Concerns About a Falling Lesion: What Should I Do?
I am a 30-year-old female who noticed a lesion on the exterior of my lower arm at the end of February. To be honest, it wasn’t in a spot that I could easily see, so I can’t tell how long it had been there. Initially, it started to itch, and then it began to expand rapidly and become crusty. I visited my doctor, who suspected it could be a seborrheic keratosis, yet he decided to refer me to a plastic surgeon for a biopsy given the lesion's swift growth. However, the situation changed when the lesion unexpectedly fell off before my appointment with the surgeon, leaving no tissue for analysis. The area where the lesion was appears normal, but I find myself feeling anxious. My concerns stem from what I’ve learned about seborrheic keratosis, which typically grows slowly and is unlikely to disappear on its own. I was looking forward to confirmation from the biopsy that it was a harmless lesion, but now I’m encountering information regarding melanoma regression, which has led to fears that the lesion might have been malignant.
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 9:01:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel anxious after the unexpected changes to the lesion you noticed on your arm, especially given the concerns you are now facing about skin health. You're right to seek clarity and reassurance regarding this situation.
Main Points:
- The lesion falling off can be concerning, but it doesn't definitively indicate a malignant condition.
- Your doctor’s initial assessment and referral for a biopsy were appropriate given the characteristics of the lesion.
- Monitoring and understanding changes in your skin is essential moving forward.
Explanation:
Seborrheic keratosis is a benign (non-cancerous) skin growth that often appears as a raised, wart-like lesion. It's true that these typically grow slowly and don’t usually disappear on their own. The rapid change you observed might have been due to irritation or another benign process. The anxiety caused by not knowing is completely valid, especially with your awareness of conditions like melanoma, which can indeed have a more aggressive course.
It’s encouraging that the area where the lesion was looks normal now. However, without a biopsy, the exact nature of the original lesion remains uncertain, which can understandably fuel anxiety.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor the Area: Keep an eye on your skin for any new changes, such as new lesions, changes in color or texture in the surrounding skin, or any return of the original lesion. Document these changes in a diary.
-
Sun Protection: Protect your skin from sun exposure by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoiding tanning. This simple step can help reduce the risk of skin conditions.
-
Follow-Up with Your Doctor: If you notice any new symptoms, changes, or possibly even if you remain anxious about the situation, consider scheduling a follow-up with a dermatologist. They can evaluate your skin more thoroughly and may recommend additional monitoring or testing if necessary.
-
Educate Yourself About Skin Health: Knowledge can empower you. Understanding what to look for and when to seek help can ease some of your anxiety.
-
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Since this situation is stressful, engaging in mindfulness or relaxation techniques can help manage your feelings while you monitor your skin health.
Please remember, it's always best to seek clarity and assistance when concerned about your health. You’re taking a proactive approach, which is crucial in maintaining your well-being. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Seeking Clarification on Abnormal Blood Results and Symptoms – Follow-Up Delayed Until September
I am a 35-year-old female, standing 5'8" and weighing 149 pounds, with a Hispanic background. Recently, I’ve been dealing with some concerning symptoms, including tingling sensations, numbness, and a pins-and-needles feeling. These issues have persisted for several months, especially as I navigate postpartum life after giving birth to my second child just six months ago. With no prior medical conditions and not currently taking any medications, I consulted a neurologist who recommended various tests, and while the majority of my results came back normal, I’m still awaiting an MRI. However, a few findings were alarming: - TSH: 0.07 (low) - Smooth Muscle Antibody Titer: 1:80 - Lipoprotein (a): 211 - DNA Antibody: 8 After researching online, I’ve become increasingly anxious about potential thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and even liver complications. My follow-up appointment isn’t until September, leaving me in a state of panic. I would be grateful for any insights regarding my test results, as well as advice on what specific questions I should consider asking during my next visit. Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Discomfort in Jaw Following Injury
I’m an 18-year-old male, standing 5'5" and weighing 135 pounds. As a wrestler, I experienced an unusual sensation in my jaw during one of my practice sessions. Initially, I disregarded it. However, a few hours later, I began to feel pain in my left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) whenever I attempted to chew, yawn, or open my mouth wide. Additionally, when I gently press the area with my fingers, I can perceive a sort of rattling sound from the joint itself. Interestingly, there’s no discomfort when I talk or keep my mouth closed. I'm curious if this is a serious concern, and if so, what steps I should take next. Thank you for any insights you might have.
Concerns About Possible Infection After Laparoscopic Surgery
On June 23rd, I (31F) underwent a laparoscopy to address some pelvic complications, which included an ovarian cyst removal and a minor excision for endometriosis. I had a follow-up consultation with my surgeon this past Tuesday, and he assured me that everything appeared to be in excellent condition. However, I began to experience some troubles on Wednesday night, as I noticed a small amount of blood oozing from the incision site. It wasn't a significant amount, but it raised some concerns for me. After cleaning the area with hydrogen peroxide, I noticed a shift in symptoms by the following evening when the discharge changed to a greenish-yellow color. I again treated it with peroxide and applied a layer of Neosporin. Tonight, I'm feeling increased burning sensations at the site, although the oozing seems to have diminished, with only clear fluid present. However, the overall appearance of the wound is quite alarming to me. Should I be worried about this situation, or is it manageable with home care?
Unusual Menstrual Cycle: Difficulty Securing an Appointment for Over a Month
Hello doctors, I’m a 24-year-old female who had been taking birth control for a decade before discontinuing it just over a year ago. Initially, my menstrual cycle was stable for around a year, but I’ve noticed some irregularities in recent months. Two cycles ago, my period extended to 37 days when it typically ranges from 27 to 31 days. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but the subsequent month also showed a cycle of 36 days. While the duration of my periods and the volume of bleeding remained consistent, I experienced an unusual change in my PMS symptoms: instead of my usual breast tenderness, I had pain primarily in my nipples before menstruation. I began my period on June 15 and it lasted until June 20. Following that, things seemed normal, although I noticed some slight breast soreness around June 28, which I attributed to my workout routine. However, on June 29, I started bleeding again. At first, I thought it might just be light spotting, but the flow increased and continued until July 4. It resembled a regular period, albeit with minimal cramping and few clots. I suspected this might be an anovulatory cycle and opted to wait it out to see if my cycle would revert to its previous norm. Typically, I get cystic acne leading up to my period, and I notice some swelling in my vaginal area, which is what I’m experiencing now (as of July 11). Today, I began spotting again. Is this response typical following an anovulatory cycle? I’m uncertain if I should be worried or if my body is merely adhering to its regular cycle, placing me at cycle day 27 today.
Could This Be Endometriosis?
Hello, I’m a 34-year-old woman living in the Midwest, and I’m a mother of two. Throughout my life, I’ve enjoyed relatively uncomplicated menstrual cycles. In my childhood, I occasionally experienced lower back cramps, but as I transitioned into adulthood, cramps ceased, and my periods became very predictable. However, since undergoing a cesarean section, I’ve been dealing with severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly during my menstrual cycle. I still don’t experience cramps or excessive bleeding; my periods remain punctual. Nevertheless, the IBS symptoms worsen as I approach my period, with intense bloating and gas the night prior, leading to significant bowel movements the next morning. Could this indicate the presence of endometriosis or another condition? I’m anxious about the prospect of surgery!