Experiencing discomfort from a mole, such as pain or itching, can be a source of concern. While these symptoms can sometimes signal something serious, they are often due to less concerning factors. Understanding the various reasons a mole might hurt or itch can help determine when professional medical advice is appropriate.
Common Benign Reasons for Discomfort
Moles can become irritated or uncomfortable for several non-cancerous reasons. Friction from clothing or jewelry rubbing against a raised mole is a common cause of irritation, leading to discomfort or itchiness.
Skin dryness around a mole can also lead to itching. Minor injuries, such as accidentally scratching a mole or nicking it while shaving, can cause pain, bleeding, or inflammation. Sun exposure can result in an itchy or painful sensation. A mole may also itch due to contact with new products, chemicals, or skin conditions like eczema.
Potentially Serious Reasons for Discomfort
While benign causes are common, pain or itching in a mole can also be signs of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer, can sometimes manifest with itching or pain, though many melanomas do not cause these symptoms. Any new mole or a change in an existing mole’s size, shape, or color may indicate melanoma.
Dermatologists use the ABCDE rule to identify potential melanoma:
Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
Border irregularity: Uneven, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
Color variation: Multiple shades of brown, black, or areas of red, white, or blue.
Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters.
Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting.
BCC and SCC, two other common types of skin cancer, can also present with itching and pain. BCCs may appear as pearly bumps or sores, while SCCs can be rough or scaly patches that might itch or hurt.
When to Consult a Doctor
Seek medical attention if a mole exhibits new symptoms or changes. Any mole that starts to itch persistently, becomes painful, or begins to bleed or crust over should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Changes in a mole’s size, shape, or color, especially those aligning with the ABCDE characteristics, warrant prompt assessment.
A new mole developing after age 30, or any spot that looks different from other moles on your body, should prompt a visit to a dermatologist. Early detection of skin cancer improves treatment outcomes. Seek an evaluation if you notice a sore that does not heal, or heals and then returns.
Understanding the Diagnostic Process
When consulting a doctor about a concerning mole, a visual examination is the first step. The healthcare professional will look at your skin from head to toe to identify any suspicious growths. Dermatologists use a specialized handheld device called a dermatoscope, which magnifies the mole for closer inspection.
If the mole appears suspicious during the visual or dermoscopic examination, a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample from the mole for microscopic analysis in a laboratory. There are different types of biopsies, including shave, punch, and excisional biopsies. The process is quick, using local anesthesia to numb the area and minimize discomfort.