Is my mole cancerous?

The first sign of a potentially cancerous mole is a drastic change in color—for instance, moles that are dark, brown, grey, or inconsistent in color (i.e., black in the middle and tan, white, red, or pink) in patches or around the outside should be brought to your doctor’s attention. read more

Moles can be linked to skin cancer. This is especially true if you have a family history of skin cancer linked to moles. In addition to limiting your exposure to sunlight and using sunscreens, examining yourself for moles can help with early detection of melanoma (the deadliest type of skin cancer) and treatment. read more

If it's skin cancer, a biopsy can show how deeply it has penetrated the skin. Your dermatologist needs this information to decide how to treat the mole. The most common location for melanoma in men is the back; in women, it is the lower leg. read more

Evolving Moles A mole that has inconsistencies—for example, it transitions in color, shape, height, or surface texture—might be dangerous or unhealthy and should be inspected by a medical professional. read more

A dysplastic nevus is a type of mole that looks different from a common mole. (Some doctors use the term"atypical mole" to refer to a dysplastic nevus.) A dysplastic nevus may be bigger than a common mole, and its color, surface, and border may be different. read more

A dysplastic nevus is a type of mole that looks different from a common mole. (Some doctors use the term "atypical mole" to refer to a dysplastic nevus.) A dysplastic nevus may be bigger than a common mole, and its color, surface, and border may be different. read more