Moles

Hey,

I’ve had moles all my life (I’m 17). Ive got one mid-left hip area and that’s fine. 

I’ve also got one right at the top of inner thigh. It’s round, flat, doesn’t go above the skin, circular, nothing too odd about it and I’ve had it since ive been born or maybe a couple years after (basically a long time).

I’ve never had any issues or pain or bleeding or weeping from it etc etc, I’ve checked photos and it doesn’t look odd. However it’s brown and flat round the edge of it, but in the inner circle it’s darker brown/black and flat (no odd texture etc) in the middle (maybe 70% of the circle if that makes sense

I’m worried it could be cancer. My grandparents (mum’s side) are healthy and have never had this, same for my parents or any other close relatives apart from my other Nan and grandad (dad’s side) who both had skin cancer

I’m sure u know what I’m gonna ask. Could it be cancer?? I’m worried lol

TL;DR, got a mole, had it as long as I remember, no pain, no odd texture, it’s circular etc brown like all my others round the outside but darker brown-black colour in centre/same texture/flatness in the middle (main part of the mole). Could it be cancer/warning signs?

thanks!

ive also read up on it a little (I know people say don't google symptoms), it said something like people with these are at increased risk and don't necessarily have cancer.

As I said it's round, been with me for ages, not grown in size (ever) or changed feel, but it has a lighter border than it does center. Never bled before etc

P.S. the colour has been like it is for a long while now, at least a good few years. I haven’t noticed anything else odd, no pain from anywhere etc

I'm just hoping it can be removed or reassured etc

I tried to feel below it and it feels like any other bit of skin, no lump or anything under it, just like any other mole I have 

  • Hi,

    I can understand your worry but it sounds to me like your mole may be atypical (dysplastic) which means it looks odd but is benign. The only way you can get peace of mind is to show it to your GP. If they think it's atypical or they are unsure if it's a problem they will refer you to a dermatologist who will examine it with a dermascope. If it's thought to be atypical they may decide to remove it, just to confirm it - they prefer to remove these types of moles as they can turn cancerous in the future sometimes.

    The fact it's been 2 colours for a while and it hasn't changed in any other way is good. I'm sorry that your grandparents have had skin cancer, however they may have had the non melanoma type (bcc or scc) which is more prevalent in older people. Also, only a very small percentage of skin cancer is genetic - it's usually caused by UV damage which, due to the location of your mole, is highly unlikely!

    So please see your GP and hopefully they can put your mind at rest. Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

  • Ah well that's reassuring, thanks :)

     

    I'll book an appointment with my GP to confirm. Thank you :)