Moles & Warts

What are moles and warts?

Moles and warts are growths that form on the skin. They have some similarities, but moles and warts aren’t the same thing.

Moles

Moles are small brown or black spots that form on your skin. Everyone has between 10-40 of them. Moles typically appear during childhood or early adolescence and are typically harmless. 

Warts

Warts are tough skin-colored growths that usually form on the palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet. They occur when the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters your body through cuts or breaks in your skin.

What are the symptoms of moles and warts?

Symptoms of moles and warts include:

• Small, fleshy bumps
• Brown, black, red, or pink spots on the skin
• Painful growths that change in size or color
• Growths that spread or recur
• Clusters of brown spots

Warts and moles don’t always require treatment. Warts tend to go away on their own, and moles occur naturally because of the aging process and sun exposure. 

Still, if you have dozens of skin growths and are concerned about their appearance, location, or texture, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause. Dr. Goyal can pinpoint the source of your symptoms and make treatment recommendations.

How are moles and warts diagnosed?

Dr. Goyal reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your skin. He checks your skin from head to toe, looking at your moles and/or warts for signs of cancer or other problems. 

If Dr. Goyal notices anything unusual, he collects a tissue biopsy and sends it to a nearby lab for testing. A lab tech looks at your tissue sample under a microscope during a biopsy. This can confirm if you have skin cancer and help determine the best type of treatment.

How are moles and warts treated?

At Coastal Dermatology and Medspa, Dr. Goyal treats moles and warts using a minimally invasive approach. He may recommend:

• Cryotherapy to freeze warts
• Salicylic acid to peel warts away
• Laser treatment to remove moles or warts
• Routine monitoring of precancerous lesions

If you have lots of warts or a cancerous mole, Dr. Goyal may recommend minimally invasive surgery. During treatment, he uses handheld tools or a laser to carefully remove the mole or wart, restoring your skin to its original blemish-free condition.

Call Coastal Dermatology & Medspa today to receive treatment for moles and warts, or make your appointment online.