Question 1

is melanoma more likely to grow in a mole than just on normal skin?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Given your fixation with melanoma you may wish to consult this site for information:
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/

Question 2

what's the likelihood of a completely normal looking mole (with no worrying features) being melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Near zero: It will show signs of malignancy before it is able to kill you

Question 3

what are the chances of a completely normal looking mole (with no concerning characteristics) being melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Can't say.: AAD Malignant Melanoma screening:  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

i have a mole,when i wake up it feels flat and later that day it feels more fat.like it shrinks then grows everyday.no other signs of melanoma.normal?

Accepted Answer

Likely so: Do not obsess over the mole. If it increases to twice its size, bleeds, develops a nodule or changes color, see a doctor.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex.

Question 5

dermatolog said my mole was normal(a year ago)but it has shrunk in size a bit.no other signs of melanoma.should i be worried?is this normal?cancerous?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry see Doc: While a lot of moles can be non cancerous. It would be a good idea to follow up with dermatologist to get a biopsy of the mole especially if there has been any change in size, color, border, sensation, texture. Worry does not help you at all.

Question 6

dermatologist  said a mole that had an diameter of more than 6mm( one of abcdes of melanoma) was normal. is this possible?

Accepted Answer

Constellation: what makes a mole suspicious for malignant melanoma is a constellation of criteria. It may be that size was the only characteristic in question.

Question 7

does this mole that has turned black within a week look like melanoma also has a red patch around it, was a normal colour before pale brown ?

Accepted Answer

See a dermatologist: A mole that is altering its appearance should be evaluated by an expert.

Question 8

raised small mole. had bodycheck by skin dr 3/31. had physical w blood work 2day. all normal. how fast does melanoma spread? i cant see dr 4 a week

Accepted Answer

Relax: Most melanomas are flat. "Small" is not precise enough. Most melanomas are larger than the diameter of a standard pencil eraser. Development of melanomas usually is a process of months to years. If the skin DR found nothing just 2 months ago, forget it unless there are alarming changes such as ulceration, obvious color change, obvious change in size/ shape.

Question 9

accident - 3mm mole scraped off. no real bleeding   1 yr ago and now normal skin.  dr said concerning pigment would be there now if melanoma.  true .?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Your doctor is probably true. Keep an eye on this area though. Any new growth or changes should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist.

Question 10

new, normal looking mole light brown, seems to be getting slightly bigger, very lil. derm appt next month, okay to wait? anxiety about melanoma. age32

Accepted Answer

You did right: Watch for changes in it and if none, don't worry - the month will go faster if you relax. But if you see any change, call to get in if possible. Still, don't worry - just let the office know and perhaps send a before/after photo. You should be ok if this is really new and exam in a month. Best! Take a photo now.

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Doctor answers about:

Normal mole vs melanoma

A member asked:

Is melanoma more likely to grow in a mole than just on normal skin?

A member asked:

What's the likelihood of a completely normal looking mole (with no worrying features) being melanoma?

A member asked:

What are the chances of a completely normal looking mole (with no concerning characteristics) being melanoma?

A member asked:

I have a mole,when i wake up it feels flat and later that day it feels more fat.like it shrinks then grows everyday.no other signs of melanoma.normal?

A member asked:

Dermatolog said my mole was normal(a year ago)but it has shrunk in size a bit.no other signs of melanoma.should i be worried?is this normal?cancerous?

A member asked:

Dermatologist said a mole that had an diameter of more than 6mm( one of abcdes of melanoma) was normal. is this possible?

A member asked:

Does this mole that has turned black within a week look like melanoma also has a red patch around it, was a normal colour before pale brown ?

A member asked:

Raised small mole. had bodycheck by skin dr 3/31. had physical w blood work 2day. all normal. how fast does melanoma spread? i cant see dr 4 a week

A member asked:

Accident - 3mm mole scraped off. no real bleeding 1 yr ago and now normal skin. dr said concerning pigment would be there now if melanoma. true .?

A member asked:

New, normal looking mole light brown, seems to be getting slightly bigger, very lil. derm appt next month, okay to wait? anxiety about melanoma. age32

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