Changing moles
Any mole that changes in size, shape, or color deserves a look (the ABCDEs).
Medical Dermatology
Moles, lesions & growths
Most spots and growths are harmless — but a dermatologist's eye is the only way to know for sure, and to remove them cleanly when needed.
Overview
Understanding moles & lesions
Moles, cysts, skin tags, and other growths are extremely common. The question patients bring us is usually the same: is this normal, and can it be removed nicely?
We evaluate every spot with a trained eye, and the right approach depends on what it actually is. A true mole (a nevus) is treated very differently from the benign 'age spots' and rough, waxy growths that patients often call moles.
“Moles” vs. the spots people call moles
Many of the spots patients call moles aren't moles at all — and the difference changes how each one is treated:
- True moles (nevi) — pigmented growths that, when removed, are always removed surgically and sent to pathology rather than lasered, so the tissue can be examined.
- Sun spots (lentigines) — the flat brown “age spots” from years of sun; harmless, and nicely treated with laser or light.
- Seborrheic keratoses — rough, waxy, “stuck-on” growths; benign, and easily treated in the office.
- Skin tags & cysts — soft growths and bumps that are harmless, removed simply when they bother you.
We look at the whole picture, not just one spot
Moles and growths are best managed with an eye on your overall skin health:
- Full-body skin checks and ongoing surveillance for patients with many moles or a history of skin cancer
- Sun-protection guidance to lower your risk of new and changing spots
- Biopsy of anything suspicious, with fast, clear answers
- Cosmetic-minded removal that respects healing and scarring, especially on the face
What to watch for
What we look for
New growths
Spots that appear and keep growing, especially in sun-exposed areas.
Cysts & lumps
Bumps under the skin that grow, become tender, or get inflamed.
Skin tags
Soft, harmless growths that catch on clothing or jewelry.
Bleeding or non-healing spots
Anything that bleeds, scabs, and won't heal should be checked promptly.
How we treat it
Your treatment options
Evaluation first, then the cleanest possible removal — with the right technique for each type of growth.
Full evaluation & dermoscopy
Close examination to distinguish harmless spots from those needing biopsy.
Biopsy & diagnosis
Quick in-office sampling when a spot needs a definitive answer.
Surgical removal of moles
As a rule, true moles (nevi) are removed surgically and sent to pathology for examination — the medical standard of care — rather than simply lasered off.
Laser for sun spots
Laser and light treat benign surface spots like sun spots and lentigines — the flat 'age spots' patients often lump in with moles. It's reserved for these benign surface spots, not for true moles.
Cryotherapy for seborrheic keratoses
A quick freezing treatment for seborrheic keratoses — harmless, rough, 'stuck-on' growths commonly mistaken for moles. Ideal for these surface look-alikes, not for true moles.
Cosmetic-minded technique
Careful closure and aftercare to minimize scarring, especially on the face.
When to see a dermatologist
If a spot is new, changing, bleeding, or simply bothering you, have it evaluated — early answers are always easier.
Schedule with JuniperCommon questions
Moles & Lesions FAQ
How do you tell if a mole is dangerous?
We examine each spot with a trained eye and a dermatoscope (a magnifying, illuminating tool), using the ABCDE warning signs — asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving change. Anything suspicious is biopsied for a definitive answer.
Can you remove a mole or growth for cosmetic reasons?
Yes — with one important rule: any true mole (nevus) we remove is taken off surgically and sent to pathology, the medical standard of care, so they aren't simply lasered away. Many spots people want gone — sun spots, seborrheic keratoses, skin tags — are benign look-alikes that can be treated more simply, and we'll tell you exactly which is which before anything is done.
What's the difference between a mole and a 'sun spot' or 'age spot'?
They can look similar but behave differently. A true mole (nevus) is a pigmented growth that, if removed, is always examined by pathology. Sun spots (lentigines) and seborrheic keratoses are harmless, sun- and age-related surface spots — they don't need pathology and can be treated cosmetically with laser or a quick freezing treatment. Part of your visit is simply telling them apart.
Does insurance cover mole removal?
Medically necessary evaluations and removals are typically covered; we accept most major insurance plans. Purely cosmetic removals may be out-of-pocket — we'll explain the difference before anything is done.
Bend & Redmond · Central Oregon
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