Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Could Non Growing, Small Black Mole On Back Of Thigh Be Cancerous?
Hi. I have a small black mole on the back of my thigh, I can t seem to remember if it s been there before or not, but my boyfriend brought it to my attention today. I don t think its new. It doesn t itch nor is it bleeding. It s a little bigger than the size of a ballpoint pen on a piece of paper. There is no discoloration to it, only a perfectly round black circle. Is it cancerous? Should I be worried? I am a 23 year old female & melanoma runs in my family. Thank you!
Mon, 27 Feb 2023
Hi,
The chances of its being cancerous are very minimal. As, you do not know, if it is new and also, it is perfectly round black circle, not itching, not bleeding and no discoloration, all pointing to its not being cancerous.
The chances of being a melanoma are more, if:
- Change in the existing mole or a new mole with development of a new pigmented or unusual looking growth in the skin.
- Asymmetry- one half looks different than other half. It is not uniform in appearance all over.
- Boarder of mole are not smooth, rather irregular. These may be uneven or notched.
- The mole may be having different color or pattern at different places.
- Bigger size of >6 mm in diameter may be more likely cancerous than smaller ones.
- The mole changing color, size and texture may be more likely to be cancerous.
- Family history of melanoma, definitely has a more risk of melanoma than the normal population. Almost 10% of the patients of melanoma have a positive family history of melanoma.
Still, despite all these points of likelihood & unlikelihood, of its being cancerous, your dermatologist is the best guide for a precise diagnosis & treatment accordingly.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
The chances of its being cancerous are very minimal. As, you do not know, if it is new and also, it is perfectly round black circle, not itching, not bleeding and no discoloration, all pointing to its not being cancerous.
The chances of being a melanoma are more, if:
- Change in the existing mole or a new mole with development of a new pigmented or unusual looking growth in the skin.
- Asymmetry- one half looks different than other half. It is not uniform in appearance all over.
- Boarder of mole are not smooth, rather irregular. These may be uneven or notched.
- The mole may be having different color or pattern at different places.
- Bigger size of >6 mm in diameter may be more likely cancerous than smaller ones.
- The mole changing color, size and texture may be more likely to be cancerous.
- Family history of melanoma, definitely has a more risk of melanoma than the normal population. Almost 10% of the patients of melanoma have a positive family history of melanoma.
Still, despite all these points of likelihood & unlikelihood, of its being cancerous, your dermatologist is the best guide for a precise diagnosis & treatment accordingly.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Hello,
As per your history need not to worry. It may not be cancerous. Only if they increase in size and number then kindly consult with dermatologist for the proper diagnosis.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Shyam B. Kale, General & Family Physician
As per your history need not to worry. It may not be cancerous. Only if they increase in size and number then kindly consult with dermatologist for the proper diagnosis.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Shyam B. Kale, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....