Small, slowly growing discoloration on my arm, please help!?

Question

OK I have a very small patch of skin on my forearm that is almost imperceptibly growing in diameter. It is not raised, but it might be sunken in very slightly, I can't quite tell for sure. It's probably just over 1/8 of an inch in diameter. The color is barely different from the rest of my arm, it almost looks like a trick of the light. But it is definitely there, it started out as a much smaller dot that I noticed a few months ago. It's definitely growing. I'm not sure what to think of this, if anyone can help, it'd be great. I'm very light skinned, the spot is slightly darker but not as dark as moles and freckles on the rest of my body. Any ideas? Please let me know if you need more information, I've included everything I can think of.
Oh, and one more thing... I do realize I should probably see a doctor, but currently I don't have medical insurance, nor do I have money to obtain medical insurance, much less money to simply pay a doctor.

Answer 1

First, without actually seeing it everything I say is speculation.

Second, if I were you I would check into the avialablity of local free clinics in your area. Even if the skin patch is nothing, it is often good to get a physical periodically. Also, many doctors, if you are up front about your finances will see you on a sliding scale or possibly even free basis. However, you may have to call around to different doctors first.

Third, I presumed you are concerned if it is skin cancer or not. Without seeing it I can't say.
But the following link may be useful.
This is the American Academy of Dermatology website.
The link jumps strait to info on skin cancer. If you click on "locate a skin cancer screening facility near you"-it shows where volunteer dermatologist do skin cancer screenings for free. If it is not cancer they may tell you what is is.

http://www.aad.org/public/News/DermInfo/DInfoWhatSkCanc.htm

As far as other info:
The following is cut from their website: "The ABCD's of skin cancer." (The Website has pictures.)

Look for Danger Signs in Pigmented Lesions of the Skin
Consult your dermatologist immediately if any of your moles or pigmented spots exhibit:

A
Asymmetry--one half unlike the other half.

B
Border --irregular, scalloped or poorly circumscribed border.

C
Color -- varied from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue.

D
Diameter -- while melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller. If you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds (even if it is small) you should see a dermatologist.


I hope that helps

Answer 2

I know about medical insurance!! You may have an age spot which is harmless but it also could very well be something like skin cancer. I am in no way a doctor or nurse so I cannot diagnose what you have this is just what I think! Go to webmd.com, Look at pictures of skin abnormalities maybe you can see something that looks like what you are having. Have you tried to apply for the medical card? There are many resources available for you if you need help going to the doctor. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Your diet may stunt your growth if you are not getting proper nutrition, but it will not make you be taller than your own biology dictates. I have been the same height since my freshman year of high school. Depending on when you started menstruating, the estrogen signals for your bones to seal. This does take years, though. You may have until 18, you may have hit an early growth spurt. Not knowing you or your medical history (or your mother's height), nobody here can tell you specifically. For now, stay physically active, avoid smoking and caffeine, take a multivitamin and calcium supplement, and maintain good posture. Don't lose any of the inches you have to a spinal curvature. There is nothing any physican would do for you at a normal 5'5" - sometimes shorter people without a preexisting condition like dwarfism will get HGH shots.

Answer 4

Is it round? It could possibly be ringworm. Very common. Pick up some cream for athletes foot and apply it to the spot. Keep it up for a few days. If spot disappears, keep applying the cream for a few days to make sure it is gone. If it doesn't get any better in a couple of days, you will probably end up having to go to the doctor. Hope this helps you. Doctor told my wife to do this, and it worked. Same bacteria, different location.

Answer 5

This probably isn't anything but sun damage. I have those too, pretty much exactly what you're describing. I saw a doctor (and you should too if you could somehow manage it) and was told not to worry. There's a name for it and people of certain heritage are prone to these skin anomolies. I'm a very light skinned woman myself. Don't stress. It's very likely nothing, go to the doctor as soon as you can to ease your own mind.

Answer 6

Get yourself to a doctor. They have free clinics. And you can go to free cancer screenings sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Also, not-for-profit hospitals will evaluate & treat anyone regardless of whether they have insurance or not.

Answer 7

Yes, you do need to see a doctor. My suggestion would be to contact your county/city's department of social services. If you have no insurance and are low income, you can be seen by one of the doctors at the clinic. Then, if you need to be seen by a dermatologist, they will send you to one. And I think you do need to see a dermatologist.

Answer 8

Explain your financial situation to the doctor. They should be able to work out some sort of payment plan.

If it's cancer you can't afford not to get it treated. If it's not, you won't have to pay for much more than a single visit.

Answer 9

You should bite the bullet and figure out some way to have it checked. Skin cancer is one of the big killers.

Answer 10

There are free clinics in every area. I suggest that you call them and have it looked at.