
When to See a Dermatologist for a Mole
If you notice a new growth or a mole that exhibits the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Most moles are benign, but some can be very dangerous. Mole treatment is necessary to determine the difference between a harmless growth and something more suspicious.
Whether you want to schedule your annual skin check or have a new growth looked at, Zel Skin and Laser Specialists is equipped to help you. Contact Us to schedule an appointment or virtual visit today.
*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
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Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Dr. Zelickson is thorough and patiently attentive to my concerns. Such a great practice and so easy to deal with. A great emphasis on safety during this pandemic which I really appreciate.
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.