Resolved question:
Wondering if this mole is cancerous?
It' been like an achy pain in the area for last 3 months and itches a lot.
It seems to have changed in shape slightly too since I last looked at it. My mum has breast cancer. I'm 26, f, obese & smoker.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Oncologist
Hello,
Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring. I can understand your concern.
A new or changing mole or blemish is the most common warning sign for melanoma.
Variation in color and/or an increase in diameter, height, or asymmetry of borders of a pigmented lesion are the criteria which need to be taken into account.
Symptoms such as bleeding, itching, ulceration, and pain in a pigmented lesion warrant an evaluation.
I would like to inform you about the ABCDE criteria for a changing mole
Asymmetry: Half the lesion does not match the other half.
Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color variegation: Pigmentation is not uniform and may display shades of tan, brown, or black; white, reddish, or blue discoloration is of particular concern.
Diameter: A diameter greater than 6 mm is characteristic, although some melanomas may have smaller diameters; any growth in a nevus warrants an evaluation.
Evolving: Changes in the lesion over time are characteristic; this factor is critical for nodular or amelanotic (nonpigmented) melanoma, which may not exhibit the classic criteria above.
I provided to you this information so you are aware of what change to expect.
Since you have a few of these changes, you need to visit your dermatologist immediately.
The dermatologist will see your mole under a dermatoscope which will give him an idea of whether the lesion needs biopsy.
It is through these investigations can it be confirmed whether the mole is cancerous or not. If yes, then the appropriate treatment can be instituted.
Please feel free to ask me in case you have any queries.
Regards