Burbank Moles & Growth Removal
Dermatologist Serving the Greater LA Area
If you have a skin condition that needs Medical attention, you’re in good hands at Advanced Dermatology Center, located in the Greater Los Angeles area. Our experienced, Board Certified and highly trained Dermatologists can help you with Mole Removal, Rosacea, Acne, Skin Cancer Screenings and all of your Skin Care needs.
What Is a Mole?
Moles are made up of small clusters of pigmented skin cells. Moles can be present at birth or may form throughout one’s life. An annual mole examination is recommended to check for any abnormalities, precancerous or cancerous lesions.
Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They are usually brown in color and can be various sizes and shapes.
Any changes in the moles should be reported. Watch for changes in the size or color, sudden ulceration, bleeding, or itching in the mole. There are many different types of painless mole and growth removal. The doctor will determine which method will give you the best Cosmetic results.
How Do I Recognize Abnormalities in a Mole?
Remember the ABCDE's in examining the changes in your mole:
- A - Asymmetry, when one half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
- B - Border, when the border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred or irregular
- C - Color, when the color of the mole is not the same throughout especially if it has unusual shades such as, black, red, white or blue.
- D - Diameter, if the diameter of a mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil.
- E - Evolves, the mole evolves, grows or changes in any way.
If a mole displays one or more of these signs, it should be checked as soon as possible by a Dermatologist.
Other Growths and Lumps
One very common growth that we see in Dermatology is called an Epidermal Cyst. This is a benign bump that gradually enlarges and is most commonly located on the scalp, neck, face and trunk. Unlike an acne cyst, this growth will not resolve with a cortisone injection and must be removed surgically, if so desired.
An epidermal cyst begins when the pore is blocked by dead skin cells. As a result, the natural shedding of skin cells and oil is interrupted, and instead builds up in the pore. Eventually, the pore balloons out, and continues to grow as further skin cells and oil become trapped. You can usually see the opening, which looks like a blackhead, in the center.
In the beginning, you may be able to squeeze out the contents and relieve some of the pressure. But eventually this will no longer work. Occasionally the cyst ruptures and becomes infected. When this occurs, there is a rather sudden growth, doubling or even tripling in side within a few days. It becomes red and very painful.
In order to remove an Epidermal Cyst, one needs to have the growth surgically cut out. This can be done by one of our Dermatologists in our office, using a small amount of local anesthetic. After the removal, one or more stitches are placed to repair the wound.
Another common lump is called a Lipoma. This is a benign fatty tumor, located in the deeper layers of the skin. It can be found on most areas of the body. Some people are predisposed to lipomas, and may have dozens on their body. Occasionally these lipomas are tender or even painful. Lipomas can be removed by a Dermatologist if they bother you. This procedure is typically done in the office, using local anesthesia.
Contact our office today to schedule a yearly mole examination.