“Odd mole? ”
I'm 38. I have this mole that I'm worried about. It appeared 2 years ago starting with itchy skin. It's the size of a pencil eraser now and it's started peeling and bleeding a little. It just looks wrong. Should I see a doctor about it?
Female | 38 years old
Complaint duration: 2 years
4 Answers
Any mole or growth that increases significantly in size, shape, color, or exhibits itching, tenderness, crusting or bleeding should be examined by a board certified dermatologist who most likely will recommend a simply biopsy to rule out the possibility of a skin malignancy. In the case of moles, early diagnosis of malignant moles (i.e. malignant melanoma) is essential, since delay may result in spread of the malignancy and poorer outcomes.
Yes, you should. Any lesion that changes, specifically if it bleeds, needs to be checked by a specialist.
Hello and sorry about the delay in answering your question. Yes, by all means seek out a local dermatologist for consultation. Although the vast majority of skin lesions are benign, a changing mole definitely requires an in-person look.
Stephen Schleicher, MD
Stephen Schleicher, MD
See a doctor because it itches, is inflamed, and bleeds. It may require a biopsy.
