HomeAnswersDermatologybrown spotsI have a flat brown spot with flaky edges. Is it melanoma?

Does a flat brown spot with flaky edges indicate melanoma?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Rabia Anjum

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Published At May 8, 2019
Reviewed AtAugust 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

A few days back, a brown spot appeared halfway on my thigh. By the same night, it grew and it was black. In less than 24 hours. Small brown spot turned black and grew in just a few hours. It is flat. I am writing this a week later. The edges are flaky now. It has a slightly rough texture but the edges are peeling in not picking it. Do you think it could be melanoma? I am brown in complexion but had an aunt who died of skin cancer.

Answered by Dr. Rabia Anjum

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The bigger brown patch is cafe-au-lait macule and the small one is probably an atypical nevus (attachment removed to protect patient identity). That is not melanoma clinically to me. Melanoma is very rare at a young age like in your case and obviously very rare in brown skin color. You are doing good that you are doing skin biopsy for tissue diagnosis so that no confusion is left but it is less likely to be melanoma.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Rabia Anjum
Dr. Rabia Anjum

Dermatology

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