Assessing a Potentially Worrisome Mole
A 32-year-old male with a medium complexion and no history of skin issues is seeking advice regarding a mole. He is neither taking any medications nor experiencing any health problems. I plan to consult with a dermatologist shortly. From your perspective, does this mole raise any red flags? It’s been part of my skin for at least two decades and is not recent. Although it has grown slightly over the years, the change hasn’t been sudden or significant, just a gradual increase in size since my childhood. The mole is located in the pubic area.
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 2:20:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great that you’re planning to see a dermatologist regarding the mole, as professional evaluation is important for assessing any skin changes. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
Main Points
- Gradual changes in a long-standing mole may not be concerning, but monitoring any changes is crucial.
- Key characteristics of moles to watch for include asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, diameter over 6mm, or any changes in sensation (itching, bleeding).
- Consultation with a dermatologist will provide clarity and appropriate next steps.
Explanation
Moles (nevi) can vary widely in appearance and behavior. A mole that has been stable for two decades with only gradual change, especially in a healthy individual, is often benign. However, any mole should be monitored for changes. The presence of certain features can indicate a need for further investigation.
Next Steps
- Self-Examine: Look for any sudden changes in size, color, or shape, or if it begins to itch, bleed, or become painful.
- Document Changes: If you notice any changes, take pictures or notes to discuss with your dermatologist.
- Consultation: During your appointment, mention your observations and any concerns. The dermatologist may perform a dermatoscopic examination or a biopsy if needed.
- Regular Monitoring: Schedule routine skin checks (at least annually) to monitor your skin health, especially if you have a family history of skin issues or other risk factors.
Caring for your skin and being proactive about changes is the best approach. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need additional information!
Related Questions
A Slow Descent into Despair: Searching for Answers
Age: 30 I’ve completely avoided alcohol, recreational drugs, and any medications for a while now. For over six months, I’ve been grappling with a series of chronic and worsening symptoms: * A pervasive sense of fatigue * Daily headaches without fail for the last half year * Loss of appetite accompanied by persistent nausea * Severe upper back pain, often leading to distressing nightmares where I feel as though I’m being shot, with discomfort radiating to my lungs * Experiencing nightsweats alongside sporadic chills * A continuous dry cough, despite the absence of any viral infection * Painless, stiff, and swollen lymph nodes on the left side of my neck * Involuntary muscle spasms occurring every half hour * Susceptibility to bruising easily An ultrasound revealed a 12.1mm x 10mm lymph node, which the radiologist declared normal, attributing it to a viral condition despite my lack of illness and the nodes being non-tender. * Chest X-ray results were clear * MRI scans of both the brain and spine returned normal results * Two EEG tests indicated generalized slow wave activity * Blood tests have been deemed "normal," yet I’ve observed a consistent drop in my platelet and white blood cell counts over the past year. The only next step my doctor has suggested is undergoing a sleep study. Meanwhile, the neurologist claims that all my symptoms are unrelated. I’m feeling utterly disheartened and would be incredibly grateful for any guidance or suggestions that could illuminate my situation.
Understanding Persistent Right-Side Rib Discomfort and Breathing Difficulties
I’m a 15-year-old experiencing ongoing issues with right-side rib pain, a sensation of pressure in my chest, breathlessness (noted as weak on spirometry tests), dizziness, and an unusual chill while breathing. The discomfort intensifies when I lie down or take deep breaths. Although there’s no pain when pressing on the ribs, there are moments when I find it incredibly difficult to breathe on my own. I was recently diagnosed with an infection, but these symptoms have been present for quite some time, and during my last visit, my doctor didn't conduct any tests to investigate further. What might be the cause of these issues? Which type of specialist should I consult? Are these matters that need urgent attention?
Could It Be Lupus?
Greetings to all, I am a 17-year-old girl sharing some troubling health concerns in search of advice or shared experiences from anyone who might relate. My journey with joint pain commenced when I was 13. Initially, I felt discomfort in one wrist, which soon spread to my other wrist within a few days. Over time, this pain has progressed to my elbows, knees, and ankles over the past year. The sensation is quite severe and tends to radiate. Although I've consulted numerous physicians, they primarily linked my condition to vitamin deficiencies. Nevertheless, extensive testing has shown that my vitamin levels are normal. I also underwent a rheumatoid factor test that yielded negative results, along with an ESR test that was similarly inconclusive. Moreover, I have been diagnosed with celiac disease, which increases the likelihood of developing lupus—a concern heightened by the fact that my mother has both celiac disease and lupus, hinting at a hereditary aspect in my case. At my most recent doctor's appointment, when I brought up my persistent joint pain, he immediately considered lupus as a possibility. Consequently, he ordered an autoimmune panel; unfortunately, I face a lengthy wait for the results. Apart from joint discomfort, I have been grappling with fatigue, which I have often dismissed, as well as shortness of breath during minor activities. Additionally, I've observed a subtle rash developing on my face, presenting as slight redness on my cheek. It doesn't match the typical butterfly rash commonly associated with lupus, and it isn’t itchy or irritating, leaving me uncertain about its relevance. The joint pain itself appears rather unpredictable, fluctuating throughout the day without noticeable swelling or redness around the affected areas. I rarely experience morning stiffness, and when I feel cold, it's only my toenails that turn purple, not my entire toes. Regarding my sleep habits, I find myself able to sleep for extended periods, yet I often return to sleep shortly after waking. There are moments when I awaken feeling drained and fatigued, and occasionally I struggle with insomnia at night. I would sincerely value any thoughts or experiences you might share that pertain to these symptoms. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Could Delayed Administration of Nootropil and Strocit Affect My Sister-in-Law’s Recovery from Coma? MRI Revealed Brain Atrophy
This is a follow-up to my previous update [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/comments/1lpz5oj/teeth_falling_off_from_coma_patient/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button). My sister-in-law, who is 30 years old, is currently receiving palliative care at home with the support of qualified nursing staff, after being discharged from the ICU. She has been off the ventilator since July 2, which marks 12 days. We've made adjustments at home to minimize the risk of infections typically associated with ICU stays. However, my family and I are grappling with an unsettling question. On May 31, while my sister-in-law was still in the intensive care unit, we consulted with a neurologist from outside the hospital who recommended that she start treatment with Nootropil and Strocit. Unfortunately, the medical team at the hospital rejected this suggestion, claiming it would not be beneficial for her. Now, on July 11, as we were getting ready to bring her home, another neurologist also prescribed these same medications. At that moment, I was struck by the realization that this recommendation had originally been made long ago. This has left us with a lingering concern: Did the decision by the hospital staff to delay the initiation of Nootropil and Strocit on May 31 result in a misstep? Could this postponement have played a role in her lackluster neurological recovery? An MRI performed on June 20, which was 20 days after the initial suggestion to start the treatment, indicated that brain atrophy had occurred. While we are not seeking to place blame, as a family that has endured two months of ICU treatment, sepsis, reliance on a ventilator, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and the potential diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), we are genuinely curious if this delay had significant implications for her neurological status, or if the medications in question are generally seen as non-essential. Any clinical insights, particularly from neurologists or ICU specialists, would be invaluable to us.
Managing Swollen and Painful Papillae: Seeking Solutions
Hello everyone. Let me share a little context first. I’m a 32-year-old woman who underwent brain surgery in March to extract a hypothalamic hamartoma. Since that operation, I have faced a series of health challenges. Most recently, I've been dealing with significant swelling and discomfort in my papillae, which is making it nearly impossible to enjoy anything except soup. Following the craniotomy, I have also been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and adrenal insufficiency. I’m uncertain if these conditions are interconnected. If anyone has insights or suggestions on how to alleviate this issue and avoid similar problems in the future, I would be incredibly grateful. Thank you in advance for your help!