Is It a Mole or a Wart? (photo)

Question

In 2009 I found a tiny, smooth, hard "mole" below my lower stomach but above my vaginal area. I picked at it and a hard seed came out, and the hole that was left on my skin bled quite a bit. A few months later it grew back, turning into a raised, flat, smooth, scaly mole that had uneven and jagged edges about the size of an eraser. It was darker brown in the middle and flesh-colored around the edges. The edges ended up falling off and it shrunk to a smaller smooth mole that occasionally itches.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

It is difficult to determine what the lesion is from the photo.  I would highly recommend that you see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

In either case, the lesion bothers you and should be removed. The mole can be sent for pathologic examination at which time you can find out what it was. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It's impossible to make an exact diagnosis of your lesion with just a picture. From what I see, I would say it's unlikely that the lesion is a wart. It could be a mole or a skin tag, but you would need to be examined to try and determine an answer.

Stephen Salerno, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hello

	It looks like a naevus (pigmented mole) or a seborrheic keratosis.  It does not look like a wart.  I would schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon and have it closely inspected.

	Regards

	Stephen Salerno

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

An in-person exam is always best. If you have a site that changes at all, it's best to see a physician. But based solely on the photo, it looks like a mole or a seborrheic. In general, warts look more like lumpy cauliflower than something smooth and round.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It's very difficult to tell exactly what this growth is from the photo. 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. It is an extremely simple five minute procedure for a dermatologist to remove this growth using either a "punch" or a "shave" biopsy which typically leaves a minimal scar. The growth can then be checked microscopically for reassurance. You can follow the video link below to learn more about identifying the changes in moles that are suspicious for skin cancer.

MOLE REMOVAL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Is It a Mole or a Wart? (photo)

Answers (6)

MOLE REMOVAL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU