Is the mole on my back normal or related to melanoma?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have this mole on my back. I think it has been there for a while. My GP took one look at it and declared completely benign. I was wondering what sort of mole it is? Is it worrying? I used sunbeds frequently for about a year when I was younger. Never since.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Yeshwanth Kumar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Most likely it is a benign melanocytic nevus (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The worrying signs are a sudden change in colour, a sudden increase in size and shape. If you want to confirm whether it is benign or not, you can go for dermoscopy (noninvasive technique), skin biopsy.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you so much for your reply.

Is that basically just a common mole? Or does that one look atypical? I found old photos I had taken of moles nearly two years ago. I found one of the moles in question. It has not changed. I think it was just the dark center that panicked me.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Yeshwanth Kumar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I feel it looks like normal melanocytic nevus which is benign at present but you are the one who can judge this as you have been seeing from a long time. If still, you are in doubt, you can go for dermoscopy which is a non-invasive technique which helps in differentiation.

Thank you.

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Answered by Dr. Yeshwanth Kumar

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team

October 10, 2018

November 19, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Yeshwanth Kumar

Dermatology

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