No, a growing mole does not always mean cancer. However, it is recommended to have any changes in moles checked by a dermatologist.
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A growing mole does not always mean cancer, but it is important to pay attention to any changes in moles and have them checked by a dermatologist. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the warning signs of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can be remembered with the acronym ABCDE:
- A is for Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
- B is for Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
- C is for Color: The mole has different shades of brown, black, or tan, or areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue.
- D is for Diameter: The mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
- E is for Evolving: The mole looks different from other moles on your skin, or is changing in size, shape, or color.
If a mole is changing or exhibiting any of these warning signs, it is important to see a dermatologist for an evaluation as soon as possible. However, it is also important to note that less than one percent of all moles turn into melanoma.
The National Cancer Institute explains that the majority of moles are benign, or non-cancerous, and that some may even disappear over time. Additionally, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing moles, including genetics, sun exposure, and hormonal changes.
In the words of renowned dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad, “As with anything related to your health, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you notice a mole or lesion changing in size, color, shape or texture, have it checked out by a dermatologist promptly.”
To summarize, while a growing mole does not always mean cancer, it is important to be vigilant about changes in moles and to have them evaluated by a dermatologist. The following table provides an overview of the differences between benign moles and melanoma:
| Benign Moles | Melanoma |
|---|---|
| Symmetrical | Asymmetrical |
| Smooth, even borders | Irregular, ragged or blurred edges |
| One consistent color | Inconsistent color, shades or hues |
| Small, typically less than 6mm | Can grow larger than 6mm |
| Remain the same over time | Change in color, shape or size |
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If a mole is bigger than a pencil eraser, it is not necessarily cancerous, but it should be evaluated. The ABCD above is very important. However, if any mole on your skin shows signs of change, that can indicate a problem. A change in size or color for example might be the only sign that it is cancerous.
See a video about the subject.
The importance of early detection of Melanoma is highlighted in a YouTube video, “Is It A Mole or Melanoma? This Might Save Your Life! | Dermatologist Tips”. Melanomas can appear as not just dark brown or black spots but also various colors, so it is recommended to check your skin often and consult a dermatologist for regular skin checks if you have any concerns. The dermatologist explains the ABCDEs of checking for potential melanomas and warns that late-stage detection can lead to poor outcomes. She encourages those with risk factors to be checked by a dermatologist and provides additional resources to learn about melanoma.
Also people ask
Can a mole grow and be non cancerous?
As an answer to this: Short answer: Yes. “There are normal changes that can occur in moles,” Kohen says. “For example, moles on the face can start out as brown patches, and over time as we grow older, these moles can raise up, lose color and simply become flesh-colored bumps.” Moles can lighten or darken in color, and raise or flatten.
Are fast growing moles always cancerous?
Response: There’s some good news here, though. Although there are rare cases of rapidly growing melanomas, most melanomas grow very slowly — over the course of several years — during which time the mole changes in ways that often can be spotted by eye.
Should I be worried if my mole is growing?
If you notice changes in any mole’s color, thickness, size, or shape, you should see a dermatologist. You also should have your moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, scale, or become tender or painful.
Can moles grow and not be melanoma?
Response to this: Can a common mole turn into melanoma? Only rarely does a common mole turn into melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Although common moles are not cancerous, people who have many small moles or several large ones have an increased risk of developing melanoma (1).
Can you get cancer if you pick a mole?
In reply to that: “Even by cutting, you don’t change the behavior of a mole.” Credit… Any mole can become cancerous, said Dr. Kaufmann, who is associate clinical professor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, but one with a hair sprouting from it is actually less likely to do so.
Is it bad if a mole grows bigger?
Response: Moles in and of themselves are harmless but can become dangerous when they change color, grow larger, or become abnormally raised. The New Zealand Dermatological Society says possible causes of a raised or changed moles is melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer, as well as other dangerous conditions.
Does a painful mole always mean cancer?
“A normal mole can hurt if irritated,” says Janet Prystowsky, MD, board certified dermatologist in New York, NY, with 30+ years’ experience. Dr. Prystowsky explains, “While a painful mole is a red flag, it is not necessarily skin cancer. Rubbing and scratching normal skin can hurt, so it’s entirely possible for the same to happen to a mole.”
Can you get cancer if you pick a mole?
“Even by cutting, you don’t change the behavior of a mole.” Credit… Any mole can become cancerous, said Dr. Kaufmann, who is associate clinical professor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, but one with a hair sprouting from it is actually less likely to do so.
Is it bad if a mole grows bigger?
The reply will be: Moles in and of themselves are harmless but can become dangerous when they change color, grow larger, or become abnormally raised. The New Zealand Dermatological Society says possible causes of a raised or changed moles is melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer, as well as other dangerous conditions.
Does a painful mole always mean cancer?
The response is: “A normal mole can hurt if irritated,” says Janet Prystowsky, MD, board certified dermatologist in New York, NY, with 30+ years’ experience. Dr. Prystowsky explains, “While a painful mole is a red flag, it is not necessarily skin cancer. Rubbing and scratching normal skin can hurt, so it’s entirely possible for the same to happen to a mole.”