“While a bleeding mole is something that should be evaluated, this is not always cancer and usually just is an irritated mole, especially if it was in the way of scratching,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, MD, board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon with a private practice in Omaha, NE.
“However, if you continue to have bleeding, it should definitely be evaluated, as a dermatologist can remove the mole and keep it from happening in the future. At that time they will see if it is at risk for cancer.”
The removed mole should be biopsied, even if the doctor says it looks normal (other than for the bleeding).
Dr. Schlessinger also explains, “Melanoma can bleed just as other skin cancers such as squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma can.
“They bleed due to fragile skin that occurs when the normal pattern of skin regeneration and protection is disrupted by the cancer.
“This is a serious symptom so it is important to consider being evaluated if you have any bleeding mole.
“Usually melanoma isn’t even detected in very small moles, but it is impossible to say if a mole is good or bad based on size alone.”
Dr. Schlessinger, founder of LovelySkin.com, has 25+ years of experience treating many skin conditions including melanoma. He’s founder of the Advanced Skin Research Center, a clinical facility that investigates new medications and treatments.
