When to worry about a bleeding mole if you have melanoma

A melanoma may become fragile as it changes, so light rubbing, scratching, or contact with clothing can cause bleeding. Bleeding can also come from a surface injury or another non-cancerous skin growth, so the symptom alone cannot identify the cause. Watch for a mole that changes in size, shape, colour, border, or surface, or one that develops crusting, oozing, tenderness, or persistent itching. A dermatologist may examine the whole skin area and use a dermatoscope to inspect structures below the surface.

If the mole is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze until it stops, then keep the area clean and covered if clothing rubs it. Do not pick the scab, shave over the spot, or try to remove the mole yourself. Take a clear photograph when the area is dry and note when bleeding started, what touched it, and whether it has happened before. Arrange a dermatology appointment promptly, especially if the bleeding began without an obvious injury or the mole has changed.

Seek urgent medical help if pressure does not control the bleeding, blood is flowing heavily, or you feel faint or unwell. Contact a dermatologist promptly for any unexplained, repeated, or easily triggered bleeding, and for a changing mole. Do not wait for bleeding to recur before arranging an assessment. A clinician may recommend monitoring, a skin biopsy, or another examination based on what the lesion looks like.

Ask whether the mole needs dermoscopic examination or biopsy, which changes should prompt an earlier review, and how to protect the area while waiting. Tell the clinician about previous melanoma, other changing spots, recent friction or injury, and any medicines that may increase bleeding.