sudden mole changes

Overview

A mole is a small, coloured spot on the skin. Sudden mole changes mean a mole has quickly changed in size, shape, or colour, or has started bleeding or itching. Most moles are harmless, but a sudden change can sometimes be an early sign of skin cancer, so it is important to have any new or changing mole checked by a doctor.

Moles are very common, and most people have some. Sudden changes in a mole are also common, but they happen for many reasons. Only a small number of changing moles turn out to be cancer, which is why it is always worth getting them checked.

Sudden mole changes can happen to anyone, at any age. You are more at risk if you have fair skin, lots of moles, a history of sunburn that blisters, or a family history of skin cancer.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A mole that rapidly grows larger
• A mole that changes shape and becomes uneven
• A mole that changes colour, especially becoming darker, patchy, or multi-coloured
• A mole that starts bleeding, oozing, or crusting
• A mole that feels itchy, tender, or sore

Causes

Main causes

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds can trigger changes in skin cells.
• Genes you inherit from your parents affect how many moles you have and how they behave.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or puberty can cause existing moles to darken or grow slightly.
• Some mole changes are simply a normal part of skin ageing.

Risk factors

• Fair or sunburn-prone skin
• Having more than 50 moles
• A family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
• A history of sunburn that caused blisters, especially in childhood
• Using sunbeds or tanning lamps

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor within a few days if a mole has changed suddenly, is bleeding, or is very itchy or painful.
• See a doctor promptly if you are over 50 and notice a new or changing mole.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Have your skin checked professionally once a year if you have many moles or a higher risk of skin cancer.
• See a doctor for any mole that simply looks unusual to you, even if it is not changing.

Diagnosis

A doctor or skin specialist (dermatologist) will look at the mole closely, often with a special magnifying device called a dermatoscope. They will ask about your history of sun exposure, any family history of skin cancer, and whether the mole has changed. If anything looks suspicious, they may remove a small sample or the whole mole for testing under a microscope.

Tests that may be done

• Full skin examination
• Dermatoscopy (magnified skin examination)
• Skin biopsy (removing part or all of the mole for laboratory testing)

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is usually quick and painless. If a biopsy is needed, the area is numbed with local anaesthetic. You may have a small scar. Ask when you will get the results and what they mean.

Treatment

Treatment depends entirely on what the mole shows when it is examined in the laboratory. If the mole is harmless, no treatment is needed. If it is skin cancer, treatment will be planned by a specialist team.

Self-care at home

• Don't pick, scratch, or rub a mole.
• Keep a simple checklist or photos of your moles to track changes over time.
• Protect your skin with shade, clothing, and sunscreen if you are in the sun.

Medical treatments

If a mole is cancer, the standard treatment is to surgically remove it with a small margin of normal skin around it. For more advanced skin cancer, doctors may use additional treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or chemotherapy. Your oncology team will explain the best plan for your situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is the most common and effective treatment for early-stage skin cancer. It is usually done in a clinic or operating room with local anaesthetic, and most people go home the same day.

Living with this condition

After any mole is removed and checked, continue to be skin-aware. Look at your whole body once a month in front of a mirror, including your back, feet, nails, and scalp. Ask someone to help you check hard-to-see areas.

Lifestyle tips

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing when outside.
• Avoid tanning beds and sun exposure during peak hours.
• Keep up with regular skin checks if recommended by your doctor.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, along with regular physical activity, supports your overall health. There is no specific diet that prevents skin cancer, but a balanced lifestyle helps your immune system stay strong.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing that a mole needs checking can be worrying. It is normal to feel anxious about skin cancer. If you are struggling with these feelings, talk to your doctor. You can also ask about counselling or support groups for people with skin concerns.

Prevention

Not all mole changes can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This means seeking shade, wearing clothing and hats, using sunscreen, and never using tanning beds.

Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine that prevents skin cancer, including melanoma.

Screening programmes

You can check your own skin monthly. If you have a higher risk of skin cancer, a doctor may recommend a professional skin exam once a year.

Complications

If left untreated

• A melanoma can grow deeper into the skin if not removed early.
• Melanoma can spread through the lymph nodes to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, or other organs.
• Advanced skin cancer can become life-threatening.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for skin cancer is usually very good when it is caught early. Even melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer, has high cure rates if detected and treated at an early stage. That is why it is so important to check your skin and see a doctor about any sudden mole changes.

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