By Dr Alice Rudd – Skindepth Dermatology, Skin Clinic St Kilda East Melbourne

Did you know that malignant melanoma is the most commonly reported cancer during pregnancy? According to a Swedish Cancer Registry study (Cancer, 2015), melanoma remains one of the most common malignancies among young women — with approximately one-third of those affected being of childbearing age.

At Skindepth Dermatology in St Kilda East Melbourne, we regularly monitor and assess changing moles in pregnant women to ensure early detection and treatment — because early action truly saves lives.

How Pregnancy Affects Moles

During pregnancy, it's common for moles to change, particularly on areas of the body that stretch significantly — like the abdomen, breasts, and chest. Under the dermatoscope, we often observe increased blood vessel activity in these moles, usually related to the body’s increased blood flow during pregnancy.

However, some changes may require a closer look. Research suggests that the mild immune suppression that occurs during pregnancy might allow for tumour progression in rare cases — making early skin checks even more critical during this time.

What You Should Watch For

At Skindepth, we recommend that all moles — new or existing — be evaluated during pregnancy in the same way as they would be for non-pregnant women. Be vigilant and book a skin check if you notice:

• A mole changing in size, shape, or colour

• New moles appearing during pregnancy

• Any mole that becomes itchy, bleeds, or looks unusual

Safe Treatment During Pregnancy

The good news? If a mole looks suspicious, it can usually be safely removed during pregnancy without risk to your baby. At Skindepth Dermatology, led by Dr Alice Rudd, we use safe, minimally invasive techniques to ensure both maternal and fetal safety.

11-23-2016