Can a mole on the back of an 18-year-old male be cancerous?

Question

Hello doctor,

My son is 18 years old and went to the dermatologist to have a few skin tags removed. He asked the doctor about a mole on the back and the doctor told him to remove it for the possibility of cancer. This has caused me a lot of worries as I await his biopsy results. It is a two-millimeter small mole. What are your thoughts on the picture below?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

The causes of malignancy are long-term sun exposure, severe sunburn at an early age, repeated exposure to radiation, unusual scars on the skin, weakened immune system, frequent exposure to certain chemicals, and use of tanning beds. The risk factor is being fair-skinned, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, certain skin conditions, family history of skin cancer, and many moles/dysplastic nevi on the body.

The signs and symptoms are a non-healing sore that started as a patch or rash, a growth that bleeds easily and crusts over, a change in size or shape of existing marks and discoloration, formation of an ulcer, rough scaly areas, lesions are painful or tender or itchy, red bumps shiny and pearly, or a raised area with a central lump. If skin cancer is detected early it can be treated quickly with less scarring.

My advice:

Avoid the mid-day sun.
Use sunscreen lotion, even on a cloudy day.
Wear protective clothing that covers arms and legs.
Avoid tanning booths.
Do a self-examination of the skin to look for changes and detect them early as possible.
The biopsy will rule out malignancy.
If malignancy is found in biopsy then get it removed.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The margins appear to be regular on the attached image (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). It appears to be benign dysplastic nevi clinically. The margins of melanoma appear irregular. If there is a family history of melanoma or skin cancer or any one or two of the above-mentioned risk factors is present, then the tendency of malignancy increases. The biopsy will rule out malignancy. Do not worry. Stay relaxed. Keep a watch on the lesion, if there is any change in shape or size of the lesion. Avoid direct sunlight. Use a photostable sunscreen daily at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm, and 30 minutes before going outdoors.

Thank you.