Question 1

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 2

had a shave removal of a mole, which was benign, but it grew back. can the removal change the cells to cause it to grow back cancerous?

Accepted Answer

Get is excised: A mole can recur which is probably the case with you right now. But it can also be a melanoma. I would recommend you going to a surgeon and get this mole completely re-excised and examined by a pathologist so that you will be able to get a formal pathology report just to be sure that you do not have a melanoma which has been treated as a mole, first time around.

Question 3

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 4

can trauma cause cancer in a mole?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes : There have been reports of cancer developing in areas of prior trauma including burns or a strong bruise.  However, the cancer usually develops many years later.  If you have a mole and it has had trauma, bring it to the attention of a doctor who will decide if it needs a biopsy or can be watched.

Question 5

could you die from skin cancer caused from a mole?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Most malignant melanomas arise on their own, but you should report any ugly change in a mole to your physician, and if in doubt, off it comes.

Question 6

do moles that are categorized as severely abnormal always turn into cancer?

does a severely abnormal mole always start as mild or can it appear severe right away.

can a severe abnormal mole just appear and cause no harm for the entire lifespan?

Accepted Answer

: Yes, some people are born with "severely abnormal mole" which is called congenital nevus and only a small percentage may develop into cancer (melanoma).

Question 7

does a cancerous mole always change in size? i have a mole that has stayed the same size and shape for years but i have noticed small dark spots recently. i rub at the mole alot to check for pain or itchyness. could this be cause for color change?

Accepted Answer

Dermatologist: A mole which changes in any way warrants an examination by a dermatologist. Rubbing would not be a reason for color change.  Melanomas are tricky even for dermatologists. For peace of mind, get the mole checked by a dermatologist. Better to be safe.

Question 8

i was wondering if led exposure (600 lux) to a mole can cause melanoma skin cancer.

Accepted Answer

No!: Only UV light from Sun has been known to cause melanoma.

Question 9

this might sound dumb and probably is but can apply lactic acid lotion on a mole cause it to have a higher chance to turn cancerous?

Accepted Answer

: Not really. It may create a bit of inflammation and sensitivity if the concentration of the lactic acid is higher than 12-15%.This happens by sloughing off the surface dead cells. This effect is temporary.If you’re concerned, stop the lotion and, apply Over the counter hydrocortisone  cream 1% for 1 week. If it continues changing or being inflamed, you should see a Doctor. A generalist would be oK

Question 10

generally speaking, can bleaching hair a lot cause a mole on head to become cancerous?can't see it,but told i was born with one and have bleached hair

Accepted Answer

NO: And I also offer that most (but not all) xrays for low back pain are less than useless. They are specifically to be avoided during pregnancy. Find a better DR.

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Doctor answers about:

What causes a mole to turn cancerous

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Had a shave removal of a mole, which was benign, but it grew back. can the removal change the cells to cause it to grow back cancerous?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Can trauma cause cancer in a mole?

A member asked:

Could you die from skin cancer caused from a mole?

A member asked:

Do moles that are categorized as severely abnormal always turn into cancer? does a severely abnormal mole always start as mild or can it appear severe right away. can a severe abnormal mole just appear and cause no harm for the entire lifespan?

A member asked:

Does a cancerous mole always change in size? i have a mole that has stayed the same size and shape for years but i have noticed small dark spots recently. i rub at the mole alot to check for pain or itchyness. could this be cause for color change?

A member asked:

I was wondering if led exposure (600 lux) to a mole can cause melanoma skin cancer.

A member asked:

This might sound dumb and probably is but can apply lactic acid lotion on a mole cause it to have a higher chance to turn cancerous?

A member asked:

Generally speaking, can bleaching hair a lot cause a mole on head to become cancerous?can't see it,but told i was born with one and have bleached hair

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