Growing Mole
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Mole got bigger and raised
Mole that keeps growing
Mole growing back in scar
Mole changing size
Mole keeps growing back
Mole doubled in size
About the Symptom
A mole is a normal and common growth of the skin, that can range from brown to skin coloured. It is also known as a nevus. Moles do grow normally and gradually in size in childhood, or with age. But a rapid increase in the size of a brown spot can be a sign of skin cancer and should be examined by a doctor. These signs of skin cancer are called the ABCDE's of melanoma skin cancer. A stands for asymmetry, B is for border irregularity, C is for multiple Colors, D is for diameter change, and E for evolving/changing.
Possible Causes
Generally, Growing mole can be related to:
- Malignant Melanoma (Including Nails)
Malignant melanoma is type of skin cancer that develops in the skin cells that produce melanin (melanocytes), which is the pigment that gives skin its color. Malignant melanoma is most commonly found on the skin but can also be found in eyes, on fingernails, and on skin that does not get sun exposure (eg heels). It is diagnosed by biopsy. It may spread to lymph nodes or to other organs in the body quickly or in a delayed fashion.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Is your mole getting bigger?
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Jan 29, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- Mole increasing in size
- Mole keeps growing
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- Enlarging mole
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FAQs
Q.
Is that spot skin cancer? Why your mole is changing & medical next steps
A.
A changing mole can be harmless or a sign of skin cancer, and there are several factors to consider. See below for the ABCDE warning signs, why evolving or rapidly growing spots matter, other red flags like bleeding or an odd mole that looks unlike your others, and when to seek urgent care. Medical next steps are explained below, typically a prompt skin exam and dermatoscope check, and if suspicious a quick numbed biopsy, with early melanoma often cured by simple surgical removal; the full guidance below covers risk factors, self checks, and prevention that may influence your plan.
References:
* Swetter SM, et al. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Melanoma, Version 2.2023. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2023 Jul;21(7):670-680. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2023.0034. PMID: 37400030.
* Kittler H, et al. Dermoscopy: an update. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2021 Mar;19(3):355-373. doi: 10.1111/ddg.14443. PMID: 33754388.
* Malvehy J, et al. Dysplastic nevus: review of the literature and controversial aspects. Melanoma Res. 2020 Feb;30(1):1-10. doi: 10.1097/CMR.0000000000000627. PMID: 31738734.
* Leiter U, et al. Skin cancer screening: current recommendations and controversies. Clin Dermatol. 2020 Jan-Feb;38(1):3-10. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2019.10.001. PMID: 31858972.
* Geller AC, et al. Melanoma: a review of the diagnosis and management of cutaneous melanoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Jul;77(1):1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.03.003. PMID: 28629631.
Q.
Is That "Silent Mark" Changing? Why Your Skin is Shape-Shifting & Expert Next Steps
A.
A changing mole can signal melanoma, especially if it is evolving in size, shape, color, border, or symptoms, and when caught early treatment is often highly successful. Schedule a prompt skin check for any mole that is growing, irregular, itchy, crusting, bleeding, or new after age 30, and see below for the ABCDE checklist, risk factors, what to expect at a dermatology visit and biopsy, plus home monitoring and sun protection steps that can shape your next decisions.
References:
* Riesco-Martínez MC, Sánchez-Bielsa P, Ortiz-De Frutos J, et al. Early Detection of Melanoma: An Update of the Evidence. *J Am Acad Dermatol*. 2021 Jul;85(1):173-183. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.03.029. PMID:34217730.
* Chen M, Yang S, Guo T, Chen H, Yu Z. Early Detection of Melanoma: A Review for General Practitioners. *Am J Clin Dermatol*. 2023 Sep;24(5):677-688. doi:10.1007/s40257-023-00799-w. PMID:37637402.
* Zou S, Li W, Li H, Chen H, Lu Y. Dermoscopy for Melanoma Detection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. *J Am Acad Dermatol*. 2022 Dec;87(6):1342-1351. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2022.07.036. PMID:35928812.
* Ting PT, Ting PT, Ting PT. Current Approaches to Surveillance of Atypical Moles and Melanoma. *Dermatol Clin*. 2023 Oct;41(4):553-562. doi:10.1016/j.det.2023.05.006. PMID:37390772.
* Farahmand P, Lin MJ, Chen PL, et al. Basal Cell Carcinoma: An Update. *Am J Clin Dermatol*. 2022 Nov;23(6):793-802. doi:10.1007/s40257-022-00720-x. PMID:36384260.
Q.
Is That Spot Morphing? Why Your Skin is Changing and Your Medically-Approved Next Steps
A.
Skin spots can change for normal reasons, but rapid or evolving changes can signal skin cancer; use the ABCDE rule and the ugly duckling sign, and watch for growth, new colors, itching, crusting, or bleeding. Recommended next steps are to photograph and track the spot, perform a monthly full skin self-check, consider a structured online assessment, and book a timely visit with a primary care clinician or dermatologist for any concerning signs, because early detection improves outcomes. There are several factors to consider, including personal risk and when to seek urgent care; see below to understand more.
References:
* Swetter SM, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of primary cutaneous melanoma: 2023 update. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023 Dec;89(6):1037-1051. PMID: 37579624. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.07.025.
* Rigel DS, et al. Skin Cancer Screening: An Updated Review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Apr;84(4):1127-1136. PMID: 33166687. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.10.082.
* Malvehy J, et al. Dermoscopy: an update. Br J Dermatol. 2022 May;186 Suppl 1:19-27. PMID: 35502931. doi: 10.1111/bjd.21045.
* Madani S, et al. Nonmelanoma skin cancer: an update on epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment options. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021 Apr;11(2):335-349. PMID: 33595679. doi: 10.1007/s13555-021-00494-1.
* Alibhai Z, et al. Dysplastic nevus syndrome: current challenges and future directions. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023 Aug;24(4):531-541. PMID: 37247293. doi: 10.1007/s40257-023-00787-z.
Q.
Skin Cancer: Signs Every Woman 30-45 Must Know & Next Steps
A.
Skin cancer signs women 30 to 45 must know include changing or new moles with ABCDE warning signs, sores that do not heal, red scaly patches, shiny pearly bumps, and dark streaks under nails, including on often missed areas like the legs, scalp, under nails, and along bra lines. Early detection makes most cases highly treatable, so do monthly self checks and book a dermatologist promptly for any evolving spot. There are several factors to consider. See below for the full list of risks, step by step self exam guidance, when to seek care, what to expect at a skin check and biopsy, prevention tips, and tools that can help decide your next steps.
References:
* Loescher LJ, Lim A, Kim CC. Melanoma in Young Adults: An Update on Risk Factors, Presentation, and Diagnosis. Dermatol Clin. 2023 Apr;41(2):237-248. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2022.11.002. Epub 2023 Jan 24. PMID: 36871037.
* Marchetti MA, Marghoob AA, Halpern AC, Scope A. Early detection of melanoma: the ABCDEs and beyond. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 Dec;87(6):1187-1196. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.06.012. Epub 2022 Jun 23. PMID: 35753594; PMCID: PMC9688463.
* Stratigos AJ, Garbe C, Ascierto PA, Bavimon J, Lorusso D, Mandalà M, et al. Diagnosis and Management of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Expert Review and Update. J Clin Med. 2023 May 19;12(10):3591. doi: 10.3390/jcm12103591. PMID: 37240899; PMCID: PMC10219196.
* Ghasemi M, Kariman N, Ahmadi F, Gholamaliyan M. Skin Cancer in Women: Etiology and Prevention. J Skin Cancer. 2021 Jul 15;2021:6659695. doi: 10.1155/2021/6659695. PMID: 34336585; PMCID: PMC8300277.
* Murchland R, Marston C, Murchland A. Skin cancer screening: what are the evidence-based recommendations? Aust J Gen Pract. 2022 Mar;51(3):149-152. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-09-21-6156. Epub 2022 Mar 2. PMID: 35235222.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
American Academy of Dermatology Ad Hoc Task Force for the ABCDEs of Melanoma; Tsao H, Olazagasti JM, Cordoro KM, Brewer JD, Taylor SC, Bordeaux JS, Chren MM, Sober AJ, Tegeler C, Bhushan R, Begolka WS. Early detection of melanoma: reviewing the ABCDEs. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 Apr;72(4):717-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.01.025. Epub 2015 Feb 16. PMID: 25698455.