Many people have made a yearly mole exam part of their routine schedule, and it’s a good idea if you do it as well. If you have a mole, you may decide to have it removed. Dermatologists of Birmingham offers mole removal for residents of Birmingham, Alabaster and surrounding areas in Alabama.What is a Mole?
Moles are normal and not always a cause for alarm. Most people have up to 40 moles on their bodies and faces. The primary medical concern for moles is the classification of cancerous (melanoma) and non-cancerous. Cancerous moles should be removed. Removing a non-cancerous mole is a personal choice.
Benefits of Mole Removal
People seek mole removal for many reasons. Sometimes the mole is placed such that it annoys the patient. Perhaps it is placed where clothing rubs against it and causes irritation. Others want to remove a mole because they simply don’t like the way it looks. This is often the case with moles that are prominently placed on the face or neck. Still others will be faced with mole removal when their dermatologist becomes concerned that it is precancerous or cancerous.
How Do I Know If I Have a Mole?
An annual mole exam takes less than half an hour, and it can be one of the most important measures you take for your health. During a mole exam, a board-certified dermatologist looks at your scalp, the soles of your feet and everything in between. The goal is to catch any signs of cancerous or precancerous moles before they become a serious issue.
If you have a non-cancerous mole, it may not need to be removed.
What to Expect from Mole Removal
Removal of moles, sometimes called nevi by dermatologists, is performed in the doctor’s office and is an outpatient procedure. Nevi are typically removed by excision or by shaving with a scalpel. In either procedure, the area to be treated is cleansed and then numbed. The procedure takes just a few minutes. It may be necessary for the doctor to remove some tissue beneath the surface of the skin. This is especially true when the dermatologist is concerned that the nevi is cancerous or precancerous and needs to be certain that all the affected tissue is removed. Your doctor will test the removed tissue to determine the presence of cancerous growth.
How Much Does Mole Removal Cost in Birmingham?
Having a non-cancerous mole removed is typically considered elective, so your insurance may not cover the cost of the procedure. We understand that you need to plan for the expense, so we provide a cost after your consultation. We will also explain our payment options, including cash, checks, major credit cards and financing.
Most moles are harmless, but an annual mole exam can give you a professional diagnosis about the nature of the growth. If your mole is non-cancerous, you may choose to have mole removal. To learn more about mole removal at Dermatologists of Birmingham, contact us today to schedule your personal consultation.
*Individual results may vary. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a qualified physician.
