Is a mole always a sign that a skin cancer will develop?

No: Most moles are benign. Studies have shown that the more sun exposure you've had, the more acquired moles you will get; the more moles you have, the higher risk of developing malignant melanoma. However, most melanomas do not develop in pre-existing moles, though they are good mimics. This highlights the importance of routine self and md skin checks. See the following link: http://www.Aad.Org/skin-conditions/skin-cancer-detection/about-skin-self-exams/how-to-examine-your-skin.

No: A true mole is not skin cancer nor is it always a precursor to skin cancer; however, certain skin cancers (melanoma) can have an appearance that mimics a mole. The abcde's of melanoma are: a = asymmetric shape, b = indistinct borders, c = multiple colors within the same lesion, d = diameter > 6 mm, and e = elevation. Always use sunscreen, re-apply often and have your skin checked by your doctor.

No: Most moles are never going to turn into cancer. In fact, there is some new evidence that people with many moles actually age more slowly! some moles, however, do indicate cancer or are precancerous. Be familiar with and aware of the skin all over your body so that if you have a new or changing mole, you can bring it to your doctor's attention.

No: Many moles are harmless. You should have your doctor check a mole if it is increasing in size, has irregular edges, or more than one color.

No: Some moles are benign and will always remain so. That being said, moles that are changing in shape, size, color or height on the skin should be assessed by a dermatologist. Moles that are noticably changing might be harboring cancer cells.

No: A mole is a cluster of mostly normal skin cells. However when you get a skin survey by a physician the moles are the first places that are checked. The pigmented moles are more likely to change in appearance in such a way that cancer will be suspected and a biopsy done. The vast majority of moles will never degenerate into skin cancer.

No: Most moles are non-cancerous. Signs that a mole may be cancerous include, change in color, sudden increase in size, irregular borders, bleeding. It pays to be watchful and report any changes to your physician so that a biopsy can be done. Remember that the one of the biggest factors in development of skin cancer is uv damage, whether from the sun or tanning beds.

Most moles are fine: Fortunately, most moles or nevus are benign (not cancerous). Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can develop from existing moles or in a new area. Just because you have moles doesn't mean you have skin cancer, though patients with a lot of moles (more than 50) that are unusual in appearance may be at higher risk and should be checked regularly to make sure they are not changing.

No: Many moles are benign and will never develop into a skin cancer. The problem is sometimes they do so it's important to do monthly self exam on your entire body (scalp can be a bit difficult) and to have a specialist check your skin regularly especially if you have many large atypical appearing moles. Look for new lesions or changes in pre-existing lesions.

Benign moles/cancer: Benign moles are not a sign of cancer to come. Most people have twenty moles over their body. Some melanomas do form from unusual moles, some that are congenital and others that are acquired, but most melanomas arise from sundamaged skin without a mole being present. Look for unusual change in shape, color, symmetry, border, size, bleeding, itching, new moles or lesions & see a dermatologist.

Nope: Most moles are not cancerous, and will not turn into cancer. Melanomas are dangerous, and can look like a mole. Watch for moles w/ abcd's: a-asymmetry; b-irregular borders; c-different colors; d-diameber >6mm (size of pencil eraser). If you notice a mole like that, get it checked out asap. Any skin lesion which is growing, ulcerating, bleeding, or otherwise changing, get seen as well.

No: Fortunately most moles are harmless, benign skin lesions. Many skin cancers develop from areas where patients did not have a mole.

No: Some moles have greater risk of turning into a skin cancer such as dysplastic nevi (abnormal moles which are considered "precancerous") or moles that are larger than the size of a pencil eraser (greater than 5 mm). It's important to survey your own moles on a regular basis so you can detect any change (size, shape, color, hurting or bleeding) which should then be brought to your doctor's attention.

ABCD's: Remember your abcd's when thinking of melanoma. Look for moles with asymmetry boarders that are irregular color differences within the same mole diameter greater than 6mm also any new mole or old that starts to itch, bleed or ulcerate should be of concern. Another rule is the ugly duckling rule. Which refers to a mole that looks distantly different from the others on your body.