Question 1

i have a mole when i bump it is sore, and bled when i bumped it yesterday, the skin is red around the edges like it's irritated. does this mean cancer?

Accepted Answer

It could just mean: an irritated mole, a cyst under the mole, or of course small chance it could be abnormal. See dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment options

Question 2

can scratching a mole and making it bleed cause it to become cancerous?

Accepted Answer

No: Scratching a mole will not transform it into a melanoma (cancer). Of course, if it already is melanoma and you scratch it, you can make it bleed but it was not the scratching that made malignant. If you have any suspicious lesion on the skin, do yourself a favor and see your doc or better yet a dermatologist. If it's nothing, it will help your anxiety and if it's melanoma, it can save your life.

Question 3

what to do if i have a changing mole, but is it cancer or just a scratch?

Accepted Answer

When in doubt - eval: American academy of dermatology:   asymmetry: 1 half is unlike the other. Border: irregular, scalloped or poorly defined. Color: varied with shades of tan, brown or black; or white, red or blue. Diameter: &gt; 6 mm. Evolving: mole /skin lesion looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.  An irregular mole that itches, bleeds or is painful is worrisome for possible cancer.

Question 4

could you easily be able to scratch off a cancerous mole with your fingernail ? or would it be difficult to scratch off ?

Accepted Answer

: You should never try this with any skin lesion.,especially with a malignant one. This is not only dangerous but it messes up the lesion making it very difficult for a diagnosis or treatment by a physician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Question 5

i accidentally scratched a mole but i stopped right after. 30 minutes later, a small bump was around the mole. is this a sign of cancer??

Accepted Answer

Biopsy needed: The small bump which developed around the mole may just be from trauma to the area. However, the only way to accurately determine if the mole is cancerous is to have a biopsy. Please go to a clinic as soon as possible and request that the attending physician exam the mole. I wish you well with your health and I remain available for consultations on HealthTap.

Question 6

i scratched a v small mole by mistake and  now has a scab over it, but colour size etc are normal. dr says its normal. i'm worried its cancer?

Accepted Answer

: You can watch and wait. If a pigmented lesion recurs, it would be prudent to see a dermatologist for an evaluation. If you do not see any pigmented spot, you should be okay.

Question 7

i have a lightly colored, brown mole which swells up a bit and turns to red after i scratch it. is this normal, it this a type of skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: It is hard to say since I am not there to see it. If you are absolutely unsure i would go see a dermatologist.

Question 8

can touching a mole constantly or picking at it cause it to get bigger or turn cancerous?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Most of the time, it would just predispose to infection/cellulitis.  If constantly done, the inflammation associated with picking at it might cause a slight increase in propensity for cancer.  So, just leave it alone or have it removed by your doctor or dermatologist.

Question 9

how can i get rid of moles without getting cancer or  havingsurgery?

Accepted Answer

Seek Dermatologist's: A good dermatologist can check your moles and advice you whether your moles are benign or suspected to be cancerous. More than 90% of the moles are benign and do not need surgery, yet they need to be monitored carefully both by you(for any changes) as well as your doctor, and you need to use sunb protection on your skin on a regular basis.

Question 10

can you still get cancer in a mole that has been removed with laser?

Accepted Answer

If the: excision was complete (micro-surgery) and it had cancer the recurrence rate is very low!
If the mole was benign..there is no ongoing risk of cancer!
Hope this helps
Dr Z

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Doctor answers about:

Moles Get Irritated And Look Cancerous From Scratching

A member asked:

I have a mole when i bump it is sore, and bled when i bumped it yesterday, the skin is red around the edges like it's irritated. does this mean cancer?

A member asked:

Can scratching a mole and making it bleed cause it to become cancerous?

A member asked:

What to do if i have a changing mole, but is it cancer or just a scratch?

A member asked:

Could you easily be able to scratch off a cancerous mole with your fingernail ? or would it be difficult to scratch off ?

A member asked:

I accidentally scratched a mole but i stopped right after. 30 minutes later, a small bump was around the mole. is this a sign of cancer??

A member asked:

I scratched a v small mole by mistake and now has a scab over it, but colour size etc are normal. dr says its normal. i'm worried its cancer?

A member asked:

I have a lightly colored, brown mole which swells up a bit and turns to red after i scratch it. is this normal, it this a type of skin cancer?

A member asked:

Can touching a mole constantly or picking at it cause it to get bigger or turn cancerous?

A member asked:

How can i get rid of moles without getting cancer or havingsurgery?

A member asked:

Can you still get cancer in a mole that has been removed with laser?

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