Mole Removal and Biopsy

Hi, I am 5 months pregnant and just had a mole on my lower abdomen removed yesterday via a shave biopsy.  The mole has grown 2mm in 12 months time.  My abdomen is also larger as a result of the pregnancy. My dermatologist decided to remove it and send it to biopsy because it had gotten larger and it was a worry for me. I am concerned about melanoma because of the changes in the mole (I have had it for as long as I can remember) however I have read conflicting stories about whether a mole can get larger during pregnancy.  My question is: Can the dermatologist tell if a mole is cancerous based on the way the wound looks right after removal?  It has been 24 hours since my removal and the wound is a circle shape, the perimeter is white (this is the area where she removed slightly larger than the actual mole) and the area where the mole was looks kind of red/pink and I am wondering if this is an indication that the mole was cancer and in deeper skin layers than the area removed?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Diagnosis of melanoma will only be determined with the biopsy result. It is normal to have a reddish skin color after as a result of the biopsy. I do understand your concern but try to avoid worrying to prevent any effect on your baby. Focus on  being healthy and have regular prenatal check-ups. Take care and do keep us posted on the biopsy result.