Q&A: Changes in moles during pregnancy should not be ignored
Source: Healio, May 2025
Key takeaways:
- Research suggests the impact of pregnancy on melanoma risk remains unclear.
- Any observed changes in melanocytic nevi during pregnancy should be considered suspicious unless proven otherwise.
Alterations in the size and number of moles are commonly reported among the many changes taking place during pregnancy; however, what such changes might mean when it comes to melanoma risk remains an open question.
Various skin conditions common to pregnancy such as melasma, linea nigra and stretch marks are well documented, yet the behavior of melanocytic nevi during pregnancy is not well understood, according to Jonathan P. Ungar, MD, medical director of the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center at Mount Sinai. The uncertainty surrounding pregnancy-related changes in nevi extends to malignant lesions as well, particularly melanoma, Ungar said.