Is this mole suspicious? It's diameter is 1 cm (Photo)

Question

I have this mole on my arm, I just want to see if it's suspicious and whether I must get it screened. (No insurance so I can't afford getting a skin check right now).

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing an expert.  If you are concerned this can be removed in the office without any issues.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael A. Greenberg, MD · Answer

The picture you sent is out of focus so it's really hard to say a lot about this lesion, however, there is no doubt in my mind that you need to see a dermatologist for an evaluation.   The peace of mind you will get from the visit will be worth the time and cost.

Lisa Zaleski-Larsen, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  There are several home screening tools that can help someone decide to see a dermatologist before their yearly appointment.  The ABCDE's of melanoma can help to determine if a mole is abnormal with "A" being asymmetry (not a perfect circle), "B" is borders (jagged borders), "C" is color (multiple colors/changing color), "D" is diameter (more than 6mm), and "E" is evolution or change.  Another tool is the ugly duckling sign.  If 1 mole is different than the others it should also be examined by a dermatologist.  Also, if there is a family history of melanoma your risk for also getting a melanoma is higher.  The mole in the photo is asymmetrical, has jagged borders, I can't assess the colors very well in the photo, is larger than 6mm and I do not know if it has changed.  I recommend having an examination by a dermatologist to see if a biopsy would need to be completed.  The only way to know for sure that a mole is not cancerous is to biopsy it.  I wish you the best!

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It is always difficult
to tell from a photograph, especially when it is out of focus like yours, so to be safe your mole should be carefully
evaluated. 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 dermatologist to remove the mole using either a "punch" or a
"shave" biopsy which typically leaves a minimal scar. The mole can
then be checked microscopically for reassurance.

Is this mole suspicious? It's diameter is 1 cm (Photo)

Answers (4)

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