Does my mole show signs of melanoma?

Question

Hi doctor,

I need a dermatologist’s opinion on my mole. Does it look normal, or are there any signs of melanoma?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You have done the right thing by seeking a dermatologist’s opinion.

At this stage, it is not possible to accurately determine whether a mole is normal or shows warning signs of melanoma without seeing it.

Please send a clear, well-focused photograph of the mole (taken in good lighting, both close-up and slightly zoomed out to show the surrounding skin) for proper assessment. If possible, also share how long you have had this mole and whether you have noticed any recent changes.

As a dermatologist, I assess moles for melanoma using the internationally followed ABCDE criteria:

A – Asymmetry: If you imagine drawing a line through the middle of the mole, both halves should look similar. If one side looks different from the other, it needs attention.
B – Border: Normal moles have smooth, well-defined borders. Warning signs include borders that are irregular, uneven, notched, or blurred.
C – Color: A healthy mole is usually one uniform shade of brown. A concerning mole may show multiple colors, such as dark brown, black, red, bluish, or white areas.
D – Diameter: Moles larger than about 6 millimeters (roughly the size of a pencil eraser), or moles that are gradually increasing in size, should be evaluated.
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, itching, bleeding, or pain is important.

The presence of one or more of these features does not automatically mean melanoma, but it does indicate the need for closer evaluation. This helps decide whether a mole is harmless or requires further assessment, such as dermoscopy or biopsy.

Please upload a clear image so I can guide you more accurately. Also, let me know if there has been rapid change, bleeding, pain, or itching, and whether you have any family history of melanoma, as well as the location of the mole.

With this basic evaluation, you will get an idea of whether the mole is likely benign or whether further testing, such as a biopsy, is needed.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.

Thank you.