Moles are usually benign. Why might they be removed?

• A. Usually malignant and require aggressive treatment.
• B. Usually benign; the physician monitors for changes in color, size, itching, pain, or bleeding.
• C. Cannot be removed.
• D. Always indicates skin cancer.

Answer: (B)

Moles are usually benign, but a change in a mole can be a clue that something more serious, like skin cancer, may be developing. Removal is considered when there are changes in color, size, itching, pain, or bleeding because these signs warrant examination or biopsy to rule out melanoma. If there are no concerning changes, removal isn’t routinely needed and doctors will often simply monitor the mole over time. They may remove a mole for cosmetic reasons or if it becomes irritated or prone to injury, but the decision is guided by whether there are changes that suggest a problem.