Dermatology

 Warts, Skin Growths, & Moles

Skin Growths: Warts, Skin Tags, and Others

There are many types of benign skin growths that occur on the skin. Most of these skin growths are harmless but they may cause irritation from being scratched or rubbed on clothing. 


Treatment: Our team can treat your skin growths with various techniques, including cryotherapy, excision, shave removal, and other methods.   

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Moles

Moles (also called nevi) are very common and benign (harmless). There are many different types of moles that may appear anywhere on the body. A normal mole tends to be small (less than 6 mm in diameter), may be flat or raised, is brown or pink in color, has smooth borders, and does not change from month to month.


Moles that change should be evaluated by our team of Dermatology experts to ensure that it is just a mole, rather than melanoma, which is one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer.  Our team has received specialized training in skin cancer diagnosis and management, and is able to identify the earliest signs of melanoma and other skin cancers.

Other Conditions

Our board-certified dermatology physician is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of varying diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. 

General Dermatology FAQs

General Dermatology (benign growths, warts, skin tags, moles)


  • What skin concerns do you treat?

    We evaluate and treat common benign growths (skin tags, warts, seborrheic keratoses, moles, keloids) as well as suspicious lesions that may need a biopsy. Treatment options for benign growths may include cryotherapy, shave removal, or excision, as indicated by medical necessity or when the growth is bothersome. 

  • How do you decide whether a spot needs a biopsy vs. simple removal?

    If a lesion looks atypical or has changed, we’ll biopsy it to rule out skin cancer. Clearly benign growths can often be treated without a biopsy if they’re symptomatic or cosmetically bothersome. When in doubt, we err on the side of a diagnostic biopsy. 

  • Will removal leave a scar?

    Any procedure on the skin can leave a mark, but we use dermatologic surgery techniques that aim for the smallest, least noticeable scar possible and give you specific after-care to optimize healing. 

  • When should I have a mole checked?

    Use the ABCDEs of melanoma and the “ugly duckling” sign:

    • Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter (often >6 mm but can be smaller), Evolving (any change). If a spot looks different from your other moles or is changing, schedule an exam. 

  • Do small moles (under 6 mm) ever matter?

    Yes. While many normal moles are <6 mm, melanomas can be smaller—so change and difference are more important than size alone. If something new or changing appears, get it checked.

  • Can you remove moles for cosmetic reasons?

    Often, yes—after a dermatologist confirms the mole is benign. We’ll discuss technique (e.g., shave removal vs. excision) based on location, size, and your goals. 

  • Why is my skin-cancer risk higher after transplant?

    Long-term immunosuppression increases the risk and aggressiveness of skin cancers. Compared with the general population, transplant recipients face a markedly higher risk—particularly for squamous cell carcinoma—and still elevated risks for basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Early detection matters. (AMA Ed Hub)

  • How often should I see a dermatologist after transplant?

    Most guidelines recommend at least annual full-body skin exams for solid-organ transplant recipients, with more frequent visits (e.g., every 3–6 months) for higher-risk patients (fair skin, prior skin cancers, heavy sun damage). Your transplant and dermatology teams will tailor the interval for you. (PubMed)

  • When should screening start?

    Ideally, get a baseline, pre-transplant skin exam; if that’s not feasible, schedule within the first year after transplant. Urgent concerns (a rapidly growing, tender, or bleeding spot) should be seen within 1–2 weeks. (Frontiers Publishing Partnerships)

  • What happens at a screening visit?

    A clinician performs a full-body skin exam, documents findings (often with photos), treats precancers when appropriate, and reviews sun protection, self-checks, and follow-up timing based on your risk. (itscc.org)

  • How high is the risk—really?

    Kidney recipients can face dozens-fold higher risk for squamous cell carcinoma; risks accumulate with time on immunosuppression. That’s why consistent screening and sun protection are essential. (AMA Ed Hub)

  • What should prompt an urgent appointment?

    Any new, changing, rapidly growing, painful, crusting, or bleeding lesion—especially on sun-exposed skin or prior surgical/scar sites—should be evaluated promptly. (Frontiers Publishing Partnerships)

  • What can I do between visits?

    Practice daily sun protection (broad-spectrum SPF 30+, protective clothing), avoid tanning, and perform regular self-exams—looking for the ABCDEs and any “ugly duckling” moles that look different from the rest. (American Academy of Dermatology)

  • Do you see transplant patients regularly?

    Yes. Our practice follows transplant-specific screening principles, coordinates with transplant teams, and uses dermatologic surgery (including Mohs surgery when indicated) to treat skin cancers with precision while preserving healthy tissue. Early detection improves outcomes. (advanceddermsurgery.com)

  • How do I schedule or ask a question?

    Call the office, and please mention your transplant status (organ type, year of transplant, current medications) so we can schedule you at the recommended interval and prepare any needed coordination with your transplant team. (advanceddermsurgery.com)