Mole on daughter's face

Hi Dr R., I took my 11 yr old daughter to the doctor for her first mole check last week. Dr was concerned about one of her facial moles - it is about 5 mm in diameter, round, raised and very dark, almost black. Dr was concerned about it being such a dark colour. Dr has referred my daughter to a plastic surgeon for mole to be assessed and removed if necc. We have decided to have mole removed anyway because it is very prominent and my daughter feels self concious about it. The mole has looked this way for over 12 mths but in a photo taken about 18 mths ago, I can see that it was lighter and flatter then. My daugther has fair hair, blue eyes, tans easily and has had no sunburns. My husband has lots of moles including a dark mole on his face. I am really worried that my daughter' s mole may be a melanoma. I hope that you can reassure me. Best wishes. J.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Although you won't know for sure until the mole is removed and analyzed, the chances that a mole of that description in an 11-yer old is a melanoma is vanishingly small.  If I were you, I wouldn't worry.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Jannie4]

Thanks so much for your help. I feel much better about it now. J

[Jannie4]

You were right - it was nothing to worry about. My daughter had the mole removed a week ago and the lab report confirmed that it was a benign compound naevus.  My daughter's scar is healing well - the plastic surgeon did a great job. Your reply to my question really helped me to stay sane during the weeks of waiting  -  so many thanks again. Best wishes.   J.