removal of moles and skin lesions

Many different growths occur normally on the skin. These should be examined by a Dermatologist, a skin care specialist, to ensure a correct diagnosis. A Dermatologist is a medical doctor who has undergone additional extensive training in the study of diseases of the skin, hair and nails, and has successfully passed the Dermatology Specialty examinations. Dr. Gidon will assess your skin growths and if you are interested in removal, she will discuss the optimal treatment for you. Moles (nevi) are growths that commonly occur and are usually brown or flesh-coloured and can be flat or elevated. A normal mole can be removed for cosmetic purposes, usually by excision or shave biopsy. If you notice a change in a mole, it could be dangerous and it must be examined.

Skin tags are benign, fleshy growths that are brown or flesh-coloured and occur in warm, moist areas where clothing usually rubs, such as around the neck, underarms, breasts and groin areas. They are often numerous and catch on clothing or jewellery and can be removed easily with cautery. Seborrheic keratoses occur with aging and are benign, waxy, warty-looking growths that can be yellow, brown or black. They occur on the face, scalp, trunk and extremities and are easily removed, usually with liquid nitrogen.

Sun spots (lentigines, age or liver spots) are benign, tan or brown flat spots occurring on sun exposed areas such as the face, chest and the backs of hands. They can be treated with liquid nitrogen, laser or intense pulsed light. Milia are tiny white bumps that develop on the face at any age. They are benign and can be quickly removed. Cherry angiomata are benign, small red or purple growths that can develop anywhere on the body and can be removed easily by laser or cautery. Spider veins can occur on the face and can be treated with laser or intense pulsed light. They commonly occur on the thighs and legs, where sclerotherapy (injections) or laser can be used. Warts are a viral infection of the skin. They are infectious and can be a nuisance and multiply. Often several treatments with liquid nitrogen are necessary to clear them.