<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"Question I would like to know if there are any safe methods of removing hairs from a mole on my upper lip as I am led to believe that moles are cancerous and should be left alone. Answer There is no evidence to suggest that removing hairs from moles is likely to be harmful in any way. Most moles are not &amp;#039;cancerous&amp;#039; and do not have the potential to become so.  The majority of people with hairy moles on the face remove them simply by plucking with tweezers.  You have not given a description of the &amp;#039;mole&amp;#039; on your upper lip, but I assume that this is something that you have had since birth.  The normal progression of benign moles is to start as flat and brown, and to gradually become slightly raised, and lose some of their colour.  As this progression occurs moles are much less likely to become malignant (or cancerous).  If you have noticed any recent changes in the mole it would be worth arranging for your GP to see it. Once it has been seen, your GP is likely to be able to reassure you that it is innocent.  There are three main sorts of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is the one that is particularly dangerous. Of malignant melanomas 50 per cent arise in pre-existing moles, and 50 per cent arise out of normal skin.  Possible danger signs in a mole are increase in size, itching, large moles (bigger than 1 cm), irregularity of outline, variation in colour, inflammation, or any bleeding, crusting or discharge.  One or two of these qualities may be present in benign moles, but more than two should be taken very seriously. The other two common types of skin cancer are the common basal cell cancers which start as a small pink or pearly &amp;#039;spot&amp;#039; in the skin and gradually increase in size, and squamous cell cancers which occur mainly on the sun exposed areas of elderly people starting as a roughened area of skin, before developing irregular ulceration and crusting.  Yours sincerely The NetDoctor Medical Team  Other Qs &amp;amp;amp; As How safe are sunbeds? I have been diagnosed with skin cancer Link between bowel cancer and skin cancer Small mole that sits under my bra strap  Last updated 02.11.2011 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ask-the-expert/cancer/a10382/hairy-moles/>