Question 1

my wife has a mole on her back that has grown and is now off white crusty. is this skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Depends.: If you are sure that initially it was a mole (i mean in technical language 'melanocytic lesion'), this sudden change in color is highly worrisome and may represent cancer (melanoma). Mole (non-specific word) includes other  causes. Need to be checked by dermatologist with biopsy to confirm depending on the evaluation by dermatologist. Some dermatologists specialize in pigmented lesions.

Question 2

what do cancerous moles look  like?

Accepted Answer

Changing mole: It can be hard to tell sometimes but for the lay person, any mole that is changing color, character, bleeds, gets darker, gets irregular or has symptoms, should be examined by a physician knowlegeable about such lesions.  A dermatologist is a specialist in this area.  If you are even in doubt, get it checked out.  Google warning signs of skin cancers.

Question 3

what are the signs of cancerous moles?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer : Most skin cancers are the result of excessive sun exposure/tanning.  Genetics play a strong role too.  Any skin lesion that is changing size, color, shape  or an area that does not heal is suspicious for skin cancer and should be evaluated by a dermatologist .  Moles with jagged borders, various colors (brown, black, sometimes red) ,  asymmetrical , bigger than pencil head eraser are suspicious.

Question 4

what are black moles and are they cancerous?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Black lesion can be dark moles or may represent a skin cancer called melanoma. See a physician to evaluate your moles.

Question 5

what are the chances of having cancerous moles?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the mole: While moles are generally benign, or non-cancerous, there are some that can contain cancer. One class of mole, called congenital giant nevus, is very large and dark and can become a melanoma. Typical moles are very unlikely to be cancerous, but any concerning lesion should be evaluated by a physician.

Question 6

what percentage of moles are usually cancerous?

Accepted Answer

Rare: Only a very(very!) small % of moles are cancerous.

Question 7

are moles with irregular borders always cancerous?

Accepted Answer

Always concerning: ...But not all progressed to cancer, can be early / pre- stages if you get them checked by a dermatologist as soon as you notice some irregularity / color changes / consistency changes / etc. See a dermatologist or your family dr for evaluation.

Question 8

please answer, are all irregular shaped moles cancerous?

Accepted Answer

No, not always!: Most primary melanomas have irregular margins(border) but not all irregular moles are cancerous. If the mole has changed in size or share or become irregular recetly, then a biopsy of the mole is advised. Without biopsy we can not be certain about it being cancerous.

Question 9

are all moles that change cancerous? i've always had a lot of moles and i'm almost 35... some have changed. none are painful.

Accepted Answer

Well, since we can't: see your moles - rather than take chances would encourage you to see dermatologist for a head to toe check of your skin. That way - it can be determined if any of your moles appear suspicious or need to be biopsied. Take care.

Question 10

are red moles cancerous?

Accepted Answer

usually not: Black/brown moles are more likely to be cancerous. Most red ones do not change and are typically benign. But if the mole you have gets bigger , like more than one cm in size, then you should go see your doctor to be sure that it is benign.

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Doctor answers about:

Are crusty moles cancerous

A member asked:

My wife has a mole on her back that has grown and is now off white crusty. is this skin cancer?

A member asked:

What do cancerous moles look like?

A member asked:

What are the signs of cancerous moles?

A member asked:

What are black moles and are they cancerous?

A member asked:

What are the chances of having cancerous moles?

A member asked:

What percentage of moles are usually cancerous?

A member asked:

Are moles with irregular borders always cancerous?

A member asked:

Please answer, are all irregular shaped moles cancerous?

A member asked:

Are all moles that change cancerous? i've always had a lot of moles and i'm almost 35... some have changed. none are painful.

A member asked:

Are red moles cancerous?

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