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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes A Mole To Increase In Its Size?

I have had a mole since I was young. But recently I noticed that it has grown a little bigger. It is not round, and it is multi-colored . I am nervous that it may be skin cancer. I think I remember it being like this when i was younger as well, but I am really nervous about it being cancer.
Tue, 17 Mar 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

A mole is an area in the skin surface where there is an excess of pigment deposition. Our skin gets its color from melanin pigment present in the skin. In a dark skin person, there is a higher quantity of melanin produced by the cells on the skin surface. In a light colored person, the melanin produced by skin cells is less.

When the melanin is secreted in higher quantity in a particular spot on the skin surface, this gives rise to a mole and there can also be associated increased cell growth. The multicolor nature in a mole is due to the variable concentration of pigments in it. A mole is benign in most cases. However if it develops sudden increase in size, appearance of hair on surface or pain sensation and ulcer formation then you should consult your doctor immediately. They will scrape the cells from mole surface if required and then confirm it it is a concern. Please do not worry.
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What Causes A Mole To Increase In Its Size?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. A mole is an area in the skin surface where there is an excess of pigment deposition. Our skin gets its color from melanin pigment present in the skin. In a dark skin person, there is a higher quantity of melanin produced by the cells on the skin surface. In a light colored person, the melanin produced by skin cells is less. When the melanin is secreted in higher quantity in a particular spot on the skin surface, this gives rise to a mole and there can also be associated increased cell growth. The multicolor nature in a mole is due to the variable concentration of pigments in it. A mole is benign in most cases. However if it develops sudden increase in size, appearance of hair on surface or pain sensation and ulcer formation then you should consult your doctor immediately. They will scrape the cells from mole surface if required and then confirm it it is a concern. Please do not worry.