New or evolving
Schedule a focused evaluation for a mole or spot that is new or changing in size, shape, border, color, or elevation.
Focused mole evaluation · Belle Meade
Mole checks in Nashville
A focused medical dermatology visit for one or a few moles, spots, or growths that are new, changing, symptomatic, or simply different from the rest. Your provider evaluates the area and explains what, if anything, should happen next.
Focused mole evaluation Moles + concerning spots · Belle Meade
One or a few specific spots
New, changing, or different
Evaluated with clinical judgment
Biopsy only when indicated
When to schedule
When a mole or spot deserves a closer look.
Book a Mole Check when you can point to one or a few specific spots. Your provider considers what you have noticed, how each area compares with your other spots, and your relevant history.
Different from the rest
A spot that stands out from your usual pattern—the “ugly duckling” sign—deserves a closer look.
Bleeding, itching, or irritation
Spontaneous bleeding, crusting, tenderness, itching, growth, or failure to heal should be evaluated. Repeated irritation from clothing or shaving may also warrant an exam.
Choose the visit that matches your concern.
- One specific mole or spot: mole check
- A few identified areas: mole check
- Broader skin examination: skin cancer screening
- Ongoing monitoring based on history or risk: skin cancer screening
A spot can deserve evaluation even if it does not hurt, itch, or bleed. At the same time, irritation alone does not mean skin cancer. Looking for a broader examination rather than evaluation of specific spots? Explore skin cancer screening.
Evaluation + next steps
Most common moles are harmless and do not need treatment.
A focused examination may be enough to reassure or establish a monitoring plan. If the spot’s appearance or history raises concern, your provider may recommend a biopsy for microscopic examination.
Reassure
The spot may not appear concerning during the exam and may need no immediate procedure.
Monitor
Documentation, photographs, or follow-up may be recommended to watch for change.
Biopsy
Part or all of a concerning spot may be sampled and examined under a microscope to establish a diagnosis.
Clinical judgment matters
Warning signs guide the exam. They do not make a diagnosis.
The ABCDE signs of melanoma and the “ugly duckling” comparison can help identify a spot that merits evaluation. Your provider interprets those features in the context of your skin, history, symptoms, and change over time.
A spot does not need to match every warning sign before it should be evaluated, and melanoma can be smaller than 6 mm. A visual examination helps determine whether a biopsy is warranted. Pathology examination of biopsied tissue is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
- A · Asymmetry
- B · Irregular or poorly defined border
- C · Color that varies within the spot
- D · Often larger than 6 mm, but may be smaller
- E · Evolving size, shape, color, or symptoms
- Different · Unlike your usual pattern
Insurance + billing
Medical evaluation and elective removal are different.
Eligible medical evaluations and medically necessary procedures may be billed to insurance. Coverage and patient responsibility vary by plan. Removal requested only for appearance is self pay.
Focused mole evaluation One or a few specific spots
May be billed to insurance
Clinically indicated biopsy or treatment Based on exam findings and medical necessity
May be billed to insurance
Cosmetic mole removal Removal requested for appearance
Self pay
What to expect
A focused visit with a clear next step.
Evaluation begins with the spot you identified and ends with a practical plan based on the findings.
Describe
Note when the spot appeared, changes you have seen, symptoms, and any photographs that may help show its history.
Examine
Your provider locates the spot and evaluates its appearance in the context of your concern, skin, and relevant history.
Decide
Leave with a plan for reassurance, monitoring, biopsy, treatment, or a separate discussion of elective removal.
Common questions
Mole check FAQs
What is the difference between a mole check and a skin cancer screening?
A mole check focuses on one or a few identified spots. A skin cancer screening is a broader examination based on history, risk, or a clinician’s recommendation. A broader examination is not automatically included in a focused mole check.
What changes should prompt a mole check?
Schedule an evaluation for a spot that is new, evolving, unlike your other spots, bleeding, crusting, itching, tender, growing, or failing to heal. A concerning spot can also be painless and symptom-free.
Does every mole need biopsy or removal?
No. Most common moles are harmless and need no treatment. A biopsy may be recommended when a spot’s appearance or history is concerning. Removal of a mole that does not appear concerning may be discussed when it repeatedly becomes irritated or is unwanted for appearance.
Will my mole be removed during the same visit?
Not necessarily. A same-day procedure is not guaranteed. The next step depends on the clinical purpose, appointment type, size and location of the spot, and scheduling. A diagnostic biopsy may remove part or all of a spot, but it may not be the complete treatment if skin cancer is found. Any procedure that removes skin can leave a scar, which your provider can discuss beforehand.
Is a mole check covered by insurance?
Eligible medical mole evaluations and clinically indicated procedures may be billed to insurance, but coverage and patient responsibility depend on your plan, network, reason for the visit, and medical necessity. Biopsy, pathology, and other procedures may have separate charges. Cosmetic mole removal is self pay.
Mole check appointment
Have a mole or spot that concerns you?
Schedule a focused medical dermatology visit and receive a clear plan based on the examination.
This page provides general information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. Clinical recommendations, procedures, scarring, insurance coverage, and follow-up vary by patient, clinical findings, and insurance plan.