A member asked:

Can you tell if a mole is cancerous by looking at it?

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

You can't: But an expert can narrow it down fairly well, but still needs to be biopsies or excised if suspicious, .

Answered 12/8/2013

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Dr. Mark Pack answered

Specializes in General Surgery

Usually no: It is typically not possible to know if a mole is cancerous just by looking at it. There are certain characteristics that make a mole look more suspicious or concerning for cancer. If a mole is worrisome for a possible skin cancer, it needs to be removed and tested to know for sure.

Answered 3/28/2014

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