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Is A Raised Mole On The Arm A Cause For Concern?
Question: I am worried about a mole on my arm. I have had the mole for many years but recently it appears to be raised and I can't remember if that has always been the case. Does this look like anything sinister? My GP thinks its fine and any change is hormonal as I have just had a baby but I would appreciate a second opinion. It doesn't bleed or itch and does not feel hard in any way.
Brief Answer:
Looks normal to me
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am Dr.Kakkar (Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have reviewed the Image
The mole looks pretty normal. It is symmetrical in shape, regular in outline and color, and it has an intact surface.
As a mole matures, it is quite normal for it to become a bit raised with time.
A mole usually starts as a junctional nevus (which is flat) and it gradually becomes a compound nevus (slightly raised and has both epidermal and dermal components) and later an intradermal nevus (raised and dermal location) as it matures.
This recent change in that it has become elevated is most likely because it is moving towards becoming a compound nevus (raised and palpable) while initially it was just a flat junctional nevus.
Do not worry
Regards
Looks normal to me
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am Dr.Kakkar (Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have reviewed the Image
The mole looks pretty normal. It is symmetrical in shape, regular in outline and color, and it has an intact surface.
As a mole matures, it is quite normal for it to become a bit raised with time.
A mole usually starts as a junctional nevus (which is flat) and it gradually becomes a compound nevus (slightly raised and has both epidermal and dermal components) and later an intradermal nevus (raised and dermal location) as it matures.
This recent change in that it has become elevated is most likely because it is moving towards becoming a compound nevus (raised and palpable) while initially it was just a flat junctional nevus.
Do not worry
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you. My main worry is that it is nodular melanoma. Is that something that can be ruled out by the image?
I was concerned as I understand that a mole becoming raised can be a sign of this?
I was concerned as I understand that a mole becoming raised can be a sign of this?
Brief Answer:
Benign jucntional nevus turning into compound nevus
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
A nodular melanoma usually is raised from the very begining i.e a nodular melanoma starts as a nodule rather than developing from a flat mole.
Your age too does not fall in the nodular melanoma category. A nodular melanoma usually arises in 6th or 7th decade.
Moreover, the image looks absolutely beingn on many counts i.e symmetricity, size, color and shape.
If you are still concerned then I would suggest that you request either dermoscopy for this mole Or an excision biopsy which would confirm the diagnosis.
Regards
Benign jucntional nevus turning into compound nevus
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
A nodular melanoma usually is raised from the very begining i.e a nodular melanoma starts as a nodule rather than developing from a flat mole.
Your age too does not fall in the nodular melanoma category. A nodular melanoma usually arises in 6th or 7th decade.
Moreover, the image looks absolutely beingn on many counts i.e symmetricity, size, color and shape.
If you are still concerned then I would suggest that you request either dermoscopy for this mole Or an excision biopsy which would confirm the diagnosis.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Thank you doctor. So would you expect a nodular melanoma to be a darker colour? The light brown colour and the lack of firmness is what led my GP to say it was fine.
I would not be able to see a dermotologist without being refered by GP.
I would not be able to see a dermotologist without being refered by GP.
Brief Answer:
Not a melanoma
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Yes, majority of the times a melanoma is darker in color but that is not a thumb rule. A melanoma could also be amelanotic! All in all your GP is right!
Regards
Not a melanoma
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Yes, majority of the times a melanoma is darker in color but that is not a thumb rule. A melanoma could also be amelanotic! All in all your GP is right!
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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