Cancer Research UK main site

Insect bite on mole

SamA
Offline

Hey all. In December one of my moles had changed. Consultant said i have 3 moles that i need to keep an eye on. Long story short, the 1 that changed was cut out and was turning cancerous. So now all is ok, however i am currently on holiday and really paranoid. The other day I got bit by an insect on a mole (one of my normal looking ones) and it looks awful. I know its only a bite but my question is (and it might be stupid) but can it turn cancerous from the bite. It just looks like a bite, red and a lump, but because its on a mole im freaking out. So sorry for the long post, its ruining my holiday.

Any information is appreciated xxx

  • Offline

    Hi,

    Research has been done for quite a while to see if trauma (of any kind) can cause a benign mole to become cancerous and nothing has been found to prove this. Moles, without a bite, can sometimes get an infection in the skin underneath them but this doesn't cause them to be cancerous. Because your mole is already pigmented it will probably make the insect bite look much worse but don't worry, it won't make it cancerous. Go to a pharmacist & ask for some antibiotic & antibacterial cream which should help clear it up quickly. Also take an antihistamine and enjoy the rest of your holiday,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thank you so much 

    Put my mind at ease but will still get it checked when home just for peace of mind 

    Sam xxx 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.