Understanding Removal Options for Moles, Cysts, and Lipomas
Moles, cysts, and lipomas are common skin conditions that can affect anyone. They are usually harmless benign growths that do not pose any serious health risk, but depending on their size and placement, they may be an embarrassing cosmetic issue for some.
At Rodgers Dermatology, we are experts at the safe and effective surgical removal of these common growths. Schedule a consultation today!
What Causes Moles?
Moles are small, dark spots or growths on the skin that are caused by clusters of pigment cells called melanocytes. They can vary in size, shape, and color. Most moles are present at birth (congenital nevi) or will develop during childhood or adolescence. They are influenced by genetic factors as well as by sun exposure.
Moles are usually benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, some moles may change over time and become abnormal or dysplastic. They may become painful, itchy, scaly, or start to bleed. These atypical moles have an increased risk of developing into melanoma, a type of skin cancer. This is why it is so important to monitor your moles regularly and check for any changes in appearance.
At home, you can use the American Academy of Dermatology’s ABCDE guide for assessing whether or not an atypical mole may become cancerous:
- Asymmetry: Half the mole does not match the other half in size, shape, or color
- Border: The edges of the mole are irregular or blurred
- Color: The mole is not the same color throughout
- Diameter: The mole is larger than one-quarter inch in size
- Elevation: The mole becomes elevated or raised from the skin
If you have moles or cysts that bother you, don’t wait! Consult our Frisco dermatologist for treatment options ASAP. Request an appointment online or give us a call at (972) 808-5196.
Treatment Options for Mole Removal
The Rodgers Dermatology team are experts in the treatment and removal of moles, cysts, lipomas, and other benign lesions. When someone wants cysts or non-cancerous moles removed, there are a variety of approaches we can take. The best mole removal method for you will depend on various factors including your skin type, your medical history, and the type, size, and location of your moles or cysts.
Laser Mole Removal
Laser therapy involves using a high-intensity light beam to vaporize the mole or cyst. This method is ideal for removing multiple or hard-to-reach moles or cysts that are flat or slightly raised. Laser mole removal may cause some temporary discoloration but it will not damage the surrounding skin.
Before undergoing any treatment, you should discuss with your dermatologist the benefits and risks of each method and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Never try to remove moles or cysts by yourself at home, as this may cause infection, bleeding, and scarring. You should also protect your skin from sun damage by wearing sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure as this may prevent new moles from forming or existing ones from becoming abnormal.
Cryotherapy involves freezing a mole or cyst with liquid nitrogen and letting it fall off naturally. This method is good for removing small or superficial moles or cysts that do not have roots. It may cause some redness or blistering but it usually heals quickly.
One of the most common methods for cyst and mole removal is surgical excision. This involves cutting out the mole or cyst with a scalpel and stitching the wound closed. This dermatologic surgery method is effective for removing large or deep moles or cysts, but it may leave a scar at the surgical site.
Another method is a surgical shave. This involves shaving off the benign moles with a blade and quickly cauterizing the wound with an electric current. This method is suitable for removing flat or raised moles or cysts that are close to the surface of the skin. It may leave a small mark, but it is less likely to scar.
What Are Skin Cysts?
- Closed pockets of tissue that can be filled with fluid, dead skin cells, or pus
- Can appear anywhere on the skin
- Smooth to the touch; feels like a pea underneath the surface
- Slow growing; generally painless and benign
- Only needs attention if it becomes infected or inflamed
Cysts are caused by various factors, such as infections, injuries, inflammation, or blocked glands or ducts. Cysts are usually benign, but they can sometimes become infected or inflamed and cause pain or swelling. Some cysts may also interfere with the normal function of the surrounding tissues or organs.
Never try to squeeze or pop a cyst by yourself, as this may increase the risk of infection or scarring. A cyst often disappears on its own, but it may need to be drained by a physician. Inflamed cysts respond well to an injection of cortisone, which causes them to shrivel.
Types of Cysts
Three common types of skin cysts are pilar cysts, sebaceous cysts, and digital mucous cysts.
- Pilar cysts are benign cysts that develop from hair follicles, usually on the scalp. They are filled with keratin, a protein that makes up hair and nails. They are usually painless and do not cause any problems unless they become infected or rupture.
- Sebaceous cysts are benign cysts that form from sebaceous glands, which produce oil for the skin and hair. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are more common on the face, neck, and torso. Sebaceous cysts are caused by trauma or damage to the sebaceous glands or their ducts, such as from cuts, wounds, or acne. They contain a thick, yellowish substance and may become inflamed, red, and tender.
- Digital mucous cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs that appear near the end joints of the fingers or toes. They are usually associated with osteoarthritis or other joint problems. Digital mucous cysts are caused by a leakage of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints, from a small tear in the joint capsule. They may cause discomfort, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the affected digit.
If you have moles or cysts that bother you, don’t wait! Consult our Frisco dermatologist for treatment options ASAP. Request an appointment online or give us a call at (972) 808-5196.
In addition to moles, cysts are some of the most common conditions treated by dermatologists. Cysts are benign growths that sprout from the hair follicle and can enlarge to cause unsightly lumps and bumps on the skin. Most cysts generally do not require any treatment, but if you want a cyst removed, this can be done safely and easily in our office. There are two basic options to remove cysts: including incision and drainage (I&D) and excision. The method depends on several factors, including size, location, and prior treatments.
What Is A Lipoma?
A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows under the skin. The main difference between a cyst and a lipoma is the type of tissue: a cyst is filled with fluid or other material, while a lipoma is made of fat cells that are softer and more movable.
Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs, and abdomen. These fatty lumps are usually painless and harmless, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or interfere with normal functions.
The exact cause of lipomas is not known, but some factors may increase the risk of developing them. Lipoma risk factors include:
- Age
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Injury
Lipomas do not usually require treatment unless they cause symptoms or cosmetic concerns. In addition to typical surgical excision for lipoma removal, lipomas may be treated with liposuction methods. Steroid injections can also be used to shrink the lipoma.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but the good news is that it is curable when caught early. This is why we strongly recommend routine skin exams for all of our patients. In adults, new moles or changes to existing moles could be a sign of melanoma. A skilled dermatologist can diagnose a suspicious mole, cyst, or lipoma by examining it, taking a tissue sample, and performing a biopsy to screen for cancer cells.
In addition to a variety of laser treatments, Rodgers Dermatology also provides Mohs surgery for skin cancer removal. Dr. Rodgers has completed extensive training through the American Society for Mohs Surgery, and now the Mohs surgery can be performed right here in our office.
If you notice a mole changing size, color, or shape, schedule an exam today.
Do You Need A Cyst, Lipoma, or Mole Removed? Choose Rodgers Dermatology in Frisco, TX for Quick Solutions
Rodgers Dermatology is one of the leading providers of mole, cyst, and lipoma removal in the Frisco area. We proudly specialize in a variety of areas such as skin cancer pathology, dermatopathology, and surgical dermatology including Mohs surgery techniques.
If you are searching for effective and easy mole, cyst, or lipoma removal in Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Celina, or The Colony, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We look forward to providing the personalized care you deserve.
Are you interested in scheduling an appointment? If so, please fill out the form to request an appointment with Rodgers Dermatology!