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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> OT: Any skin cancer experts? Spots worry me- pic
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Showing posts 1 - 9 of 9, (reverse)
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 05/27/2006 07:43:06 PM · #1
This is probably TMI...or at least the pic is....but I am worried about these spots on my ankles. One is above each ankle in almost the same exact location on both legs. The one I have had for probably 9 months or so, but the one on my right is only 6mo old or so. They look fairly similar to one I had on my upper arm when I was pregnant with my 4yr old. It bled a lot and never healed. My family practice doc froze it off and said it was nothing, but he was a new doc and I am not all that sure that it was 'nothing.' These two do not bleed like the one on my arm did.

Ever since my dad was diagnosed with skin cancer (he is fine) I am so paranoid. These things on my ankles just disqust me, too. My Grandma and possibly my mom have skin cancer.

Each one is slightly smaller around than a tip of a pencil eraser so these are super close-ups. The surface of both are both pretty smooth to the touch. The left one I caught with my razor a couple weeks ago (ouch!!!) Touching the right one kinda feels like someone is poking me with the tip of a needle.

The pics:


I hope someone knows what these may be :o(

05/27/2006 07:52:34 PM · #2
Honestly, if you have a family history of skin cancer I'd get your doc to set you up with a referal to a dermatologist. Skin cancer is nothing to mess with, and casual online diagnosis in this case is high risk. It could be nothing, but if it's not...just not worth it.

I'm from Colorado so I have a regular yearly visit with a dermatologist because I'm at higher risk for skin cancer than the average bear. I consider it a well spent copay. :)

05/27/2006 07:53:05 PM · #3
I had a co-worker that something very similar to this but it was on her face. I had always thought it was just a mole but she had it for a couple of years....unfortunately when she took her daughter in to have her warts looked at the doctor asked Shannon about the thing on her face and she said she didn't know what it was and assumed it was a mole. The doctor told her she should have it biopsied and he cut it off right there and had it sent off and sure enough it was skin cancer. You should go have a doctor look at it immediately....even if it's nothing it's still better to know one way or the other....

05/27/2006 07:54:52 PM · #4
Originally posted by blemt:
Honestly, if you have a family history of skin cancer I'd get your doc to set you up with a referal to a dermatologist. Skin cancer is nothing to mess with, and casual online diagnosis in this case is high risk. It could be nothing, but if it's not...just not worth it.

I'm from Colorado so I have a regular yearly visit with a dermatologist because I'm at higher risk for skin cancer than the average bear. I consider it a well spent copay. :)


Thanks......born and raised in Colorado myself....Ackkk!
 05/27/2006 07:55:19 PM · #5
First off, there are several types of skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous, usually has a more irregular margin, and are often somewhat darker than what you have there.

However, given your family history, it seems prudent to me to have a dermatologist look at those, especially if you are fortunate enough have health insurance.

Even if they are not cancer, they are clearly annoying and worrisome, and can probably be easily removed with an office procedure.
 05/27/2006 07:55:45 PM · #6
Originally posted by colyla:
I had a co-worker that something very similar to this but it was on her face. I had always thought it was just a mole but she had it for a couple of years....unfortunately when she took her daughter in to have her warts looked at the doctor asked Shannon about the thing on her face and she said she didn't know what it was and assumed it was a mole. The doctor told her she should have it biopsied and he cut it off right there and had it sent off and sure enough it was skin cancer. You should go have a doctor look at it immediately....even if it's nothing it's still better to know one way or the other....


Thanks......I think I may call for an appointment next week. I appreciate your response.
 05/27/2006 07:57:53 PM · #7
Originally posted by GeneralE:

However, given your family history, it seems prudent to me to have a dermatologist look at those, especially if you are fortunate enough have health insurance.

Even if they are not cancer, they are clearly annoying and worrisome, and can probably be easily removed with an office procedure.


I *think* Tricare (military insurance) will cover dermo appointments. I wanted one for the spot on my arm but couldn't get past my family practice doc. That was in FL, so I will try it here in Guam..LOL

Either way, you are right, I want them rid of because they annoy me even though noone else ever notices them :(
 05/27/2006 07:59:07 PM · #8
Originally posted by GeneralE:
First off, there are several types of skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous, usually has a more irregular margin, and are often somewhat darker than what you have there.

However, given your family history, it seems prudent to me to have a dermatologist look at those, especially if you are fortunate enough have health insurance.

Even if they are not cancer, they are clearly annoying and worrisome, and can probably be easily removed with an office procedure.


My mom, who's a critical care nurse, confirmed what GeneralE just said. Oh, and if you can't get an appointment with a dermotologist, a plastic surgeon can also deal with these types of things.

Message edited by author 2006-05-27 19:59:59.
 05/27/2006 08:07:10 PM · #9
There are many risk factors for melanoma, and I will address melanoma because it is the type of skin cancer that can if left untreated result in death. Risk factors are family history of melanoma, if you take any type of immuno suppression, large numbers of moles, fair skined individuals, blistering sunburns as a child or adult, red or blond hair and fair skin. Most melanom is described using the ABCD mneumonic
A= asymmetry, B = border irregularity, C= color, and D = diameter.

Most moles that are malignant have a shape that is often asymmetiric with marginally irregular borders. Although lesional colors vary and are often nonhomgenous they are commonly tan bronw or even black. some can include hues of red and purple and white. A diameter of less than 6 mm is oftne used to distinguish benign moles from those that are suspicious. Beause the early detection has a good outcome profile any time you suspect a skin lesion I would rec getting it checked as soon as possible. Late presenting melanoma is very difficult to treat and the prognosis is poor. It is one of the most chemotheapy resistant malignancies when caught in its late stages.
dc

( see guys I do my homework sometimes)
dc
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