Moles/Nevi Specialist Mark Mehrany MD
Skin Cancer Specialists & Mohs Surgeons located in San Jose or Modesto
Starting in your early childhood, it’s likely you developed moles or nevi on your skin. Because some moles do increase your risk for skin cancer, Mark Mehrany, MD can determine if your moles are typical or atypical during a skin evaluation at their San Jose or Modesto office. Dr. Mehrany works closely with you to identify mole changes throughout your life that can signal skin cancers, like melanoma. While most moles won’t become cancerous, Dr. Mehrany’s evaluations give you peace of mind.
Moles/Nevi
What are moles?
Moles, or nevi, are common skin growths that develop when pigmented cells cluster together. Many people develop moles during their childhood. It’s normal to have 40 or so moles anywhere on your body. Common moles have little risk of becoming cancerous. However, having atypical moles may increase your risk of developing melanoma — a serious type of skin cancer.
What is the difference between common moles and atypical moles?
Common moles
A common mole typically appears as a dark brown spot on the surface of your skin. These moles may also be black, tan, or flesh-colored, and be round or oval. You can develop common moles anywhere on your body, and they may change in appearance over time, even fading away completely.
Atypical moles
Atypical moles are skin growths that have an irregular border and an asymmetrical shape. These types of moles can indicate existing skin cancer or be a warning sign that the mole may become cancerous. Moles that change in color or grow larger than a pencil eraser should be evaluated quickly, so Dr. Mehrany can determine if changes are related to cancer.
What should I do if I have moles/nevi?
While common moles generally are harmless, it’s always a good idea to schedule a skin evaluation to ensure they are, in fact, common moles. Regular self-exams at home can also help you better identify moles that have changed in size, shape, or color. Even if you have no atypical moles, you need to remain proactive about protecting your skin. Always wear a high-quality sunscreen whenever you go out into the sun, even in the winter. You should also avoid tanning beds.
If you have a family history of melanoma or a personal history of other types of cancer, Dr. Mehrany can work with you on a plan for routine skin evaluations. He can also do this if you have atypical moles that require supervision. At the first indication a mole has changed, Dr. Mehrany can request a biopsy to detect cancer in the earliest stages. This ensures treatment will be most effective at treating the cancer.
Our Stanislaus Skin Cancer Clinic in Modesto proudly serves the Central Valley and surrounding areas including: Modesto, Turlock, Manteca, Tracy, Ripon, Stockton, Sonora, Ceres, Lodi, Lathrop, Livingston, Oakdale, Riverbank, Patterson, Merced, Los Banos, Newman, Gustine, Salida, Sunol, Mariposa, Madera, Atwater, Le Grand, La Grange, Angels Camp, Arnold and Yosemite Valley.
Our San Jose Skin Cancer & Mohs Clinic proudly serves the Bay Area and surrounding areas including: San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Redwood City, San Mateo, San Francisco, Milpitas, Fremont, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Hollister, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Boulder Creek, Capitola, Half Moon Bay, and Monterey.