Is it normal that I have a fading mole on my ear cartilage?

Question

Hi Doctors. I have a question. I have a mole that i have had for a LONG time on the cartilage on my ear. Looking back at a pic from 7 years ago it was MUCH darker. The mole is still the same shape and size, just MUCH lighter. Is this normal? Thank you for your time!

Jonathan J. Staiano, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

This does not sound too sinister, altough any changes to a mole warrant getting it looked at.  There is no substitute for a clinical examination, so if it has bothered you enough to post this question on this site, then I would say that it is worth visiting your local doctor for a face to face opinion.

	Good luck.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Yes, it can be normal for a mole to fade and it actually is more common than we think. Often it is a sign that the mole is being reabsorbed by your body. Classical warning signs of skin cancer are darkening, not lightening, of the mole. Of course, nothing is ever 100% certain so there is no substitute for a physical examination by a dermatologist and skin biopsy, if indicated. If necessary, a mole on the ear can be easily removed by a "shave biopsy" and sent to the lab for microscopic examination.

Is it normal that I have a fading mole on my ear cartilage?

Answers (2)