Mole Removal: Q&A
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Does a Suddenly Raised Mole Always Indicate Melanoma?
Based on your experience throughout the years does a suddenly raised mole always indicate melanoma? Has that been the case with all your patients? I have a tiny slightly larger than a pin prick, dark brown mole on my upper thigh. Its become raised in the last 1-2 months. No other changes from what I can tell. It doesn't hurt or itch. I just want to know if there have been cases in which a suddenly raised mole has not been melanoma. Thank you.
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7 Doctor Answers |
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hkwak002
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Mole
If there is a suspicious mole that you are concerned about, it is always a good idea to have it evaluated and biopsied.
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Rapidly growing mole and melanoma
Melanoma sometimes is obvious on examination, and other times not. A true diagnosis can only be obtained under the microscope. Rapidly progressing moles, however, are more suspicious.
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Suddenly Raised Mole.... Melanoma?
Most pigmented lesions that suddenly raise are not melanomas; however, a small percentage might be. As such, the best option is to see a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate the lesion and determine whether a biopsy is necessary. If by chance it is a melanoma the prognosis is always better if the melanoma is detected and treated at as early a stage as possible.
Frequently we talk about the ABCDs of melanoma, which stands for Asymmetry, Border (irregular, jagged, blurred), Color...
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Change in a Mole
Many moles will suddenly become raised due to mechanical irritation (being scratched or rubbing on clothing). Most will not be melanoma. I have removed enough moles to know that you cannot always tell if a mole is melanoma without a biopsy. However, there are warning signs, such as dark brown or uneven colors, size larger than a pencil, or irregular borders/shape, change in size or shape. A good rule of thumb is that all moles that you are worried about should be checked by your surgeon...
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Burley Facial Plastic Surgeon
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Warning signs of melanoma
A suddenly raised mole is a changing mole and therefore it would be safer to have it evaluated by a board certified dermatologist. However, a mole that small is unlikely to be cancerous. Please use the ABCDE's as your guide for when to be concerned about moles: A for Asymmetry; B for Irregular Borders; C for Black or uneven Colors; D for diameter greater than a pencil eraser; and E for a growth that is Evolving or changing. If necessary, it is an extremely simple five minute procedure for a...
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Not always bad
Not always a problem, could be simply irritated. Suggest you get it checked out just to be completely sure its ok. A Derm can tell immediately if it needs to come off for a biopsy or not. Good luck
Columbia Dermatologist
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Does a suddenly raised mole always indicate melanoma?
A suddenly raised mole does not always indicate melanoma. In fact, a suddenly raised mole, in most cases, will not be melanoma. There are several factors which can be signs of a potential melanoma, including size, color, and irregularity. If you have a concern with your mole though, I would see a dermatologist to have it checked.
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