I've had a mole on my arm pretty much all of my life; it's never changed, but looks a bit atypical. Darkish brown, almost oval border but a little jagged around the edges (but the edges are defined). The middle is a tiny, and I mean TINY, bit lighter. But like I said, it's always been this way, and my family have always had atypical moles (but never developed melanoma). The diameter is smaller than a pencil eraser, and the mole is elavated. Am I at risk at all?
2007-02-19 04:54:54 · 10 answers · asked by Pieces Of Rainbowzz 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
Oh my gosh Chips ... I have the same thing on my wrist. I was born with it. Didn't change just like you. I saw 10+ doctors for it and got different opinions. So I developed anxiety from it b/c everything that is wrong with me I think its the cancer spreading however all tests indicated otherwise. I have been told by many doctors that if it hasn't changed, itched or pussed I'm ok and so r u. However it can lead to sometehing yrs from now on so they told me to think about removing it. Which I think I will. I'm scared of the biopsy but its better to catch it sooner. Hun, you are not alone. I have the same problem. It's hard and terrifying. Mine is elevated as well. Did you get it looked at? Like I said I had 10+ docs tell me its not an emergency. Look into removing it. You will feel better down the line and I'm sure so will I. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. I would love to let you know what I have been told. Maybe we can compare notes.
2007-02-19 05:00:38 · answer #1 · answered by Queen of Kings 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No. It does not have the ABCDE requirements. A - Assymetrical (you didn't really say), B - Border irregular (somewhat), C - Color variety (not much, and if you have other moles the same color, the less to worry), D - Diameter bigger than a pencil eraser (no), and E - Elevation (yes, but it has not grown).
It sounds, like you said, like a usual atypical mole. 90-something percent of ALL moles are "atypical", that is, if you have it biopsied, it will come back abnormal tissue, and probably have abnormal nevi (roots). So it sounds like you have a "normal" atypical mole. Mine was worse than yours and changed over a couple of years, got larger, darker, etc, and it was just another atypical mole. It cost about 600 dollars cause I didn't have insurance. But if your mole starts to change (I doubt it will), then get it checked out. It will be removed and leave a scar. A lot of dermatologists are crappy suturers, and a plastic surgeon charges about the same to biopsy your mole and the scar will be much less horrid.
Relax you are fine right now!
2007-02-19 05:06:02 · answer #2 · answered by Mary 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
you are right about the pencil eraser comparison - unless your mole becomes larger than that, or changes color, you probably don't need to worry about it. however, unlike some cancers, melanoma is not a hereditary thing - it can happen to anyone. use sunscreen or avoid excessive sun exposure, as this is the best way to avoid skin cancer. also, if you are really worried, make an appointment to see a dermatologist, and go back for regular visits. that way the dermatologist can keep track of your moles and let you know if their trained eye notices a problem.
2007-02-19 05:05:28 · answer #3 · answered by SmartAleck 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If it worries you at all for any reason, go see a dermatologist who will likely biopsy it. Better to be safe than sorry. I had one on my arm forever, but I started noticing subtle changes and at the prodding of my aunt, I finally went. Upon looking at it, the doc didn't think it was anything, but results came back melanoma. Very scary diagnosis to hear, but in my case, it hadn't progressed so I needed nothing more than what I believe was called a wide angle excision (a large chunk of flesh was removed from my forearm to dtermine whether or not it had spread - it hand't) and I have to go to the doc annually now. Have you had any severe burns or lots of exposure to the sun (or tanning beds) that would increase your risk of skin cancer? If so, then definitely get into the doc...but if you haven't done anything of that sort, and it's never changed in appearance you probably have nothing to be concerned about but if it bothers you at all, definitely go see a dermatologist.
2007-02-19 05:13:29 · answer #4 · answered by Sunidaze 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Usually changing shape or color indicates a problem. If you have had it all of your life with no change in shape size or color, you are probably okay, however.... set your mind at ease and ask your family physician to take a quick look at it next time you go for a physical or a check up.
2007-02-19 05:01:36 · answer #5 · answered by stephyhall 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Go get the dermatologist to check it out and use SPF no sun bathing too
2007-02-19 05:02:59 · answer #6 · answered by memjabeana 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Everyone is always risk! Wear a good SPF and don't layout in the sun to get a good tan. That's what Mystic's are for.
2007-02-19 04:59:03 · answer #7 · answered by Shannon C 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Just have it checked by a dermatologist and ease your mind.
2007-02-19 04:58:37 · answer #8 · answered by teamkimme 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I've used Compound W wart remover many times to remove everything, and it works! Give it a try.
2007-02-19 04:58:07 · answer #9 · answered by Dorothy and Toto 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
not likely but is okay to have it cked out by dermatologist
2007-02-19 04:58:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋