Are All Black Moles on Hands and Feet Dangerous? Expert Insights

Q: Are All Black Moles on Hands and Feet Dangerous? Expert Insights

Hello： In response to your question： For individuals of East Asian descent, malignant melanoma does tend to occur on the extremities; however, not all moles on the hands and feet are necessarily malignant melanoma. <br>Given your age and the size of the lesion, the likelihood of

Mole

Hello Doctor: I am nineteen years old, and two days ago I discovered a new black mole measuring 0.1mm on the palm of my left hand, near the thumb joint.
I read an article stating that malignant melanoma is commonly found on the hands and soles of the feet, which has made me quite worried.
Are all moles that appear on the hands and soles of the feet dangerous? I would appreciate your response.
Thank you.

blueboy, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/10/06

Dr. Chen Yiying reply Dermatology

Hello: In response to your question: For individuals of East Asian descent, malignant melanoma does tend to occur on the extremities; however, not all moles on the hands and feet are necessarily malignant melanoma.
Given your age and the size of the lesion, the likelihood of this mole being malignant is extremely low.
You can monitor it closely for any rapid changes in size or irregular coloration, and continue to follow up.
If you still have concerns, you may consult a dermatologist for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2002/10/06

More Info

When it comes to black moles or spots on the hands and feet, it's important to understand that not all of them are dangerous. However, certain characteristics can indicate whether a mole may be a cause for concern.
Firstly, it's essential to recognize that moles, or nevi, are common skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Most moles are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, there are specific types of moles, such as dysplastic nevi, which can have a higher risk of developing into melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

The concern you mentioned regarding malignant melanoma being more prevalent in areas like the palms and soles is valid. Melanoma can indeed occur in these locations, and it is often referred to as acral lentiginous melanoma when it appears on the palms, soles, or under the nails. This type of melanoma is more common in people with darker skin tones but can occur in anyone.

To assess whether a mole is potentially dangerous, you can use the ABCDE rule, which stands for:
- Asymmetry: If you draw a line through the mole, the two halves do not match.

- Border: Look for irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.

- Color: Check for a variety of colors (brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue) within the mole.

- Diameter: Moles larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) are more concerning, although melanomas can be smaller.

- Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting, is a warning sign.

In your case, the mole you described is quite small (0.1mm), which is generally a good sign, but it's crucial to monitor it for any changes. If you notice any of the ABCDE characteristics, or if the mole begins to grow, change color, or cause discomfort, it would be wise to consult a dermatologist for a professional evaluation.

Additionally, while the presence of a new mole can be alarming, it's not uncommon for new moles to develop during adolescence and early adulthood due to hormonal changes and sun exposure. However, maintaining regular skin checks and being aware of your skin's changes is essential for early detection of any potential issues.

In summary, while not all black moles on the hands and feet are dangerous, it is crucial to monitor them for any changes and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns. Regular skin examinations and awareness of the characteristics of potentially harmful moles can help ensure your skin health and catch any issues early.

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