Mole seems to be spreading out

[JCP1987]

Hello,

I'm a 23 year old recently pregnant woman with no family history of melanoma and no abnormal moles. I'm writing about a suspicious mole. Before I got pregnant, this mole was small (about 1mm) and dark brown and very slightly raised on the right side of my right breast. I am no longer pregnant and recently when I checked the mole it is larger and darker. Upon further inspection the main part of the mole is still there but it looks like a small circle of irregular brown pigment is surrounding it. It is darker than other moles in the area. My husband thinks this is because my breasts expanded by a lot after delivery and the mole somehow stretched. The entire mole is now about 3mm in diameter. I cannot remember for 100% if this mole is the same or changed definitely changed since pregnancy. It does not itch, bleed or hurt and the original mole is the same, it hasn't raised up further. Do you think it's cancer?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It cannot be called a mole as such but keep a close eye on it. Melanomas are usually >6 mm in size, with irregular borders ,asymmetrical and dark in color. If you notice changes in the mole's/mark’s color, height, size or shape, you should have a dermatologist evaluate it. You also should have it checked if it bleeds, oozes, itches, appear scaly, or become tender or painful.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Raju Thapar, MBBS]

Hi,

thanks for your query.

It would be hasty to call it a cancer.Your husband is to an extent right , keep observing the size & color changes  & development of moles on other parts of body. I do not find it concerning at this point of time and the prognosis is good as it is accessible to eyes  & u can monitor it

Wish you good health.