A mole, or nevus, represents a common cluster of pigmented cells on the skin, and most adults have several of these spots. While the vast majority of moles remain harmless, any change in an existing mole, particularly bleeding, requires professional medical evaluation. A bleeding mole may be the result of a minor accident, yet it can also indicate a more serious underlying change. Understanding the various causes of this symptom is the first step in determining the appropriate next steps.
Non-Malignant Reasons a Mole May Bleed
Often, a mole starts to bleed due to simple external forces acting upon it, rather than any internal pathology. Moles that are raised or located in high-friction areas are particularly susceptible to injury because they project above the surrounding skin surface.
Common non-cancerous causes include physical trauma, such as scratching or accidentally nicking it while shaving. Friction from clothing, like a tight waistband or a bra strap, can also abrade the mole’s surface. Even a minor bump or snagging the mole on jewelry can cause the delicate superficial skin layer to tear and bleed. In these scenarios, the bleeding is generally minimal, stops quickly with pressure, and is directly linked to a specific, identifiable event.
Why Bleeding Warrants Medical Attention
Bleeding that occurs spontaneously, without any clear trauma or injury, significantly raises concern for malignancy. Rapidly growing skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma, often develop an unstable and fragile blood supply. This delicate network of new blood vessels can rupture easily, leading to bleeding or oozing from the lesion’s surface without external impact.
The Evolving sign includes any noticeable change in a mole’s size, shape, color, or elevation, as well as the onset of new symptoms like itching, crusting, or bleeding. When a mole ulcerates or begins to bleed repeatedly, it suggests a profound internal change in the growth’s cellular structure. Therefore, a mole that bleeds for no apparent reason, or one that repeatedly bleeds and scabs over, necessitates an immediate medical examination to rule out cancerous development.
Immediate Steps After a Mole Starts Bleeding
If a mole begins to bleed due to trauma, the first step is to gently clean the area to minimize the risk of infection. Use mild soap and warm water to wash the wound, making sure to avoid harsh scrubbing that could worsen the injury. Next, apply gentle, direct pressure to the bleeding site using a clean cloth or a sterile gauze pad.
Maintaining steady pressure for several minutes is usually sufficient to stop the flow of blood from a minor, superficial injury. After the bleeding has ceased, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly and cover the area with a bandage to protect it while it heals. It is highly recommended to document the event by noting the date and taking a photograph of the mole, which provides useful context for a healthcare provider.
Professional Diagnosis and Follow-Up
When you visit a dermatologist for a bleeding mole, the professional will first conduct a thorough visual examination of the area and a full-body skin check. The clinician will likely use a specialized handheld microscope called a dermatoscope, which magnifies the mole and allows for a detailed assessment of its internal structures and pigment patterns. This non-invasive tool helps distinguish between benign changes and suspicious features that might indicate skin cancer.
If the mole exhibits characteristics suggestive of malignancy, or if the cause of the bleeding cannot be definitively attributed to external trauma, a biopsy will be performed. A shave biopsy removes only the raised portion of the mole, while a surgical excision removes the entire lesion along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The tissue sample is then sent to a pathology lab for microscopic analysis to confirm whether cancer cells are present. If the mole is confirmed as benign, the dermatologist may still recommend complete removal if it is frequently irritated or causes anxiety.