Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I found a very small dark spot on my thigh today. To the best of my recollection, I have never seen it before. Now, of course, I am thinking the worst and believe I have melanoma. I am olive-skinned. I have never had an issue with moles or dark spots before.
My mom had a pre-cancerous growth removed from her face years ago and she is fine. She goes to her check-ups and applies sunscreen all the time. When I was a kid, I never saw my mom applying sunscreen. It was the 70's and it was just something we did not do. She just turned 76. I have attached a photo. I am sure you will think it is something that should be looked at and so do I. I am going to make an appointment with a dermatologist. But I also suffer from health anxiety, depression, and OCD so I am convinced it is melanoma and I am feeling very depressed right now.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have seen the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity). No, it is not melanoma. It is a normal nevus (benign). For your confirmation, you can go for an excisional biopsy of the lesion. Histopathology reports will confirm that the lesion is benign or malignant. Do not worry it is normal nevus due to melanosis (increase in melanin pigment).
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply,
I have two more questions.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Melanosis or nevus can be hereditary or genetic, in which no treatment is needed. It can also be due to external factors like UV (ultraviolet) rays or an increase in melanocytes (which can be treated with demelanizing agents like Kojic cream or sunscreen). Avoid UV rays to enter body-protective measures. Check for its size, borders, color change, and any symptom associated like pain, irritation, bleeding, burning, and itching.
Revert if any change is seen.
Avoid stress.
Do not worry. It is a normal nevus.
I hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply,
So in other words, no need to rush and get a biopsy unless I see changes?
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, no need to rush for a biopsy.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Medically reviewed byDr. Vinodhini J.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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