Is That Spot Skin Cancer? Why Your Mole Is Changing & What to Do Next

Noticing that a mole is changing can be unsettling. You might wonder: Is this skin cancer? The truth is, many mole changes are harmless — but some can be a sign of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most serious type.

The key is knowing what changes matter, what doesn't, and what steps to take next.

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First: Not All Changing Moles Are Skin Cancer

Moles (also called nevi) are common. Most adults have 10–40 moles on their body. They can:

• Darken or lighten slightly over time
• Become raised
• Grow slowly and proportionally with your body
• Change during pregnancy or adolescence

These changes are often normal.

However, rapid or unusual changes can sometimes signal skin cancer, particularly melanoma. That's why it's important to understand the warning signs.

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Why Would a Mole Change?

There are several possible reasons:

1. Normal Skin Changes

Hormones, aging, and sun exposure can alter how a mole looks.

2. Benign (Non-Cancerous) Growth

Some moles become raised or slightly irregular but remain harmless.

3. Atypical (Dysplastic) Moles

These moles look unusual under a microscope and may have irregular features. While not cancer, they can increase your risk of melanoma.

4. Skin Cancer

Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new spot. Melanoma is the most concerning because it can spread if not caught early.

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The ABCDE Rule: How to Spot Possible Skin Cancer

Doctors often use the ABCDE rule to evaluate moles. If your mole shows one or more of these features, it should be checked:

• A – Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other.
• B – Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, or jagged.
• C – Color: Uneven color (brown, black, red, white, or blue in one mole).
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller.
• E – Evolving: Changing in size, shape, color, height, or symptoms (itching, bleeding).

Of these, "E" for evolving is one of the most important warning signs of skin cancer.

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Other Concerning Symptoms

In addition to the ABCDE signs, speak to a doctor if a mole:

• Bleeds without injury
• Develops a crust or scab that doesn't heal
• Feels painful or persistently itchy
• Looks very different from your other moles ("ugly duckling sign")
• Grows quickly over weeks or months

Rapid growth is especially important. If you've noticed your mole getting larger and want to understand whether it requires medical attention, use this free growing mole symptom checker to get personalized guidance based on your specific symptoms.

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Types of Skin Cancer That Can Look Like a Mole

When people think about skin cancer, melanoma is often top of mind — and for good reason. But it's not the only type.

Melanoma

• Can start in an existing mole or as a new dark spot
• May spread to other parts of the body if untreated
• Highly treatable when caught early

Basal Cell Carcinoma

• Most common form of skin cancer
• Often appears as a pearly bump or pink patch
• Rarely spreads but can damage surrounding tissue

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• May look like a scaly red patch or wart-like growth
• Can spread if untreated

While basal and squamous cell cancers are more common, melanoma is more dangerous, which is why changes in a mole deserve attention.

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Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

You may be at higher risk if you have:

• Fair skin, light eyes, or red/blonde hair
• A history of sunburns, especially blistering burns
• Frequent tanning bed use
• Many moles (especially over 50)
• A personal or family history of melanoma
• A weakened immune system

That said, skin cancer can happen to anyone, including people with darker skin tones.

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What Happens at the Doctor's Office?

If you see a healthcare provider about a changing mole, here's what to expect:

1. Visual Exam

The doctor will examine your skin, possibly using a dermatoscope (a magnifying tool with light).

2. Skin Biopsy

If the mole looks suspicious, a biopsy may be performed. This involves removing all or part of the mole and sending it to a lab.

• It's usually done with local numbing.
• The procedure is quick.
• Results often return within one to two weeks.

3. Next Steps (If Skin Cancer Is Found)

Treatment depends on the type and stage:

• Early melanoma: Often cured with surgical removal alone.
• More advanced cases: May require additional surgery, lymph node evaluation, or systemic treatments.

Early detection dramatically improves survival rates, especially for melanoma.

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When Should You Seek Immediate Care?

Make an urgent appointment if a mole:

• Changes rapidly over weeks
• Starts bleeding repeatedly
• Becomes very painful
• Looks significantly different from others

If you notice systemic symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, or persistent fatigue alongside a suspicious mole, speak to a doctor promptly.

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How to Monitor Your Skin at Home

Regular self-checks help you catch potential skin cancer early.

Once a Month:

• Examine your entire body in good lighting.
• Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas.
• Check your scalp, soles of feet, and under nails.
• Take photos to track changes over time.

Consistency is key. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the simpler the treatment.

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How to Lower Your Risk of Skin Cancer

Prevention matters. While not all skin cancer can be prevented, you can reduce risk:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily
• Reapply every two hours outdoors
• Wear protective clothing and hats
• Avoid tanning beds
• Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Sun protection is one of the most effective ways to prevent future skin cancer.

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Should You Be Worried?

It's normal to feel concerned when a mole changes. But remember:

• Most changing moles are not melanoma.
• Early-stage skin cancer is highly treatable.
• Watching and waiting without evaluation can delay diagnosis.

The goal isn't panic — it's awareness and action.

If you're experiencing symptoms and need help deciding your next steps, try this AI-powered growing mole symptom checker — it's free and can help you determine how urgently you should seek medical care.

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The Bottom Line

A changing mole can be harmless — or it can be an early sign of skin cancer. The difference often comes down to:

• How quickly it's changing
• Whether it fits the ABCDE criteria
• Whether it stands out from your other moles

When in doubt, get it checked. Skin cancer, especially melanoma, is far more treatable when caught early.

If you notice any concerning changes, speak to a doctor promptly. Anything that could be serious or life‑threatening deserves professional evaluation. Early action saves lives — and in the case of skin cancer, it can make all the difference.