New Growth and Changing Moles Treatment in Petaluma & Hercules

Why Monitor Your Skin?

Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and it constantly changes over time. While many new spots or moles that develop are harmless, some growths can signal underlying skin conditions that require medical attention. At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, our board-certified dermatologists and PAs specialize in evaluating skin changes to distinguish between benign (non-cancerous) findings and potentially serious concerns.

New growths, spots, or moles can appear at any age. Most are entirely normal, including freckles, age spots, and seborrheic keratoses (“barnacles of aging”). However, careful monitoring is important because some skin cancers—including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma—can first appear as subtle changes that are easy to overlook. Detecting these changes early greatly improves treatment outcomes.

Common Types of New Growths

Benign Moles (Nevi): Usually uniform in color and shape; they may appear during childhood or early adulthood.
Seborrheic Keratoses: Waxy, wart-like growths common with age; though benign, they may be mistaken for cancer. They are commonly removed by liquid nitrogen or curettage.
Skin Tags: Small, soft protrusions often found on the neck, eyelids, or underarms. They can easily be snipped off or cauterized away.
Cherry Angiomas: Small red bumps caused by clusters of blood vessels; harmless but sometimes concerning to patients. They are highly responsive to our vascular lasers if patients want them removed.
Dermatofibromas: These common, firm, brown growths are commonly found on the legs, upper chest, and shoulders. They are a scar-like reaction to a previous minor injury, like an insect bite or a shaving nick.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia: These yellow, slightly indented facial bumps are commonly mistaken for moles, but in actuality, are enlarged oil glands.

Warning Signs of Changing Moles

Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify suspicious moles:

A – Asymmetry: One half looks different from the other.
B – Border: Edges are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
C – Color: Varied shades of brown, black, red, or even white/blue.
D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or sensation (itching, bleeding, crusting).

Any mole or spot that stands out as “different from the rest” (sometimes called the “ugly duckling sign”) should also be evaluated.

When to Seek Dermatologic Care

Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if you notice:

A new growth that looks unusual or is rapidly changing.
A mole or spot that bleeds, itches, or becomes painful.
A sore that does not heal within a few weeks.
Multiple new growths appearing in a short period of time.

Even if a lesion appears harmless, having it examined provides peace of mind and ensures nothing serious is missed.

Dermatology Associates of the bay area doctors, pa, aesthetician, and staff. Group image outside.

Board-Certified Dermatologists Serving Petaluma & Hercules

Our team of board-certified dermatologists is dedicated to providing expert skin care for patients of all ages. At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, we combine advanced dermatology techniques with personalized care to help you achieve healthy, beautiful skin.

Choose a trusted dermatology practice committed to exceptional care and long-term skin health.

What sets us apart:

Board-Certified Dermatologists – Our dermatologists have completed rigorous training and certification to deliver the highest level of dermatologic care. Our medical colleagues recognize our expertise, and as such, we have been recipients of Castle Connolly Top Doctors – including most recently in January 2025
Comprehensive Skin Care – From medical dermatology and acne treatment to advanced acne scar solutions and cosmetic procedures, we offer a full range of services under one roof.
Patient-Focused Approach – Every treatment plan is customized to fit your unique skin type, concerns, and goals.
Advanced Technology – We use clinically proven treatments and devices for effective, safe results.

Our Approach to Evaluation

At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, we provide:

Comprehensive skin exams using dermoscopy (a handheld magnifying device that enhances mole evaluation).
Biopsies, when necessary, to confirm whether a lesion is benign or malignant.
Individualized care plans, ranging from reassurance and monitoring to advanced surgical treatments like Mohs surgery if skin cancer is diagnosed.

Prevention and Self-Care

Perform a twice-yearly skin self-exam in front of a mirror, checking your entire body—including scalp, soles, and between the toes.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and wide-brim hats to reduce the risk of new and potentially harmful growths.
Schedule an annual full-body skin exam, especially if you have a history of sunburns, tanning bed use, or a family history of skin cancer.

Trust Your Skin to Experts

Changes in your skin should never be ignored. With early detection and expert care, most growths, including skin cancers, are highly treatable. At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, our team of board-certified dermatologists is committed to safeguarding your skin health through attentive monitoring, accurate diagnosis, and advanced treatment options.

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New Growths and Changing Moles

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I be concerned about a new mole or growth?

Schedule an evaluation if you notice any changes following the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, varied Colors, Diameter larger than 6mm, or Evolution in size, shape, or sensation. Also seek care for any growth that bleeds, itches, becomes painful, or looks different from your other moles (the “ugly duckling sign”).

Are all new growths cancerous?

No. Most new spots and growths are benign, including freckles, age spots, seborrheic keratoses, skin tags, and cherry angiomas. However, professional evaluation is important because some skin cancers can initially appear as subtle changes that are easy to overlook.

How often should I examine my own skin?

We recommend performing a thorough self-exam twice yearly. Check your entire body in front of a mirror, including often-missed areas like your scalp, soles of feet, and between toes. Use a hand mirror or ask someone to help examine your back.

What happens during a mole evaluation?

Our dermatologists use dermoscopy—a specialized magnifying device—to examine moles and growths more closely than the naked eye allows. If necessary, we may perform a biopsy to determine whether a lesion is benign or requires further treatment. The process is thorough yet comfortable.

Do I need to remove benign growths?

Benign growths like seborrheic keratoses, skin tags, or cherry angiomas don’t require removal for medical reasons, but many patients choose removal for cosmetic comfort or if they’re frequently irritated by clothing. We can safely remove these using various techniques including liquid nitrogen, laser therapy, or simple excision.

Can I prevent new moles and growths from forming?

While genetics play a role, sun protection is your best defense. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, wear wide-brimmed hats and protective clothing, avoid tanning beds, and seek shade during peak sun hours. These measures significantly reduce your risk of developing potentially harmful growths.

How accurate is the ABCDE rule for identifying skin cancer?

The ABCDE rule is a helpful screening tool, but it’s not foolproof. Some melanomas don’t follow these criteria, and some benign moles may exhibit ABCDE features. This is why professional evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist is essential for accurate diagnosis and peace of mind.

Should I be worried if I have many moles?

Most biopsy results are available within 7-10 business days. We’ll contact you promptly with results and discuss next steps if any treatment is needed. If results show skin cancer, early detection typically means simpler, more effective treatment options.

Is there a difference between a dermatologist and a family doctor for mole checks?

While family doctors can perform basic skin exams, board-certified dermatologists have specialized training in recognizing subtle skin changes and use advanced diagnostic tools like dermoscopy. For concerning lesions or if you have risk factors for skin cancer, dermatologic evaluation provides the highest level of expertise and accuracy.