scratched and picked mole (a little worried!)

I know I shouldn't have done this, but the the other day I was scratching and picking at a mole. I stopped, but the mole got crusty and smaller, and eventually just fell off. There was very little bleeding. However, I was wondering if scratching or picking at a mole makes it become cancerous in anyway. I'm getting checked out by a dermatologist but I'm just a little worried if picking a mole can cause it to become cancerous. Can someone help me out here? Thanks.

[zzs4121]

Anyone?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Scratching or picking a mole does not make it cancerous but you should avoid it because recurrence of mole can occur and then the mole may be irregularly shaped resembling a melanoma. What happens is that melanocytes left behind in the wound regrow in an abnormal pattern. This is accompanied by scarring, inflammation, and blood vessel changes and this both the clinical and histologic impression of a melanoma.

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.