Skin Cancer Forum - Mole growth and Lymph nodes

Cancer > Skin Cancer Forum > Mole growth and Lymph nodes

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Q: Mole growth and Lymph nodes

asked by: DoctorQuestion on December 6th, 2006

Hi there
I have had a mole on my upper arm for as long as i can remember.
It has seemed to have shrunk (or I have grown I guess) over the years.
It has kind of changed and I am worried.
The main bit is about 3 mm and then this smudge type thing to the left of it has appeared about 5mm long.
and I have also noticed 2 black dots in the mole bit, only the size of a pinprick that almost look like mini scabs...
It has always been raised I think,
Please can you offer any advice?
Also I am worried as my lymph nodes have been raised in my neck for 3/4 years... can this be linked?
I have had tests and they were normal, this was like 3 years ago now though.

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on December 8th, 2006

Skin Cancer Answer A1898

A mole (also called a 'nevus') is a benign tumor of the skin. Signs of malignant transformation of a mole include the following:
1. sudden occurrence of a new mole;
2. superficial spreading;
3. unequal growth in the mole;
4. notice that the mole is becoming thicker (infiltration);
5. color change;
6. itching, and
7. bleeding.
According to the description of your mole, it doesn’t seem likely that there is something to worry about. Nonetheless, you can follow your instincts and seek help from a specialist. A visual examination is key in instances of possible skin disease. It also doesn’t seem likely that the lymph nodes on your neck are connected with the small mole on the skin of your arm. These symptoms, rather, could be due to an infection. A needle punition and analysis can determine their nature. You can consult with a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon about the mole and seek assistance from an ENT about the lymph nodes on the neck.

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