MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Moles that flake off
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Moles that flake off

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Moles that flake off

  • Post
    • August 20, 2017 at 11:13 pm
    Girlfromohio
    Participant

      Has anyone experienced moles that flake or rub off? I've had a couple that if I rubbed my finger back and forth over, they just flake away. Is that a tell-tale sign of them being cancerous? Was never very melanoma-savvy so now im wondering what that might mean. Can melanoma be flaked, rubbed, or scratched off? 

    Viewing 1 reply thread
    • Replies
        • August 21, 2017 at 5:44 pm
        Jamie1960
        Participant

          Actinic keratoses may appear brown and can slough off, particularly when wet. Check for images on line to see if yours appears similar. Under all circumstances, add this particular "mole" to your regular dermatologist appointment for professional evaluation.

           

          • August 22, 2017 at 1:01 am
          Janner
          Participant

            Seborrheic keratosis also can have a top that can come off, and they are totally benign but can look ugly.  Only a professional can tell you about yours but there are many possibilities and melanoma wouldn't be at the top of the list.

              • August 22, 2017 at 1:07 am
              Girlfromohio
              Participant

                Thank you. What do you think would be the reaction to a melanoma if it were scratched or rubbed off?

                • August 22, 2017 at 2:50 am
                jennunicorn
                Participant

                  Melanoma cannot fully get scratched or rubbed off. It can grow something that looks and feels like a scab, which the top off could scratch off and bleed. But, the entire mole would never be able to be completely scratched off.

            Viewing 1 reply thread

            Tagged: 

            • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
            About the MRF Patient Forum

            The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

            The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

            Popular Topics