Is this melanoma? Should this be removed? (Photo)

Question

i’ve had this mole on my left rib cage for about 4 years now, and i noticed last night it looks different now. Has a purple ring or purple coloration around it. doesn’t hurt, doesn’t sting nor itch.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I understand why this change caught your attention—anytime a spot looks different, it’s completely reasonable to feel concerned.

Based on the photo and your description, the new purple coloration or ring around the mole is a change that should be taken seriously, even though it is reassuring that it isn’t painful, itchy, or bleeding. Changes in color—especially the appearance of purple, blue, or dark red tones—can sometimes be related to trauma, inflammation, bleeding within the lesion, or vascular changes, but they can also be seen with atypical moles and, less commonly, melanoma.

The key point here is change. A mole that has been stable for years and then suddenly develops a new color halo or darker component deserves closer evaluation. While many lesions like this turn out to be benign (such as a traumatized nevus, angiomatous change, or irritated mole), melanoma cannot be ruled out based on appearance alone—especially when a lesion evolves.

From a dermatologic standpoint, a lesion with:
• New color change
• Asymmetry or uneven pigmentation
• Recent evolution after years of stability

is typically one that should be examined with dermoscopy and often biopsied. Removal in this context is usually done for diagnosis, not just cosmetic reasons.

The good news is that you noticed the change early. When concerning lesions are evaluated promptly, outcomes are overwhelmingly favorable. Even if this turns out to be benign, removing or sampling it provides clarity and peace of mind.

In short:
• This does not automatically mean melanoma
• The color change makes it worth evaluating
• A biopsy is often the safest next step to be certain

You did the right thing by paying attention to your skin—early awareness truly matters.

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