Cancerous Moles: What You Should Know

Moles are collections of pigment-producing cells and may be present from birth or develop later. Concerning change can include an uneven shape, an irregular edge, several colours, noticeable growth, persistent itching, pain, crusting, or bleeding. These features are prompts for assessment, not proof of melanoma or another cancer. A clinician may use dermoscopy to view structures beneath the surface and decide whether the mole should be sampled.

Check your skin in good light and keep a dated photograph of a mole that you are monitoring. Compare it with nearby moles, but do not rely on symmetry or colour alone. Make an appointment for a new or changing lesion, especially if it is difficult to observe on the scalp, back, or another area. Do not shave, burn, or use home mole-removal products; they can damage tissue and obscure the diagnosis. A clinician may recommend mole removal or surgical excision when testing is needed.

Seek prompt review for a mole that bleeds without clear trauma, develops an ulcer, changes quickly, becomes markedly different from your other moles, or forms a new firm area. Arrange urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding or signs of infection after an injury. Early examination helps determine whether monitoring, sampling, or removal is appropriate.

Ask what specific change is visible, whether dermoscopy or a biopsy is needed, how much tissue would be removed, and when results and wound-care advice will be available. Mention previous skin cancers, family history, intense sun exposure, and any recent change in the lesion.