Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Scab Like Moles Fall Off After Long Period Of Time?
Question: For many years I had a small mole on my upper thigh that looked like a little scab. Tonight it pulled off and left behind a small red hole. It's been there for 7 or 8 years maybe longer. Never changed..maybe a tiny bit bigger over time. I have very bad anxiety all the time and now I've convinced myself that it is a horrible cancer. I don't have insurance right now to be seen.
Is it at all possible for moles to be scab like and fall off after a very long period of time??
Is it at all possible for moles to be scab like and fall off after a very long period of time??
Brief Answer:
Get the mole tissue examined if possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I understand your concern. The mole would have come off as the tissue developed necrosis. It is more likely if you have been pulling on it. The small red hole is the base of the mole. A cancerous mole is usually rich in blood vessels and when you pulled it off would have bled. However one cannot guarantee that it is not malignant. If you have the mole tissue with you, it can be examined histo-pathologically to know the details.
You can cover the area with an antibiotic cream to prevent any infection and it would heal in a week's time, if it is not malignant. So relax and wait for the histopathology result.
If you have any further query, I am ready to answer.
Take Care
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Get the mole tissue examined if possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I understand your concern. The mole would have come off as the tissue developed necrosis. It is more likely if you have been pulling on it. The small red hole is the base of the mole. A cancerous mole is usually rich in blood vessels and when you pulled it off would have bled. However one cannot guarantee that it is not malignant. If you have the mole tissue with you, it can be examined histo-pathologically to know the details.
You can cover the area with an antibiotic cream to prevent any infection and it would heal in a week's time, if it is not malignant. So relax and wait for the histopathology result.
If you have any further query, I am ready to answer.
Take Care
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Thank you. I tossed the tissue. I didn't know it was needed for examination.There was no blood..I did tug on it...But just barely. That's why I was so scared that it came off so easily. I will add some ointment and give it a few days.
My other question was, are there types moles that are scabby in nature? Are there names for those types of moles or are all scabby moles a cancer symptom? I have a few other moles but I've never had any other scabby ones. Just this one for many years. And now my mind is just going crazy with worry.
My other question was, are there types moles that are scabby in nature? Are there names for those types of moles or are all scabby moles a cancer symptom? I have a few other moles but I've never had any other scabby ones. Just this one for many years. And now my mind is just going crazy with worry.
Brief Answer:
Seborrheic keratosis
Detailed Answer:
Scabby moles do not have to be cancerous.
Seborrheic keratosis appears as a scabby mole and is non cancerous.
Some cancers like Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas may present as "scabby moles". These are easily treatable with good prognosis.
If you had taken a photo of the mole before, please upload it and I would give my opinion from the appearance.
If not you could go to Google images and look for a mole which looks similar to yours.
If the lesion does not heal well in a week's time, I think you should see a dermatologist and have a biopsy.
Seborrheic keratosis
Detailed Answer:
Scabby moles do not have to be cancerous.
Seborrheic keratosis appears as a scabby mole and is non cancerous.
Some cancers like Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas may present as "scabby moles". These are easily treatable with good prognosis.
If you had taken a photo of the mole before, please upload it and I would give my opinion from the appearance.
If not you could go to Google images and look for a mole which looks similar to yours.
If the lesion does not heal well in a week's time, I think you should see a dermatologist and have a biopsy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Ok, I found that I didn't throw it out it was on the counter top. I added two images. One with the mole tissue next to a XXXXXXX for scale. The other is the mole tissue next to the spot that's left after it pulled off.
I'm a fair skinned red head..it has always been a light fleshy/whitish color. Of course when I googled white mole, horrible things come up. As I said I've never noticed a change in it other than maybe it being a tiny bit bigger over the years.
I feel like my family dr looked at it years ago and shrugged it off as nothing to worry about. But now I can't help but worry. We are getting insurance in the next few weeks so hopefully I can get it evaluated soon. In the mean time I appreciate any final information or advice you can provide.
I'm a fair skinned red head..it has always been a light fleshy/whitish color. Of course when I googled white mole, horrible things come up. As I said I've never noticed a change in it other than maybe it being a tiny bit bigger over the years.
I feel like my family dr looked at it years ago and shrugged it off as nothing to worry about. But now I can't help but worry. We are getting insurance in the next few weeks so hopefully I can get it evaluated soon. In the mean time I appreciate any final information or advice you can provide.
Brief Answer:
Does not look malignant
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
The lesion has a prominent edge but other features are not suggestive of a malignant lesion. I showed your pictures to a dermatologist also. She concurred with my view.
My feeling is that it would heal by the time your insurance comes through.
In the unlikely event of it not healing, it should be biopsied.
I am available if you have more queries. If not you may close the discussion and record your comments.
Wish you good health.
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Does not look malignant
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
The lesion has a prominent edge but other features are not suggestive of a malignant lesion. I showed your pictures to a dermatologist also. She concurred with my view.
My feeling is that it would heal by the time your insurance comes through.
In the unlikely event of it not healing, it should be biopsied.
I am available if you have more queries. If not you may close the discussion and record your comments.
Wish you good health.
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
