Mole Evaluation & Removal in
Marietta & East Cobb
Board-certified dermatology care for mole evaluation, monitoring, and removal – with expert dermoscopic assessment to distinguish benign moles from potentially concerning lesions.
What Are Moles?
Moles (melanocytic nevi) are clusters of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) that appear as small, dark spots on the skin. They are among the most common skin growths, and most are completely harmless. The average adult has between 10 and 40 moles.
While the vast majority of moles are benign, some can develop into melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer. This is why regular self-examination and professional skin checks are essential, particularly for individuals with many moles, atypical moles, or a family history of melanoma.
At DESSNA, we use dermoscopy – a specialized magnification tool that reveals structures invisible to the naked eye – to evaluate moles with precision. This technology allows us to distinguish benign moles from potentially concerning lesions without unnecessary biopsies.
Types of moles we evaluate
Common Moles (Acquired Nevi)
Round or oval, evenly colored brown spots that develop during childhood and adolescence. Most adults have 10 – 40 common moles. These are almost always benign but should be monitored for changes.
Atypical Moles (Dysplastic Nevi)
Larger than common moles with irregular borders, uneven color, and flat or slightly raised surfaces. While usually benign, atypical moles carry a higher risk of developing into melanoma and require closer monitoring.
Congenital Moles
Present at birth, ranging from small to very large (giant congenital nevi). Larger congenital moles have a higher lifetime risk of melanoma and may require monitoring or prophylactic removal.
Spitz Nevi
Dome-shaped, pink or brown moles most common in children and young adults. Can resemble melanoma under the microscope, making expert dermatopathology evaluation essential for accurate diagnosis.
Why Moles Develop
Moles form when melanocytes grow in clusters rather than spreading evenly throughout the skin. Understanding what influences mole development helps guide monitoring and prevention strategies.
UV Exposure
Sun exposure stimulates melanocyte activity and is the primary environmental factor in new mole development. Childhood sunburns significantly increase the total number of moles and melanoma risk later in life.
Genetics
Family history strongly influences mole count, type, and melanoma risk. Certain gene mutations (CDKN2A, CDK4) are associated with familial atypical mole syndrome and significantly elevated melanoma risk.
Hormonal Changes
Moles can darken, enlarge, or develop during puberty, pregnancy, and hormone therapy. These changes are usually benign but should be evaluated if they are rapid, asymmetric, or accompanied by other warning signs.
Immune Factors
Immunosuppressed individuals (organ transplant recipients, those on immunosuppressive medications) develop more moles and have a higher risk of melanoma. Regular dermatologic surveillance is essential for this population.
How We Evaluate Moles at Our Marietta Practice
We combine advanced dermoscopy with clinical expertise to provide accurate, efficient mole assessments – catching concerning changes early while avoiding unnecessary procedures.
Dermoscopic Evaluation
Your dermatologist examines each mole of concern using dermoscopy – a specialized magnification tool that reveals subsurface structures, pigment patterns, and vascular features invisible to the naked eye. This non-invasive technique significantly improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces unnecessary biopsies.
Risk Assessment & Biopsy
Based on dermoscopic findings, clinical appearance, and your personal risk factors (family history, sun exposure, mole count), we determine whether monitoring, biopsy, or removal is appropriate. If biopsy is needed, we use the most appropriate technique to ensure accurate pathological diagnosis.
Monitoring & Prevention
For patients with multiple or atypical moles, we establish a structured monitoring program with baseline photography and scheduled follow-ups. We also provide sun protection guidance and self-examination training so you can detect changes early between visits.
Mole Evaluation & Removal Options at Our Marietta Practice
Your care plan depends on the mole's appearance, dermoscopic features, your risk profile, and whether removal is medically indicated or cosmetically desired.
Dermoscopic Monitoring
Regular dermoscopic surveillance with baseline photography for patients with multiple or atypical moles. Sequential imaging allows us to detect subtle changes over time that may indicate early melanoma – catching it at the most treatable stage.
Surgical Excision
Complete removal of the mole with a margin of normal skin, followed by pathological examination. This is the gold standard for moles that show concerning features on dermoscopy or have changed significantly. Performed under local anesthesia with meticulous closure for minimal scarring.
Shave Removal
A minimally invasive technique for removing elevated moles that are cosmetically bothersome. The mole is shaved flush with the surrounding skin under local anesthesia. Ideal for benign moles that have been confirmed by dermoscopy – with excellent cosmetic results.
Biopsy & Pathology
When a mole's nature is uncertain, we perform a biopsy and send the tissue to a dermatopathologist for microscopic analysis. This provides a definitive diagnosis and guides whether additional treatment (wider excision) is needed.
Sun Protection Planning
Comprehensive UV protection strategy to prevent new mole development and reduce melanoma risk. Includes medical-grade sunscreen recommendations, protective clothing guidance, and education on avoiding peak UV hours.
Full-Body Skin Checks
Comprehensive head-to-toe skin examination to evaluate all moles and identify any suspicious lesions. Recommended annually for all adults and more frequently for high-risk patients (family history, many moles, prior melanoma, immunosuppression).
The ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection
Use this guide to evaluate your moles between dermatology visits. Any of these features warrants professional evaluation:
One half doesn't match the other
Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges
Multiple shades or uneven color
Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser)
Changing in size, shape, or color
Why Professional Mole Evaluation Is Essential
Benign Moles vs. Melanoma
Early melanoma can closely resemble a benign mole to the untrained eye. Dermoscopy reveals subsurface patterns that distinguish the two with far greater accuracy than visual inspection alone. When melanoma is caught early (stage 0 or I), the 5-year survival rate exceeds 99%.
Atypical Moles & Melanoma Risk
Having 5 or more atypical (dysplastic) moles increases melanoma risk 6 – 10 fold. Patients with atypical mole syndrome benefit from structured surveillance programs with sequential dermoscopic imaging to detect changes at the earliest possible stage.
If you have a mole that is new, changing, or looks different from your other moles (the "ugly duckling" sign), a dermatologist evaluation is the safest first step – and it takes just minutes.
What Our Patients Say
“Doctor Edward Chen is the BEST! He's very professional, very caring, he will always give you his honest advice. He helped my son who had acne issues – his skin now looks great like never before.”
“Dr. Candace Green has a very warm bedside manner and makes you feel very comfortable! Great office, staff, and overall experience.”
“The office is well run and Dr. Green is thorough.”
Mole Evaluation & Removal FAQs
Answers to the questions our Marietta and East Cobb patients ask most about mole care.
You can't definitively determine if a mole is cancerous by appearance alone, which is why professional evaluation is important. Warning signs include the ABCDEs: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, multiple Colors, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolving (changing) appearance. Additionally, any mole that looks different from your other moles (the 'ugly duckling' sign) deserves evaluation.
Have a Mole That Concerns You in Marietta or East Cobb?
Don't wait and worry. Our board-certified dermatologists use advanced dermoscopy to evaluate your moles quickly and accurately – giving you peace of mind or a clear treatment plan in one visit.
Early detection of melanoma saves lives. A skin check takes just 15 – 20 minutes.
Related Conditions & Services
Explore other skin lesion and growth conditions we treat at our Marietta practice