A spot appeared on my hand recently. Does it look like a melanoma?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have a history of melanoma. This spot appeared on my hand this month. I am worried it could be acral lentiginous melanoma. Does it look like it needs to be biopsied? I had a wide excision of melanoma on the other hand on the middle left knuckle.
Thanks.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
I have gone through the image (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It is a small papular lesion at present.
It does not need a biopsy at present.
But you might need biopsy if there is:
1. Change in color and irregular surface.
2. Increase in the size of the lesion.
3. Irregular margins.
4. Inflammation.
5. Bleeding, crusting, or oozing.
At present, a test like dermoscopy would help to see the morphology of the lesion. Knowing your past history keep checking on the lesions.
I hope this information will help you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Is it normal to have freckles on the palm? I am about to turn 30 and it seems to have appeared over the last month. Because of my history of melanoma, I worry about superficial spreading melanoma and acral lentiginous melanoma. I am just very scared of any new freckle. I have an appointment with my dermatologist in two weeks. Is it alright to wait until then?
Thanks.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
It is normal to have lentigines over palms and soles especially after knowing your past history of acral lentiginous melanoma. Yes, you can wait for two weeks for the appointment. But in the meanwhile, you should keep a check on the size of the lesion and if there are any new lesions. The entire lesion can be excised with a punch biopsy for histopathological evaluation. This can be considered after a dermoscopic evaluation of the lesion.
I hope this information will help you.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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