Is intermittent itching of a black mole necessarily a sign of cancerous change?

Dec 02, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, if there is no significant change in the color, size, or shape of a mole and there are no other discomforts, this intermittent itching is likely unrelated to malignancy. Itching of a mole may be a normal physiological phenomenon, possibly caused by stimulation of melanocytes, leading to excessive production of melanin. The melanin may cause itching as it sheds along with the stratum corneum.

Normally, moles are benign neoplasms composed of melanocytes and are among the more common benign skin tumors in humans. If there are no significant changes in color, size, or shape of the mole and no other discomfort, intermittent itching may not be related to malignancy. If any discomfort occurs, medical attention should be sought promptly, and symptomatic treatment should be administered under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Itching of a mole might be a normal physiological phenomenon. It could be caused by melanocytes being stimulated to produce excessive melanin, which may cause itching as it sheds with the stratum corneum. If there are no obvious changes in the color, size, or shape of the mole, and no other abnormal symptoms such as pain, ulceration, or bleeding, the intermittent itching is likely unrelated to malignancy and may be due to dry weather, friction, or allergic reactions.

However, if intermittent itching of a mole is accompanied by rapid increases in size, changes in morphology, color variation, or other abnormalities, there may be malignant transformation, and treatment should be sought as early as possible to prevent deterioration of the condition.

In daily life, it is important to maintain local cleanliness and avoid repeated irritation of moles.

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