OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Nodular Melanoma or Blood Blister: Seeking Insight

7/10/2025, 1:20:19 AMMale25-34

Subject: Nodular Melanoma or Blood Blister? Hello, I am a 23-year-old female, weighing 210 pounds and standing at 175 cm tall. I only have partial knowledge of my family's medical history, and cancer has never been mentioned before. I spend time outdoors and do not have any known allergies. The only medication I am currently on is Ozempic. Recently, I've discovered a lump on my left buttock. I first noticed this swelling a few months back, but it wasn’t painful and was in an area I didn’t frequently observe, so I initially dismissed it. However, I've observed it has increased in size. When I took a closer look using a mirror, I was startled to see its very dark coloration. As a paramedic, I should have been more cautious, but I mistakenly assumed it was just a typical blood blister and, using an IV needle, I poked it. Unfortunately, this was unhelpful; it bled but did not reduce in size, and it seems to have become more pronounced since then. The mass feels hard, has irregular borders, and exhibits a dark red to purple hue, with a touch of pink. Due to its location, it’s difficult to assess the size accurately, but I estimate its circumference resembles that of a penny and it protrudes about 4 mm. It is immobile and causes slight discomfort when I sit down. I could really use some guidance on this issue as I wait for my doctor's appointment on Wednesday.

ArthritisMultiple SclerosisThyroid Disorders

Answers (1)

Cony

7/10/2025, 1:20:36 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about a lump that has changed in size and appearance, especially given your background as a paramedic. While I can't provide a diagnosis, I'll help you understand some key points regarding the lump you're describing and guide you on what to focus on as you await your doctor's appointment.

Main Points:

  1. The characteristics you've described—irregular borders, hard texture, dark coloration, and tenderness—are noteworthy and should be taken seriously.
  2. Nodular melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can present with similar features, but not all lumps are cancerous. Blood blisters, cysts, or benign lesions are other possibilities.
  3. Monitoring and documenting any changes before your appointment will be helpful for your doctor.

Explanation:

The growth on your buttock that is dark, irregularly shaped, and has increased in size over time raises valid concerns. Skin changes, especially those that persist or worsen, warrant attention. Nodular melanoma tends to be raised, darkly pigmented, and may vary in color, whereas blood blisters are typically more uniform and can change with pressure or friction. Your observation of the lump’s persistence and increase in size is significant.

Next Steps:

  1. Document Changes: Keep a note of any changes in the lump’s size, color, or any new symptoms (like pain or itching) leading up to your appointment. Taking pictures can be helpful as well.

  2. Avoid Further Manipulation: Since your attempt to drain the lump was unsuccessful, it's crucial to avoid further irritation. Do not attempt to poke it again, as this may lead to infection or further irritation.

  3. Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any additional symptoms. If you experience significant pain, swelling, fever, or other concerning symptoms before your appointment, consider seeking urgent medical evaluation sooner.

  4. Prepare for Your Appointment: Write down your observations, including when you first noticed the lump, any changes you've seen, and your medical history, including the use of Ozempic. This will help your doctor assess the situation more effectively.

  5. Stay Calm and Patient: It’s normal to feel anxious, but try to stay calm until your appointment. Many skin conditions are treatable, and waiting to get a professional evaluation is the best course of action right now.

Your vigilance in noticing these changes is essential, and I wish you the best for your upcoming appointment. If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.

Related Questions

Unexplained Chronic Joint Discomfort

I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 157 cm (approximately 5 feet 2 inches) and weighing 48 kg (106 pounds). In the autumn of 2022, I began to suffer from severe pain and stiffness in my joints. This discomfort was migratory, targeting various parts of my body, including my fingers, feet, shoulders, ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and hips. On certain days, the pain would be localized to just my fingers, while on other occasions, it would be widespread. I consulted a rheumatologist, where I underwent tests for several conditions including rheumatoid factor, boreliosis, uric acid levels, calcium, and other potential issues, all of which returned normal results. A wrist ultrasound, focused on the joint that was causing me the most distress, also showed no abnormalities. When I discussed my test outcomes with a physician, they inquired about any recent illness. I mentioned that I had a mild cold a few weeks earlier, leading them to suggest that I might still be recovering from a viral infection or possibly had experienced COVID-19, with the joint pain being a lingering symptom. At that time, I did not test for COVID, as my symptoms were mild and I did not exhibit a cough. There was also consideration that my symptoms could be psychosomatic, particularly as I was going through a particularly stressful time and I have a history of anxiety and depression, for which I have been prescribed Escitalopram and am receiving therapy. However, both my therapist and psychiatrist expressed that they had never encountered cases where psychosomatic pain specifically manifested as joint pain. Currently, the joint discomfort is no longer persistent; instead, it tends to flare up whenever my immune system is compromised. This can occur with a cold, during significant weather changes, or during particularly stressful phases in my life. I have managed this intermittent pain with ibuprofen and usually notice it resolves itself within days. Nevertheless, my mother has raised concerns that this pattern could potentially damage my joints in the long term, prompting me to reconsider seeking medical advice once more. I am uncertain about what might be causing this since we have already ruled out numerous possibilities, and I worry that a doctor might dismiss my concerns. I would appreciate any guidance on what to expect or what tests I should consider, as well as whether I should visit a general practitioner or a rheumatologist for further evaluation.

ArthritisMultiple SclerosisRheumatology
Male25-34
19 minutes ago

Menstrual Cycle Delay of 108 Days

I am a 28-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 240 pounds. Currently, I am on medications such as Venlafaxine and Allopurinol, and I occasionally take Colchicine. Seven years ago, I had a copper IUD inserted; I suspect it's still in place, although I'm unable to feel the strings. Additionally, I haven't undergone a pap smear. I consume alcohol daily and use vaping products as well. My menstrual cycle typically lasts between four to five days, characterized by a heavy flow. On average, my cycles stretch out to about 46 days. While my menstrual patterns have always been irregular, this specific delay of over three months hasn't occurred since I struggled with a significant eating disorder more than ten years ago. For as long as I can remember, my periods have been quite painful, often accompanied by severe cramping that can start a week prior and continue for a week following menstruation. At present, I'm still enduring considerable cramps at least once a day. I appreciate your time and would welcome any insight or suggestions you might have.

LupusFibromyalgiaThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
29 minutes ago

Understanding the Cancer Risk from Sessile Serrated Lesions and Preventive Measures

I’m a 27-year-old woman dealing with anxiety, depression, and epilepsy, managing my conditions with medications like fluoxetine, lamotrigine, and clobazam. In my medical history, I experienced rectal bleeding a few years back, prompting a colonoscopy where several sessile serrated lesions were excised. I have since undergone annual check-ups, during which additional lesions, albeit smaller than the initial ones, have been removed. My concern lies in whether regular colonoscopies will enable early detection should these lesions become cancerous. Considering my family has a history of BRAF-associated colon cancer, I am eager to lower my risk as much as possible. Are there further steps I can take apart from regular colonoscopies? Currently, I aim for a daily intake of 30 grams of fiber and prefer whole foods, preparing meals from scratch rather than consuming processed items. I also make a conscious effort to enjoy a diverse range of vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fermented foods to support my gut health. Although I do occasionally drink alcohol, it’s infrequent and reserved for special occasions, and I do not smoke at all.

Crohn's DiseaseThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine
Male25-34
49 minutes ago

Seeking Help for My Father's Complicated Medical Case

My 77-year-old father has been hospitalized since Saturday due to severe double vision and intense dizziness that makes it impossible for him to walk without assistance. Unfortunately, the medical team has yet to determine a diagnosis. I'm in need of your help! To manage his case, I have been using Gemini to log all of his medical tests and monitor his progression. Given the numerous examinations involved and my non-native English, I’ve requested a concise summary of the findings followed by a translation into English. I am a healthcare professional, so if anyone has specific questions regarding my father's clinical status, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm looking for suggestions for additional tests and possible differential diagnoses. --- **Case Summary** I am reaching out to gather insights concerning a intricate neurological situation involving my 77-year-old Brazilian father. He has not traveled abroad recently and is not living in a region known for specific endemic diseases. **Clinical Symptoms (Acute/Subacute Nature)**: - **Tuesday**: Onset of double vision (diplopia). - **Friday**: Developed alongside nausea and dizziness, he now struggles with balance and is prone to falling, mainly towards his left side. - **Current Condition**: Although his nausea and vomiting have subsided, he is still experiencing worsening ataxia, with falls occurring toward both sides (more frequently to the right). **Neurological Assessment**: - No motor weakness or pain observed. - He is alert and oriented with no signs of confusion. - Mild drooping of the left eyelid (semi-ptosis). - Slight slurring in his speech (dysarthria). - Pupils appear somewhat dilated in low light conditions, possibly from sedatives given during a recent transesophageal echocardiogram. - Poor performance on the finger-to-nose test (dysmetria). - Negative HINTS test result. - Notably, he exhibits no absence of reflexes (arreflexia) or paralysis of eye movements (ophthalmoplegia) despite the double vision. **Previous Medical History**: - He has been dealing with peripheral neuropathy of unknown origin for the past year. - He shows a unique blood pressure pattern: elevated when lying down, decreased when standing, indicative of potential dysautonomia. **Laboratory Results**: - Blood tests revealed concerningly elevated Vitamin B12 levels, likely due to recent supplementation begun along with the onset of symptoms. **Medical Opinions So Far**: - The initial physician has ruled out cerebellar stroke. - The neurologist confirmed normal cerebral circulation and dismissed the possibility of a stroke. - Currently, the neurologist has stated that a diagnosis remains unknown. **Imaging Studies and Diagnostics**: - **Brain MRI (05/07 & 07/07)**: Both scans returned normal, with no evidence of stroke or significant lesions, though mild to moderate microangiopathy was suggested due to hyperintensities in the white matter. - **Intracranial CT Angiography (05/07)**: Normal vascular appearance with no occlusions or aneurysms, but minor inflammatory changes in the maxillary sinuses were noted. - **Cervical CT Angiography (05/07)**: Normal without significant vascular issues. - **Echocardiogram (07/07)**: Mild mitral and aortic insufficiencies, alongside an atrial septal aneurysm and a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) exhibiting moderate shunt during specific maneuvers. - **Chest CT (07/07)**: No major lung lesions noted but persistent mediastinal lymphadenopathy present, which has slightly increased in size compared to a prior evaluation. - **Abdominal CT (07/07)**: Indications of possible gastric wall thickening and a hypervascular nodule in the liver suggesting neoplastic potential, along with noted irregularities of the urinary bladder and prostate enlargement. - **Temporal and Orbital MRI (07/07)**: Both revealed normal brainstem structures and no abnormalities within the eye regions. - **Renal Artery Doppler (06/07)**: Normal arterial flow with no vascular disease. I would greatly appreciate any insights or recommendations for further investigations. Thank you for your assistance!

Multiple SclerosisLupusThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Elevated Homocysteine Levels Concern

A 38-year-old male, measuring 173 cm in height and weighing 113 kg, is currently not on any medication. He has been experiencing symptoms for several weeks, including tingling sensations primarily in his hands, occasional numbness in the tongue, and similar sensations in his feet. Hello doctors, while I currently don’t have my test results on hand, I had some blood work done recently due to these concerning symptoms. My physician informed me that my vitamin levels came back normal; however, there was a significant finding of elevated homocysteine levels (I apologize for not having the exact figures, but I expect to have them soon). My doctor explained that this elevation may be due to my body not effectively metabolizing certain vitamins. As a precaution, she has recommended that I commence with vitamin B12 injections. In recent months, I have undergone several blood tests, yet this specific issue had not been identified until now. Additionally, I am contending with gastrointestinal problems and am scheduled for a colonoscopy in the near future. I am curious if increased homocysteine levels could potentially indicate more severe health concerns, such as cancer or other serious conditions?

Crohn's DiseaseThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago