What does a long-term black mole on the left cheek mean?

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

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My mom, who is now 60-year-old has a black mole kind of mark on her left cheek. It was there even six years before, but it was less noticeable. She does not have any itching or pain, or bleeding on the mole, and the mole remained almost the same size. But there may be a slight increase in the last six years. Should I be worried?

Answered by Dr. Kakkar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is a seborrheic keratosis. It is a benign epidermal growth that can be removed with a cautery if desired. Treatment is done only for cosmetic reasons. Take care.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. I was worried if it could be melanoma because I was terrified when I researched on the internet.

Answered by Dr. Kakkar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, it is not melanoma. Take care.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. Can you please throw some light on what features of this mole made you decide that it is seborrheic keratosis and not melanoma? It would be helpful and stress relief for me as a caretaker. I also thought it could be seborrheic keratosis only because her brother has them on his head.

Answered by Dr. Kakkar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It has a stuck-on appearance with well-defined, regular borders, symmetrical, and uniformly colored, unlike melanoma. Moreover, the appearance has not changed much over the years. Take care.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. Will it grow even bigger, or it stay like this?

Answered by Dr. Kakkar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Seborrheic keratosis does not usually grow much over the year. They may become slightly raised, but that is just within normalcy. Take care.

Was this conversation helpful?

Answered by Dr. Kakkar

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana

October 5, 2022

October 17, 2023

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

Dr. Kakkar

Dermatology

Consult this doctor

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