Moles sometimes fade or disappear, especially as people get older. This is not usually a cause for concern. However, cancerous moles can also shrink or disappear. Sometimes this happens when skin cancer is present and has already spread to other areas.
Most moles will slowly disappear, seeming to fade away. Others will become raised so far from the skin that they may develop a small “stalk” and eventually fall off or are rubbed off. This is the typical life cycle of the common mole and can occur over 50 years.
A mole that becomes itchy, dry, scaly or flaky all of a sudden should certainly raise red flags. It's important to resist the temptation to scratch it, as this may worsen the problem. If that sounds familiar, book a specialist check straight away to assess for skin cancer and prevent it from spreading any further.
It is possible for a mole to return after it has been removed. It is highly unlikely in most cases, though. The only way a mole can return is if a few mole cells still exist in the skin after the mole was removed. Mole cells can cause the mole to regrow on the skin into its original shape and size.
Color that is uneven: Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue may also be seen. Diameter: There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than the size of a pea (larger than 6 millimeters or about 1/4 inch).
If a mole suddenly becomes itchy and goes away over time, then it is probably a sign that it was caused by minor trauma, not by skin cancer. Examine the mole and surrounding skin to see if the itching is caused by any other factor, such as a rash or small cut.
Melanoma can appear as moles, scaly patches, open sores or raised bumps. Use the American Academy of Dermatology's "ABCDE" memory device to learn the warning signs that a spot on your skin may be melanoma: Asymmetry: One half does not match the other half. Border: The edges are not smooth.
A seborrheic keratosis (seb-o-REE-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a common noncancerous (benign) skin growth. People tend to get more of them as they get older. Seborrheic keratoses are usually brown, black or light tan. The growths (lesions) look waxy or scaly and slightly raised.
Melanoma can go away on its own. Melanoma on the skin can spontaneously regress, or begin to, without any treatment. That's because the body's immune system is able launch an assault on the disease that's strong enough to spur its retreat.
Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, may appear as: A change in an existing mole. A small, dark, multicolored spot with irregular borders -- either elevated or flat -- that may bleed and form a scab. A cluster of shiny, firm, dark bumps.
If you notice changes in any mole's color, thickness, size, or shape, you should see a dermatologist. You also should have your moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, scale, or become tender or painful. Examine your skin with a mirror or ask someone to help you.
Doctors call this “cryotherapy.” They use super-cold liquid nitrogen to remove the skin tag. It will fall off about 10-14 days after the treatment.
Mole that changes over time
A mole that changes size, shape or colour may be a melanoma. Other signs to look out for include moles that are: swollen and sore. bleeding.
Some moles will slowly disappear, seeming to fade away. Others will become raised far from the skin. They may develop a small “stalk” and eventually fall off or be rubbed off.
Border that is irregular: The edges of suspicious moles are ragged, notched or blurred in outline, while healthy moles tend to have more even borders. The pigment of the mole may also spread into the surrounding skin. Color that is uneven: The mole may have various colors present, including black, brown and tan.
“For example, moles on the face can start out as brown patches, and over time as we grow older, these moles can raise up, lose color and simply become flesh-colored bumps.” Moles can lighten or darken in color, and raise or flatten. Sometimes, moles can even disappear altogether.
The most common type of melanoma usually appears as a flat or barely raised lesion with irregular edges and different colours. Fifty per cent of these melanomas occur in preexisting moles.
Some people experience a mole that grows back after a mole removal procedure. This is because some of the mole cells were left behind, causing the mole to recur. Ask your dermatologist about how to avoid mole regrowth after removal and what to do if you notice the mole coming back.
A visual check of your skin only finds moles that may be cancer. It can't tell you for sure that you have it. The only way to diagnose the condition is with a test called a biopsy. If your doctor thinks a mole is a problem, they will give you a shot of numbing medicine, then scrape off as much of the mole as possible.
The first sign of melanoma is often a mole that changes size, shape or color. This melanoma shows color variations and an irregular border, both of which are melanoma warning signs. Melanomas can develop anywhere on your body.
In the very early stages the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Once melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes the 5-year survival rate is 63%. If melanoma spreads to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival drops to just 20%.