What should you know about moles skin cancer?

A mole is usually a benign group of pigment cells. Skin cancer can sometimes develop in or near a mole, so clinicians look for evolution: a change in size, shape, border, colour, surface, or symptoms.

Warning features can include marked asymmetry, several colours, a ragged edge, rapid change, bleeding, crusting, or a new persistent sore. These findings are reasons for assessment, not proof of cancer. A clinician may use magnification and decide whether a biopsy is needed.

Check your skin in good light and keep dated photographs of moles that are difficult to remember. Do not scratch, shave off, or burn a suspicious mole, because injury can complicate healing and remove tissue needed for diagnosis.

Arrange a dermatology review and describe when you first noticed the change. If removal or sampling is advised, [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) may be considered; [Mole Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/mole-removal/) describes treatment discussions for unwanted or concerning moles.

Request prompt medical assessment for a mole that is evolving, bleeds without clear trauma, forms a persistent crust, becomes an open sore, or differs strongly from your other moles. Seek urgent help for uncontrolled bleeding, spreading redness with fever, or severe pain.

Ask what feature concerns the clinician, whether the mole can be monitored, whether a biopsy is needed, how results will be communicated, and how to check the rest of your skin.