An itchy mole is usually triggered by something harmless, such as a new skincare product or detergent.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
What Is a Mole?
Molesarise from cells in the skin calledmelanocytes.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Most moles (nevi) typically appear before you reach your 20s; some are present at birth.
Congenital nevi (moles present at birth) are more likely to develop into melanoma.
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Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Does an Itchy Mole Mean Cancer?
Moles are extremely common.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
However, the vastmajority of molesdo not turn into skin cancer.
When they do, itching can be one of the symptoms.
Typically, suspicious moles have changed in size, shape, and/or color over a period of time.
What Else Could Make a Mole Itch?
A healthcare provider who specializes indermatology(skin conditions) can determine whether your mole needs to be biopsied.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Melanoma Risk Factors
Some people have a lot of moles while others only have a few.
The science remains unclear on why some moles will develop into cancer while others do not.
Estimating Your Melanoma Risk
Melanomas account for around 1% ofskin cancers.
While rare, they are responsible for most skin cancer deaths.
Treatment may include:
Dont have a go at remove a mole yourself.
Cutting it off can lead to scarring or an infection.
Have your dermatologist remove it if its irritating, worrisome, or you dont like it.
Summary
Many people have moles, which begin in skin cells called melanocytes.
Some of these moles, called congenital nevi, are present at birth.
They also tend to run in families.
When both factors are present, the risk of developing melanoma increases.
It’s essential to have an abnormal or itchy mole checked by a dermatologist.
They can spot changes that are cause for concern.
This includes changes in symmetry, color, shape, size, height, and borders of the mole.
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