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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
always melanoma?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
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always melanoma?
by littlewinnie, Nov 01, 2006 12:00AM
I wrote a while back about a mole that had bled, but I had to wait a while before I could get it checked. I went to the Dermatologist today, and he seemed a bit concerned because the mole had a black spot on it.
The mole was on my abdomen, and I'm a one-piece girl (light skinned and freckled) so it hasn't ever really gotten sun exposure. I explained it as raised, about the size of an eraser, dark brown, with black flecks/little lines on it. I saw the portion that was a little darker when he showed me with the light on it. I"m afraid I never paid a ton of attention to it before the bleeding episode, but I don't remember it seeming to have changed colors.
I went on-line and looked at a bunch of pictures of melanomas and none looked like my mole, but I'm still so worried that I'm shaking. He shaved it off and is sending it to the lab, but it will be five-seven days before the results.
I guess my question is, are all multi-colored moles melanoma?
My Dermatologist is a really mild-mannered guy, so he didn't seem super alarmed and just had a wait-and-see approach when I asked if I should be worried.
The mole was on my abdomen, and I'm a one-piece girl (light skinned and freckled) so it hasn't ever really gotten sun exposure. I explained it as raised, about the size of an eraser, dark brown, with black flecks/little lines on it. I saw the portion that was a little darker when he showed me with the light on it. I"m afraid I never paid a ton of attention to it before the bleeding episode, but I don't remember it seeming to have changed colors.
I went on-line and looked at a bunch of pictures of melanomas and none looked like my mole, but I'm still so worried that I'm shaking. He shaved it off and is sending it to the lab, but it will be five-seven days before the results.
I guess my question is, are all multi-colored moles melanoma?
My Dermatologist is a really mild-mannered guy, so he didn't seem super alarmed and just had a wait-and-see approach when I asked if I should be worried.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Nov 01, 2006 12:00AM
, Nov 01, 2006 12:00AM
I guess no one can tell you for sure until you get the biopsy report back, which ought to be Monday. Having said that, I very much doubt that this mole is a melanoma. Many moles are multi-colored, and this one sounds small. I think the most it will be would be an atypical mole that the doctor will recommend for removal, just as a conservative precaution.
Relax. The odds are on your side.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Relax. The odds are on your side.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
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Thank you again!
Dr. Rockoff