An itchy mole can raise concerns about skin cancer, prompting many to wonder about the potential seriousness of this symptom. While itching can sometimes signal a more significant issue, it is often due to benign and less alarming causes. Understanding the nature of moles and what changes to look for can help determine when medical attention is necessary.
Understanding Moles
Moles, medically known as nevi, are common skin growths formed by clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Most individuals have between 10 and 40 moles on their bodies. These can be present at birth or develop throughout life, particularly with sun exposure.
Benign moles exhibit certain characteristics: they are symmetrical, with a round or oval shape and smooth, even borders. They can be flat or slightly raised and may vary in color, in shades of brown, black, or even skin-colored. While moles can change over time, these changes are generally slow and harmless.
Why Moles Itch
Moles can itch for non-cancerous reasons, often stemming from simple skin irritation. Dry skin around the mole, friction from clothing or jewelry, or a healing scratch can cause temporary itchiness. Exposure to chemicals in skin products, like new soaps or lotions, or laundry detergents, can also lead to an itchy sensation.
Sun exposure, sunburn, or general skin dryness can irritate moles and cause them to itch. Hormonal fluctuations can also stimulate moles and result in itchiness. While itching can be a symptom of concern, it is often attributed to these common causes.
Recognizing Concerning Moles
When a mole itches, especially if accompanied by other changes, it can be a warning sign that warrants closer attention. Dermatologists use the ABCDE guide to identify potentially cancerous moles. This guide highlights five characteristics to monitor during self-examinations.
Asymmetry (A) refers to one half of the mole not matching the other half if an imaginary line were drawn through its center. Benign moles are symmetrical. Border irregularity (B) indicates that the edges of the mole are uneven, ragged, notched, or blurred, rather than smooth. Color variation (C) is another sign, where the mole exhibits multiple colors or uneven distribution of shades like brown, black, white, red, or blue.
Diameter (D) is concerning if the mole is larger than 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, though melanomas can sometimes be smaller. Evolving (E) refers to any change in the mole over time, including alterations in size, shape, color, or elevation. This “E” category also includes new symptoms such as itching, tenderness, bleeding, or crusting, which could signal a serious issue.
Next Steps and Prevention
If a mole exhibits any of the ABCDE warning signs or if itching persists, seeking medical attention is important. A dermatologist can evaluate the mole using a dermatoscope, a handheld device that magnifies the skin to examine its surface and deeper layers. This non-invasive procedure can help differentiate between benign and suspicious lesions.
If the dermatoscope reveals suspicious features, a biopsy may be performed, involving the removal of a tissue sample for microscopic examination. This is the definitive way to determine if a mole is cancerous. Regular self-skin exams are also encouraged to detect any new or changing moles early.
Protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure is a primary prevention strategy against skin cancer. This includes seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses, also provides a physical barrier against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily to all exposed skin, and reapplying every two hours or after swimming, contributes to prevention.