Melanoma in Residual Cells?

Question

I accidentally rubbed off a very small, round brown mole that had appeared on my knee about a year ago. I was looking at it closely because I was trying to remember the shade of brown it was when I first noticed it as compared to a year later. The skin just kind of rubbed off and now it has healed over with no sign of pigmentation. If it was an early melanoma will it continue to grow under the skin to the point where it could spread without there being evidence on the surface of the skin?

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is unlikely that you have rubbed off a melanoma, which grows superficially and deep.  It sounds like a benign growth, called seborrheic keratoses, which can look like a mole and is commonly rubbed or scratched off.  I would recommend seeing a Board Certified Dermatologist for a skin cancer screening.  I hope this helps.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Melanomas are deep in the dermis so it is highly unlikely that you rubbed of a melanoma.  I would still highly recommend that you see your dermatologist for a skin cancer screening.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Melanomas can only be diagnosed by pathology.  It would be advisable to always seek the advice of a skin cancer specialist if you have any doubts. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Stephen Salerno, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hello

	You are unlikely to rub off a melanoma.  Melanomas are usually deeper in the skin layers.  You have most likely rubbed off a seborrheic keratosis.

	Regards

	Stephen Salerno

Ken Landow, MD · Answer

it's a common problem...we call it a seborrehic keratosis...very common...they're usually brownish but sometimes they can have a variety of colors...and they frequently seem to rub off or fall off without a trace...not uncommonly return at the original site or may develop a variety of others...as long as nothing looks abnormal at the site, don't worry...remember melanomas don't rub off without a trace of pigment...

Melanoma in Residual Cells?

Answers (7)