Is it a problem if a flesh mole grows larger but does not cause pain or itching?
Disease description:
The mole on the left shoulder has been present since childhood, but it has noticeably grown larger in the past six months and is now about the size of a soybean. It has never caused pain or itching. Could this be a problem? Should I see a doctor?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
A flesh mole that is neither painful nor itchy but has increased in size warrants certain attention.
A flesh mole, also known as an intradermal nevus, may grow due to various factors including genetic predisposition, sun exposure, and hormonal changes. The stability of its size and shape is an important basis for determining its nature. When a flesh mole enlarges without causing pain or itching, it may indicate abnormal proliferation of nevus cells and thus a potential risk of malignancy. Although the probability of malignant transformation is relatively low, it is still important not to neglect the possibility, considering the severity of diseases like malignant melanoma.
If a flesh mole does not affect appearance and shows no signs of malignancy, regular self-observation is recommended, with attention to any changes in its shape, color, or size. If any abnormalities are detected, prompt consultation with a specialist is advised. A professional diagnosis can be made through dermoscopy, biopsy, and other methods, and surgical removal may be necessary to rule out the possibility of malignancy.
Patients should also take care to reduce friction and irritation of the mole in daily life and implement proper sun protection measures to minimize the risk of malignant transformation.
