Could This Be Melanoma?
F15. I’m feeling anxious about a spot I discovered and I’m concerned it may be melanoma. I’m not entirely sure if it has always been there, but I stumbled upon a video saved in my gallery from two weeks ago that shows the mole. Not certain if this information is useful. The mark is located on my left wrist.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 11:00:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about a new or changing spot on your skin, especially when it comes to concerns like melanoma. While not all skin spots indicate a serious issue, monitoring changes is important.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can appear as a new mole or a change in an existing mole. Important features to watch for can be remembered with the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
- Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
- Color: The color is not uniform; it may have different shades of brown, black, or even red, white, or blue.
- Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color over time.
Next Steps:
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Self-Assessment: Compare your mole against the ABCDE criteria. Noting any abnormalities can help in assessing its characteristics.
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Document Changes: Since you have a video from two weeks ago, keep it handy. Take a new photo of the mole now to compare and see if there have been any changes, especially in size or color.
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Keep Observing: Over the next few weeks, monitor the mole for any changes in its appearance. Regularly check and note any differences.
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Avoid Stress: While it's natural to feel anxious, try to focus on taking proactive steps. Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to help manage your anxiety.
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Plan for Evaluation: If you notice any of the ABCDE features or if the mole changes in any way, plan to have it assessed by a healthcare professional.
Staying attentive and proactive is key. If you need any further advice or reassurance, feel free to reach out again.
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