mole
October 7, 2010 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
Dear dermatologists,
For years, I have had a mole located 2cm below my left nipple. Up until I became pregnant, it was very small, inconspicuous, and not raised. However, over the past 3 months, it has suddenly grown about 4 times in size, become unevenly pigmented, raised, with no itching or bleeding, and has been dotted with black spots for some time. It is now 1cm in size, with frayed edges.
I also occasionally experience pain in the breast, which may be related to the pregnancy.
Should I be worried that it has become cancerous, and should I consider having it removed before giving birth?
Thank you and best regards, E. Werner
Dear questioner,
Based on your detailed description, some criteria (growth, irregular borders, inhomogeneity, elevation) for malignant skin changes are met. Although the image shows not a mole (nevi) but rather a wart (verruca), you should have this spot evaluated by a dermatologist due to its rapid growth and irregular pigmentation. Since removal can usually be done under local anesthesia, there is no reason to postpone immediate removal even during pregnancy. The definitive proof of malignancy is provided by the histological examination, which should be aimed for upon removal.
It is clear that this case should be examined directly, as any description or photograph cannot accurately represent the actual impression. The images do not resemble a malignant melanoma. Therefore, do not worry, but due to the rapid changes you have described, it is advisable to have this spot medically evaluated and monitored, as (although very rarely) a melanoma can hide under or within a hyperkeratotic wart.
Best regards, R. C. Berg
