A Mole That Lasted More Than 10 Years Turned Out to Be Cancer! Watch for These Types of Moles

Mr. Zhao, 38, had a small black mole on his face for over a decade, starting as tiny as a grain of rice. But in the past year, it grew to the size of a fingernail. Wishing to remove it for cosmetic reasons, he visited the Plastic Surgery Department at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine.

After examination, Dr. Zhu Quanchao suspected the mole was basal cell carcinoma. Surgery confirmed the diagnosis. Because the excision defect was large, direct closure was impossible, so surgeons used a local flap transplant to repair the area. One month later, Mr. Zhao’s scar was barely noticeable, and he was satisfied with the result.

Warning Signs of Cancerous Moles (ABCDE Rule)

• Asymmetry: Benign moles are mostly symmetrical; irregular shape is suspicious.

• Border: Blurred, jagged, or uneven edges.

• Color: Uneven mixing of black, brown, blue, white, or other colors.

• Diameter: Larger than 6mm, or growing rapidly in a short time.

• Evolution: Changing quickly—itching, ulceration, oozing, crusting, or swelling.

Other Red Flags

• Itching, pain, or numbness around the mole.

• Rough surface, scaling, bleeding, or non-healing wounds.

• Redness, inflammation, or “satellite” small moles around it.

• Pigment spreading into surrounding skin.

Common Questions Answered

1. Can long-standing or congenital moles become cancerous?

   Yes. Large congenital moles (over 20cm) carry higher risk. Chronic skin lesions carry increasing risk over time.

2. How to prevent malignant changes?

   Sun protection is key. Avoid picking, scratching, or frequent friction.

3. Is it hereditary?

   Those with a family history of melanoma or skin cancer need regular skin checks.

4. Can I remove moles with home remedies or by picking?

   No! Unprofessional removal can stimulate malignancy and cause infection. Always see a doctor.

5. Is skin cancer life-threatening?

   Most (like basal cell carcinoma) are mild and curable with early removal. Melanoma is highly malignant and can be fatal if delayed.

   
   

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