Almost everyone has moles. Most are completely harmless. But how do you know which ones are fine and which ones need a closer look? At Noor Dermatology & Aesthetics in Cary, Dr. Zain Husain, MD helps patients answer that exact question. Families from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham trust him to evaluate moles and remove them safely when needed.

A Word from Dr. Husain

“I see patients every week who have been worrying about a mole for months or even years. They finally come in, and nine times out of ten, it is nothing. But here is what I tell them: you didn’t waste my time. You gave yourself peace of mind. And on the rare occasion that a mole is atypical or cancerous, you caught it early. That is a win.”

Dr. Zain Husain, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist, Noor Dermatology & Aesthetics

What Are Moles?

Moles, also called melanocytic nevi, are growths on the skin that form when pigment cells cluster together instead of spreading out evenly. They can be brown, black, tan, pink, or even skin colored. Most moles appear during childhood and young adulthood, and it is normal to have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles by the time you are an adult. Dr. Husain has evaluated thousands of patients from Morrisville, Apex, and across the Triangle and knows that everyone’s mole pattern is unique.

When Should You Worry About a Mole?

Most moles are harmless, but you should have a mole checked if it changes in size, shape, or color, or if it starts to itch, bleed, or become painful. A mole that looks different from your other moles, what dermatologists call the “ugly duckling” sign, is worth showing Dr. Husain. So is a mole with an irregular border or multiple colors. And if a new mole appears after age 30, that is less common and deserves a look.

“You don’t need to panic over every freckle,” Dr. Husain says. “But if a mole is changing or acting differently, that is worth showing me.”

How Are Moles Diagnosed?

Dr. Husain starts with a visual exam. He looks at your moles with a dermatoscope, a special magnifying light that lets him see details below the skin’s surface. If a mole looks suspicious, he may recommend a biopsy. He numbs the area with a tiny pinch, removes a small sample of skin in just seconds, and sends it to a lab. Results come back in about a week.

Most biopsies come back as normal moles or mildly atypical moles, which just need monitoring. Sometimes they come back as moderately or severely atypical, which may need removal. Rarely, they come back as melanoma, which requires treatment.

Mole Removal at Noor Dermatology

Not every mole needs to be removed. But Dr. Husain may recommend removal if a mole is cancerous or severely atypical, if it is growing or changing in a concerning way, if it is causing irritation from rubbing against clothing or jewelry, or if it is bothering you for cosmetic reasons.

For a shave removal, which works well for moles that stick up above the skin, Dr. Husain numbs the area and gently shaves the mole off at skin level. Stitches are not usually needed. For a surgical excision, used for deeper moles or moles that need to be sent to a lab, he numbs the area, cuts out the mole and a small margin of healthy skin, and closes the area with a few stitches. Laser removal may be an option for certain benign moles, though most moles treated with laser need a biopsy first to confirm they are harmless.

The procedure itself takes about 15 minutes. You go right back to your day with simple aftercare instructions.

How to Monitor Your Moles at Home

Dr. Husain recommends doing a self skin exam once a month. Use a full length mirror and a hand mirror to check everywhere, including your scalp, between your toes, and your back. Take note of any mole that looks different from the others, and remember the ABCDEs we discussed: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving.

“The goal is not to make you anxious,” Dr. Husain explains. “The goal is to make you aware. You know your skin better than anyone. If something looks off, trust your gut and come see me.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Moles

Q: Can a mole grow back after removal?
Sometimes a shaved mole can grow back, especially if it was deep. If it does, Dr. Husain can remove it again. Surgically excised moles rarely grow back.

Q: Does mole removal leave a scar?
Any time the skin is cut, a scar forms. But Dr. Husain uses techniques to minimize scarring. Most scars fade significantly over time and look like a faint line or small circle.

Q: How much does mole removal cost?
It depends on your insurance and whether the removal is medically necessary or cosmetic. Call our Cary office and we can give you an estimate.

Q: Should I have my moles removed to prevent cancer?
No. Removing a harmless mole does not lower your risk of skin cancer. Melanoma can appear on normal looking skin. Regular skin checks are much more important than removing every mole.

Ready to Have a Mole Evaluated?

If you have a mole that is worrying you, or if you are due for a full body skin check, Dr. Husain is here to help.

Call our Cary office today or request an appointment online. He will take a look, answer your questions, and give you peace of mind.

 Noor Dermatology & Aesthetics – Cary, NC
Proudly serving patients from Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Morrisville, Chapel Hill, and across the Triangle