Moles often appear out of nowhere; we are not born with all the many moles we'll have when we're older. The fact that you didn't used to have this mole isn't reason in itself to be concerned.
How big would you say the mole is? As big around as a pencil eraser? Smaller? Larger?
Is it as smooth as the skin around it, or is it raised or bumpy?
Is it all the same color of brown, or are there different shades to it?
Are the colored edges of the mole smooth? Or do they appear raggedy?
And does it cause you any pain, or has it ever itched or bled?
Does it look like other moles you have elsewhere on your body?
Here's a page of images of normal moles and those that are more troublesome:
If your mole is small, smooth, symmetrical, all one color and has never caused you any discomfort, it's probably fine. If it is large, raised or bumpy, has different shades of brown in it, does not have smooth edges or has ever caused you any discomfort, you should probably have it looked at. Most likely there's nothing to worry about, but as a doctor on a good web site says, "If it's something you've looked at twice, it's something to have looked at." Meaning, if it's something you're concerned about, it's worth a look.
Has this been of any help?
And on a personal note, I'm concerned that you feel you have to "confront" your dad about the possibility of a mole that bothers you. Do you think that he wouldn't listen to your concerns?
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Hi, Anon, and welcome to Empowher.
Moles often appear out of nowhere; we are not born with all the many moles we'll have when we're older. The fact that you didn't used to have this mole isn't reason in itself to be concerned.
How big would you say the mole is? As big around as a pencil eraser? Smaller? Larger?
Is it as smooth as the skin around it, or is it raised or bumpy?
Is it all the same color of brown, or are there different shades to it?
Are the colored edges of the mole smooth? Or do they appear raggedy?
And does it cause you any pain, or has it ever itched or bled?
Does it look like other moles you have elsewhere on your body?
Here's a page of images of normal moles and those that are more troublesome:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/moles-and-dysplastic-nevi/page8
If your mole is small, smooth, symmetrical, all one color and has never caused you any discomfort, it's probably fine. If it is large, raised or bumpy, has different shades of brown in it, does not have smooth edges or has ever caused you any discomfort, you should probably have it looked at. Most likely there's nothing to worry about, but as a doctor on a good web site says, "If it's something you've looked at twice, it's something to have looked at." Meaning, if it's something you're concerned about, it's worth a look.
Has this been of any help?
And on a personal note, I'm concerned that you feel you have to "confront" your dad about the possibility of a mole that bothers you. Do you think that he wouldn't listen to your concerns?
March 26, 2009 - 10:39amThis Comment
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