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The color and shape of a mole on my leg have changed. Should I be concerned?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had this mole on my leg since I was a teenager, and I am 31 years old now. I remember it being lighter in color and more oval, whereas now it is more of a triangle with darker pigmentation and two shades of brown. I measured it, and it is about 4 millimeters in width. I have an olive skin tone and never used a tanning bed. Though at times, I have not used sunscreen, and have had sunburn, but never blistering from what I can recall. I have attached a picture. My current medicines are Synthroid, BCP, and Lexapro.

Kindly suggest.
Answered by Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash is a Cosmetologist and Dermatologist with expertise in managing skin, hair, and nail disorders as well as providing advanced cosmetic treatments. She is passionate about enhancing both skin health and aesthetic outcomes through evidence-based practices. She is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. She is well-versed in doing cosmetic dermatology procedures such as chemical peels, laser therapies, botox, fillers, and microdermabrasion.

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Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

I have seen the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Melanocytic nevus is basically tan, brown macules with increased melanocytic activity. One should always look for following changes for melanocytic nevus:

  1. Change in color and irregular surface.
  2. An increase in the size of the lesion.
  3. Irregular margins.
  4. Inflammation.
  5. Bleeding, crusting, and oozing.

There are types of melanocytic nevus. These are basically benign growth, but there can be a chance of malignant transformation. The exact incidence is not known. Since there is a change in the size, shape, and color of the nevus, I would suggest you consider a skin biopsy test. Or complete excision for aesthetic purposes.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At June 30, 2017
Reviewed At October 26, 2024

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash is a Cosmetologist and Dermatologist with expertise in managing skin, hair, and nail disorders as well as providing advanced cosmetic treatments. She is passionate about enhancing both skin health and aesthetic outcomes through evidence-based practices. She is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. She is well-versed in doing cosmetic dermatology procedures such as chemical peels, laser therapies, botox, fillers, and microdermabrasion.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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

Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash
Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash

Dermatology

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Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Thakare Sampada Avinash is a Cosmetologist and Dermatologist with expertise in managing skin, hair, and nail disorders as well as providing advanced cosmetic treatments. She is passionate about enhancing both skin health and aesthetic outcomes through evidence-based practices. She is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. She is well-versed in doing cosmetic dermatology procedures such as chemical peels, laser therapies, botox, fillers, and microdermabrasion.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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