Signs Your Mole Is Deadly

1. Your mole has changed shape

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One of the warning signs is when your mole changes shape! If you notice that your mole has undergone a significant change in shape, it could be a sign of potential danger. Healthy moles typically maintain a consistent and symmetrical shape. Any alterations may indicate abnormal cell growth or even me

2. Your mole has an irregular border

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Another common sign to watch out for is moles without regular edges! Well-defined borders are characteristic of harmless moles. If your mole has an irregular or blurred border, it may be a sign of malignancy. The edges of a healthy mole should be smooth and clearly distinguishable from the skin around it.

3. Your mole is larger than a pencil eraser

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Keep an eye on the size of your moles because it can be an indication as to whether your mole is healthy or dangerous. If a mole grows larger than a pencil eraser (6mm in diameter), it could be a cause for concern. In this case, you should definitely get it checked out.

4. Your mole has an unusual texture

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Moles should typically be fairly smooth to the touch. So, any changes in the texture of your mole could be a cause for concern. Healthy moles typically have a smooth and even texture. Any alterations such as roughness, scaliness, or the development of nodules could mean that your mole is dangerous.

5. Your mole exhibits asymmetry

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Asymmetry in moles is a red flag. A benign mole is generally symmetrical, meaning that if you were to split it in half, both sides would mirror each other. If one half looks different from the other, it's crucial to have it examined by a dermatologist, as this could be an indication of skin cancer or even melanoma development.

6. Your mole bleeds or oozes

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Any mole that bleeds, oozes, or produces discharge is a potential red flag! Healthy moles should remain stable without exhibiting any signs of bleeding or secretion. If you observe such abnormalities, seek immediate medical attention to rule out serious skin conditions.

7. Your mole feels itchy or tender

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If you're feeling any itchiness or tenderness in your mole, then it's not something you should ignore. Though these symptoms may not always indicate malignancy, persistent discomfort is something that should definitely be discussed with a professional. Itchy or tender moles may be a sign of an underlying issue.

8. Your mole has an elevated surface

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Don't immediately panic if your mole is raised, because it's not necessarily a bad sign. But, moles with an elevated or raised surface may be cause for concern. While some moles are naturally raised and benign, any recent elevation changes could indicate that the mole is a danger to your health.

9. Your mole has an inconsistent surface

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Consistency matters when you are assessing your moles. If you notice that your mole has variations in its surface, such as bumps, nodules, or irregularities, it's crucial to seek medical advice. A consistent and even surface is characteristic of benign moles, while irregularities may indicate health risks!

10. You have redness or inflammation around your mole

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If you notice redness or inflammation around a mole, it's crucial to take it seriously. While it might be a result of irritation, it's important to rule out any potential cancers. Seeking professional evaluation is essential for identifying the cause and determining the necessary steps to address it.

11. Your mole has a satellite lesion

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If you observe smaller lesions surrounding the main mole, known as satellite lesions, it may be a sign of malignant growth! Melanoma can sometimes spread to nearby areas, forming additional lesions, and so if you notice this it could be a sign that your mole is potentially cancerous.

12. Your mole appears different from other moles

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Comparing your moles to your other moles or pictures of non-dangerous moles is essential to be able to detect whether you have a concerning mole! If one mole stands out significantly in any way (color, shape, or size) compared to your other moles, it could be a sign that your mole is bad.

13. Your mole is changing rapidly

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If you spot your mole rapidly changing, be it a sudden growth spurt, a shift in hue, or a shape-shifting move, it's a definitely sign to book it to the dermatologist. Swift action is the best way to ensure that you can catch anything dangerous early on and put a stop to it.

14. Your mole is hazy-looking

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If you happen to notice that one of your moles is adopting a somewhat blotchy or hazy appearance, it's a signal that something might be amiss with the normalcy of its growth. Unlike the clear and distinct look typical of a healthy mole, these irregularities could indicate issues with cell growth.

15. There's discoloration beyond the border of your mole

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Keep a watchful eye for any color changes that stretch beyond the borders of your mole. If you observe the hues infiltrating the surrounding skin, it might signal the presence of malignant growth, potentially indicating the development of melanoma in your mole!

16. Your mole is blue/black in color

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If your mole takes on a distinctive blue-black color, it's a sign your mole is unhealthy. Such unusual hues, especially in the dark spectrum, could be a warning sign of serious health issues. Beyond the potential concern of cancer, this atypical coloring might point to abnormalities in blood vessels or pigmentation, indicating a need for swift medical attention.

17. The center of your mole is blurry

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A healthy mole typically boasts a well-defined and clear center. However, if you happen to spot a mole with a fuzzy or undefined center, it could signal irregular cell growth. These irregularities might be suggestive of various conditions, such as dysplastic nevi or other skin disorders. In more severe cases, it could even be a sign of early stages of skin cancer.

18. Your mole doesn't match your skin tone

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If you notice a mole on your skin that doesn't quite match your overall skin tone, it's a cause for concern. Healthy moles are generally in harmony with your natural skin color. If there's a noticeable discrepancy in color, then perhaps something is wrong!

19. The surface of your mole has hardened

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When it comes to moles, consistency matters. A healthy mole usually maintains a steady texture, neither too soft nor too hard. Hardening could suggest an increased density of cells within the mole, for example, collagen accumulation, or inflammation.

20. The surface of your mole has softened

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On the flip side, if a mole that used to feel firm starts getting softer, it's like a sign that something's changing beneath the surface of your skin. Softening could be associated with increased cell proliferation, alterations in the mole's structural integrity, or other concerns.

21. Your mole has an unusual shine

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Moles are usually known for their matte appearance, but if you spot one suddenly sporting a glossy sheen, it's a warning sign. This newfound shine could be a subtle sign of abnormal cell activity beneath the surface. They can delve into the details, deciphering whether this glossy transformation is just a cosmetic quirk or a potential signal of more significant issues.

22. Your mole has been exposed to a lot of sun

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Moles situated in areas prone to sun exposure, such as the face, neck, or arms, may be at a higher risk of developing into skin cancer. Sun and moles may not mix together safely, so it's super important to watch out for these moles in particular so that they don't turn into anything harmful.

23. Your mole looks like it's "eroding"

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If your mole seems to be eroding, then it means that something is changing - whether that is dangerous or not is yet to be known. This could be a sign of gradual cell changes (which could be abnormal and dangerous) or, in some cases, it could be caused by abrasion.

24. Your mole is made of different colours

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A mole showcasing a spectrum of colors, ranging from brown and black to red or even white, should not go unnoticed. Unlike harmless moles that usually stick to a uniform color, the existence of different hues and colors within a mole could be a red flag for melanoma. Pay close attention to any irregular color patterns in your mole!

25. Your mole is in a very unusual place

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If it's placed very randomly, somewhere that moles don't usually grow then this strange occurrence may need to be flagged. Having a mole in an atypical location could be a concern for irregularities. It may indicate the need for a professional evaluation to ensure there are no underlying issues, like irregular cell growth or other skin-related concerns.

26. It looks like it's inflamed

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If your mole appears inflamed—showing signs of redness, swelling, or irritation—it's a notable observation. Inflammation around a mole can be indicative of various underlying issues, ranging from benign causes like irritation to potentially more serious concerns such as infection or abnormal (possibly cancerous) cell growth.

27. You've noticed a mole emerge super suddenly

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The abrupt appearance of a mole might suggest rapid cell growth or other skin changes. Professional evaluation is necessary to rule out potential malignancy or abnormal developments. Often, when cells grow super rapidly it can be a sign of cancerous changes!

28. Your mole hasn't healed after being hurt

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A mole's refusal to heal after injury could be a sign of abnormal cell behavior or even skin cancer. When it's not following the normal processes of your body, it can suggest that something is wrong. It's not following normal procedures because it's an abnormal growth of some kind!

29. You've got other symptoms like weight loss, aside from a strange-looking mole

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An unusual-looking mole paired with unexplained weight loss may be a warning sign. Are you losing weight because you have a dangerous mole? Losing weight for no apparent reason can mean that your body is sick. If it's combined with a strange mole, it could be a sign that that is what's causing it!

30. Your mole hurts!

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Moles shouldn't hurt. If your mole becomes sensitive to the touch, like a bruise that hurts when pressed, it's a noteworthy change. Sensitivity could be due to underlying inflammation or nerve involvement which could be harmful if they are not checked out or treated quickly!

31. Your mole has gotten a lot bigger

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Moles that grow rapidly in size can be alarming. If you notice a sudden increase in the diameter of your mole, it's essential to seek medical attention. Rapid growth may indicate malignant transformation (cancerous cells grow fast), and early detection is crucial for effective intervention.

32. It is surrounded by white or red

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If a mole is accompanied by a surrounding area that appears white or red, it may signal inflammation or other skin changes. In some cases, color changes, especially if accompanied by other concerning features in the mole, may raise the possibility of malignancy. Skin cancers, such as melanoma, can exhibit alterations in color, borders, and surrounding skin.

33. It's crusty

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Crusting or scabbing on the surface of a mole may indicate underlying issues. Healthy moles do not typically crust. Crusting may be a result of bacterial or fungal infection or a skin condition like eczema in the mole...or, it could indicate something much more sinister.

34. When you touch it, it's sensitive

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Sensitivity when touching a mole raises potential concerns that should be addressed through professional evaluation. This heightened sensitivity could be attributed to factors such as inflammation, nerve involvement, recent trauma, or underlying dermatological conditions. In some instances, it may even prompt consideration of potential malignancy.

35. You've had the mole since birth

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Often, moles are harmless, and if we've had them since birth they may be nothing to worry about. While moles can be stable for years, any rapid changes should be brought to the attention of a dermatologist. They're the experts who can determine if it's just a harmless growth spurt or if there's more to the story that needs investigation.

36. It's grown seemingly overnight

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Dysplastic nevi are moles that display atypical or abnormal features under the microscope. While they are usually benign, they can indicate an increased risk of developing melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can arise from the pigment-producing cells in the skin, called melanocytes. One of the most common signs - rapid growth!

37. The area around it is sore or irritated

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A normally benign mole should not incite discomfort in the surrounding skin, making the presence of soreness a potential red flag. Resist the urge to scratch or aggravate the area further, as this could worsen the situation. Soreness may stem from inflammation, infection, or other factors related to the mole's health.

38. It has an unusual pattern

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If a mole has an unusual pattern, it could mean that it doesn't quite fit the usual look of a normal mole. This might include irregular borders, uneven coloring, or an asymmetrical shape. These irregularities could be signs of changes in the mole, and while not always a cause for alarm, they might indicate potential issues like skin cancer.

39. It has a ring around it, like a halo

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An asymmetrical halo, or a ring of lighter or darker skin surrounding a mole, may indicate abnormal changes. Pay attention to any asymmetry in the halo and seek professional advice if you notice this feature, as it can be associated with an increased malignancy risk.

40. There's a bump underneath the mole

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If you've noticed a little bump making itself at home under your mole, it's time to investigate. The unexpected visitor might just be a harmless skin irregularity, but it's essential to rule out any potential concerns like a tumor growing beneath your mole!

41. The area around it is always super dry

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Dry skin around your mole isn't just a minor inconvenience; it might be trying to tell you something. Constant dryness could be linked to changes related to the mole. Let's not ignore the signals—hydrate that skin and consult with a dermatologist to figure out the root cause of the perpetual dry spell.

42. Two moles have overlapped one another

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Your moles seem to have ended up in a bit of a crossover. While it might come off as a peculiar situation, this overlap could be signaling some changes beneath the surface. As we know, changes in size and borders could indicate a deadly mole - so don't dismiss this change!

43. Your mole has a smell

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No mole should have an odor of any kind. And if it doesn't, then you know that something is potentially wrong. A foul smell associated with a mole could suggest the presence of bacteria or fungi, leading to an infection within the mole or the surrounding skin. Infections can compromise the health of the mole and yourself!

44. It feels numb to touch

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Numbness in a mole is not typical and can indicate nerve involvement or changes in the underlying tissues. Numbness may suggest alterations in the mole's structure, potentially affecting nerve endings. While nerve-related changes can be benign, it's essential to rule out more serious issues like cancerous cells.

45. It reacts to hormonal changes

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The fact that your mole reacts to hormonal changes adds another layer of complexity. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can influence the appearance and behavior of moles. While some degree of reactivity is normal, pronounced or concerning changes may require closer monitoring.

46. It's reappeared after being properly removed

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When you have ample removed by a professional, the last thing you expect is to see the mole regrow. And it shouldn't do! If the mole was initially removed without a biopsy, it could have been cancerous, leading it to regrow due to the abnormal cells' fast regeneration rate.

47. You can see blood vessels within or around the mole

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The presence of visible blood vessels within or around a mole is a concerning sign that may indicate abnormal vascularity. While moles typically have a distinct appearance, including a lack of visible blood vessels, the emergence of vascular patterns could suggest changes in blood flow associated with dangerous cell growth.

48. Your lymph nodes are always swollen

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If your lymph nodes are consistently swollen, it can be an alarming indicator that the body's immune system is responding to changes, potentially linked to the mole or surrounding tissues. Persistent lymph node enlargement can be associated with various conditions, including infections or malignancies.

49. Your mole has faded

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If you observe that your mole has faded, this change in pigmentation could be significant and requires careful consideration. A healthy mole typically maintains a consistent color over time. It doesn't necessarily mean the mole is deadly, it could. simply be the natural aging process of the mole

50. It reacts badly to topical treatments

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A mole that reacts negatively to topical treatments may suggest changes in its cellular composition, potentially indicating malignant transformation. Malignant moles, especially melanomas, can exhibit sensitivity, inflammation, or adverse responses to external applications.