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Moles/Nevi Specialist

Ali Hendi, MD Our Services Moles/Nevi

Ali Hendi, MD

Skin Cancer Specialists & Mohs Surgeons located in Chevy Chase, MD

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, Ali Hendi, MD can determine if your moles are typical or atypical during a skin evaluation at their Chevy Chase, Maryland, office. Dr. Hendi 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. Hendi’s evaluations give you peace of mind. We proudly serve the Washington, DC/DMV and the surrounding areas including: Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, Potomac, PG County, Baltimore County, Arlington, Mclean, Tysons Corner, Vienna, Chantilly, Alexandria, and Fairfax. Call the office today to request a consultation with Dr. Hendi to learn more about mole/nevi skin evaluations.

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. Hendi 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. Hendi 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. Hendi can request a biopsy to detect cancer in the earliest stages. This ensures treatment will be most effective at treating cancer.

To schedule a mole evaluation, call Dr. Hendi’s office today.

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