Unexpected Dark Spot on My Chest: Seeking Insights
I’m a 32-year-old male of South Asian descent, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 195 pounds. I lead a clean lifestyle, avoiding drugs, smoking, and alcohol, with no current medications or known allergies. Recently, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. After experiencing chest pain during a recent emergency room visit, I was referred to a cardiologist for a stress test, which ultimately revealed no serious concerns. However, due to my family history, my primary care physician thought it best to proceed with the tests. During the procedure, they encountered some difficulties with the ECG and EKG leads because of my significant chest hair, prompting them to shave parts of it. A couple of days later, I decided to shave my entire chest for the first time in years to even out the appearance. To my surprise, while grooming, I discovered a prominent dark circular spot on my sternum that had previously gone unnoticed, likely concealed by the hair. The last time I had shaved my chest extensively was well before the COVID pandemic, and that mark was not visible then. Although I usually trim my hair as part of my grooming routine, I had never before used a razor on my chest like this. This discoloration resembles a large birthmark, not excessively dark but certainly visible, akin to a smudge of dirt. I have scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist, but I won’t be able to see him for a few weeks since he is one of the few practitioners that accept my insurance. I’m sharing my experience here to gain a better understanding of what questions I should pose during my appointment or what I might anticipate during the examination. Is such a skin change commonly seen? How likely is it to be benign or malignant? Being prepared for the visit may help alleviate some of my anxiety.
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 1:30:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you are scheduled to see a dermatologist soon, as they can provide a thorough assessment of the spot on your chest. Skin changes can indeed be common, and while it's understandable to be concerned, many skin spots are benign (non-cancerous).
Understanding Skin Changes
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Common Causes: Dark spots can arise from various causes, including:
- Pigmented nevi (moles): These are usually harmless and can change over time.
- Lentigines: Often referred to as "age spots," these are usually due to sun exposure.
- Dermatitis or irritation: Shaving can sometimes lead to irritation that causes discoloration.
- Other skin conditions: Certain skin diseases can affect pigmentation.
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Monitoring Changes: While most skin changes are benign, it's essential to monitor any new spots for changes in color, size, shape, or texture over time.
Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist
When you see your dermatologist, consider asking the following questions to better understand the condition:
- What do you think this spot could be, and what are the potential causes?
- Are there any signs that would indicate this is something more serious?
- What tests might you recommend to evaluate this spot further?
- Based on my family history and lifestyle, should I be concerned about skin cancer?
Next Steps for You
- Stay Observant: Take note if the spot changes in any way—size, color, or texture. This information can be helpful during your appointment.
- Avoid Irritation: Until your appointment, try to avoid any shaving, waxing, or irritating activities that might make the spot worse.
- Anxiety Management: Since you mentioned experiencing anxiety and depression, engage in activities that help you feel relaxed and supported, such as mindfulness or talking with a trusted friend about your concerns.
Lastly, remind yourself that it’s normal to feel anxious about unexpected changes in your health, but taking proactive steps—like scheduling that dermatologist visit—is positive. Your concerns will be addressed, and getting professional insight is the best way to alleviate uncertainty. Let me know if you need further information or support!
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