Oakland, CA
A 46-year-old female asked:
I have a questionable mole on my leg. besides what it looks like, are there any other signs, like pain or growth, that would indicate melanoma?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Gerald Mandellanswered
Nuclear Medicine 54 years experience
Some signs: Important information is when lesion skin first appeared, change in size or appearance, symptoms (pain, itching, bleeding, etc.), family history of skin cancer, and exposure history to sun. Most important is consultation with dermatologist. Possible biopsy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Andres Sarragaanswered
Surgery - Plastics 19 years experience
Most important is change: There are many signs that may say "melanoma". The most important one is that the mole has changed or that the pigment has changed. Other signs are bleeding, ulceration, elevation, radial growth. Get an evaluation by a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Matthew Stanwixanswered
18 years experience
Remember ABCDE: Enlarging and changing moles can be worrisome and may indicated skin cancer. In particular, this may represent the start of melanoma. It should always be looked at by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist and appropriately biopsied (punch not shave) if indicated.
A-asymmetry
b-border (irregular)
c-color (changing color)
d- diameter (size-anything larger than a pencil eraser)
e-evolution (change!).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 6, 2017
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