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Flaking/Peeling Mole?
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Flaking/Peeling Mole?

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Flaking/Peeling Mole?

  • Post
    • April 5, 2018 at 12:25 am
    ariana.bennett
    Participant

      Hi everyone,

      I have a small black mole that about a year ago just started to occasionally flake and peel. If I look at it with a flashlight it's two different shades of brown/black. Sometimes it even grows black areas that flake off. I showed it to my GP and she said it's benign but I'm not fully convinced.

      It hasn't changed in size at all but it does look different because of the flaking and peeling and regrowth of skin.

      Is a mole that flakes and peels a sign of melanoma?

       

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    • Replies
        • April 5, 2018 at 1:24 am
        Nanners10
        Participant
          No one can be sure until a biopsy is performed. That being said, my mole did flake and peel and it was a melanoma. I say better safe than sorry and insist it be removed.

          Nancy

            • April 5, 2018 at 1:43 am
            ariana.bennett
            Participant

              Did your mole present any symptoms other than flaking and peeling? Because those are the only symptoms I have. Can you describe exactly what happened with your mole? Sorry I'm just so worried.

            • April 5, 2018 at 1:39 am
            Janner
            Participant

              Honestly, it sounds more like a seborrheic keratosis.  Benign lesions that can look like melanoma but are typically easy to distinguish when you look closely.  (I have several I wish I could get rid of).  They often get a "top" to them.  However, none of us can diagnose so you have to work with your doctor if you want it biopsied.

                • April 5, 2018 at 1:46 am
                ariana.bennett
                Participant

                  I don't think its an SK because that happens to older people and I'm only 18.

                  • April 5, 2018 at 2:03 am
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    Then maybe you should see a dermatologist.  Take a photo of it so you have a reference point.  Then see a doctor who specializes in skin instead of a GP – they don't have the best track record diagnosing melanoma.

                    • April 5, 2018 at 2:12 am
                    ariana.bennett
                    Participant

                      I'll book an appointment. Does it sound like a melanoma to you? It's really small and hasn't grown so I'm not sure.

                      • April 5, 2018 at 4:01 am
                      Janner
                      Participant

                        Most likely not, but melanoma is an individual disease and we can only go by generalizations.  However, since you are concerned, it means it is worth getting it checked by an expert.

                        • April 5, 2018 at 11:47 am
                        bjeans
                        Participant

                          I had an actinic keratosis way back in my 20s. The dermatologist who removed it was surprised because of my age, but it happens. Regardless, you want to have it checked out.

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