Does this mole look cancerous?

A fact sheet about moles and how some moles may be related to melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Includes photos of differences between moles and cancer. ... Several photos of common moles are shown here, and more photos are available on the What Does a Mole Look Like? page. read more

A common mole is a small growth on the skin that is usually pink, tan, or brown and has a distinct edge. A dysplastic nevus is often large and does not have a round or oval shape or a distinct edge. It may have a mixture of pink, tan, or brown shades. read more

Cancerous moles have a few characteristics that can help you distinguish them from harmless, noncancerous moles. 3 4 5 6. 1. New Moles. In general, you shouldn’t see new moles cropping up on your skin as an adult. read more

Almost everyone has some moles, and nearly all of them are harmless. A normal mole, like the one pictured here, is usually an evenly colored brown, tan, or black spot on the skin. It can be either flat or raised, round or oval. Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the cells that give skin its color. Normal moles also develop from these skin cells. read more

A dysplastic nevus is often large and does not have a round or oval shape or a distinct edge. It may have a mixture of pink, tan, or brown shades. People who have many dysplastic nevi have a greater chance than others of developing melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. read more

But when new ones crop up in adulthood or your existing ones seem to change shape, color, and sensation – there’s reason to look again. Symptoms like irregular asymmetric moles, soreness, swelling, redness, or the appearance of new bumps or lumps on your moles are all considered possible signs of skin cancer. read more