Can the two dark spots on the soles of my feet that have not changed in appearance for the past two years be melanoma?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a 22-year-old female who has had no history of any serious medical conditions. I do have freckles and moles on my body. However, none of them are raised, oddly shaped, discolored, or have changed over time. I have no other symptoms other than the discoloration of the moles, no raised skin, no bleeding, no oozing, and no tenderness. When I touch it, it feels no different from the surrounding skin. One biopsy was taken of one "suspicious-looking mole" on the upper thigh. Test results returned were clean, with no risk of cancer. Biopsy was done before seven years.
I have two dark brown spots on the soles of my feet. The spot on my left foot (dark and round) I have had for about three years, and the spot on my right foot have had for about two. They are both flat and have not changed in color or size since they appeared. My mother was adopted, so we do not know her complete medical history, although she has not had any serious medical conditions. My paternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer, and my paternal grandfather died of throat cancer. My father also has one of these dark spots on the sole of his feet but has not had any serious medical conditions. I am looking to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, but I am just wondering how serious this may be or if this could be ALM. I am very scared that I may have melanoma.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
I saw your clinical pictures (attachments are hidden to protect the patient's identity). The mole or nevus on your right foot (first picture) has darker pigmentation in the center, looking suspicious. It needs to be closely monitored for size, border irregularity, and changes in color.
If you have been closely monitoring for the last two to three years with zero change, then the chances of it being melanoma reduce greatly. Some patients I have seen do fail to recognize the small changes in color with the naked eye, and for this reason, I do believe your decision to see a dermatologist in person for a dermoscopic examination or biopsy to rule out melanoma is very valid.
Please do understand irrespective of the results, your dermatologist will be able to take care of the situation, and I do not see a reason for you to be worried at this stage. Of course, ruling out chances of melanoma by biopsy should provide you the mental peace.
I wish you the best.
Take care.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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