When is mole cancerous

My colleague removed a part of the mole and sent it off for tests. Had I not noticed the change in the mole, it may have become a malignant melanoma, and my situation could have been dramatically different. Malignant melanoma, which starts out as a mole, is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, killing almost 10, people each year.

The majority of melanomas are black or brown, but they can be almost any color; skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white. Melanomas are caused mainly by intense UV exposure. If malignant melanoma is recognized and treated early, like in my case, it is almost always curable. However, if it has time to spread to other parts of the body, it becomes very difficult to treat and can lead to death. Being aware of these criteria may very well save your life. On the other hand, a worrisome mole is asymmetrical, meaning if you cut in half, the two sides do not look the same.

It can be round or oval. Some moles can be present at birth, but most appear during childhood or young adulthood. New moles that appear later in life should be checked by a doctor.

Once a mole has developed, it will usually stay the same size, shape, and color for many years. With the help of mirrors, check your face, neck, ears and scalp.

Examine your chest and trunk and the tops and undersides of your arms and hands. Examine both the front and back of your legs and your feet, including the soles and the spaces between your toes.

Also check your genital area and between your buttocks. Melanoma care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview Melanoma Open pop-up dialog box Close. Melanoma Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that begins in the cells melanocytes that control the pigment in your skin. Moles Open pop-up dialog box Close. Moles Moles are usually harmless. Melanoma Open pop-up dialog box Close. Melanoma The first sign of melanoma is often a mole that changes size, shape or color. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Where skin cancer develops Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Where skin cancer develops Skin cancer begins in the cells that make up the outer layer epidermis of your skin. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert.

Mayo Clinic; Cutaneous melanoma. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Accessed Jan. Niederhuber JE, et al. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. Elsevier; Common moles, dysplastic nevi and risk of melanoma. National Cancer Institute. Reed KB, et al.