Should I Be Worried About This Recent Skin Growth?
I am a 32-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 220 pounds, of Caucasian descent. Recently, I discovered a peculiar raised growth on my back that has developed over the past month. It has a somewhat firm texture when touched. I have scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist, yet I can't help but feel anxious about the possibility of it being nodular melanoma. How serious does this look?
Answers (1)
7/26/2025, 1:01:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about a new skin growth, especially with concerns about conditions like melanoma. The good news is that not all skin growths are harmful, and many are benign (non-cancerous). However, it's wise to be proactive, as you've done by scheduling a dermatologist appointment.
Explanation: The firm texture and recent development of this raised growth are factors that warrant professional evaluation. Melanoma typically presents as a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new one with certain characteristics (such as asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, or a diameter larger than a pencil eraser). However, not every raised growth is melanoma, and many can be harmless issues like cysts or a dermatofibroma.
Next Steps:
-
Document Changes: Keep an eye on your growth and note any changes in size, shape, color, or if it starts to itch, bleed, or hurt. This information can be valuable for your dermatologist.
-
Avoid Picking: Refrain from touching or picking at the growth to prevent irritation or infection.
-
Stay Calm Until Your Appointment: Try to manage anxiety by focusing on facts and your upcoming dermatologist visit. Stress can often exacerbate worries, so consider relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.
-
Learn About the ABCDEs of Melanoma: Familiarize yourself with melanoma warning signs—Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variability, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolving changes. This knowledge can help inform discussions with your doctor and alleviate some concerns.
It's great that you're being proactive about your skin health, and your dermatologist will provide you with the best guidance tailored to your situation. Remember, staying informed and vigilant is key.
Related Questions
Developing an Itchy Rash Following a Client Visit
A 44-year-old woman, without any significant health issues apart from allergies and not currently taking any medications, encountered an uncomfortable situation after a client visit. While working in social services, she noticed an itchy rash that appeared shortly after leaving the client’s residence. Although she initially suspected a bed bug infestation, no evidence of these pests has been found since her departure. Upon returning home, she took certain precautions but now finds herself uncertain about the source of the rash. She visited multiple clients the previous day, making it difficult to pinpoint when the irritation began. The rash became noticeable yesterday and is indeed bothersome. Currently, she has observed the rash on her back, as well as on her lower thigh, and has noted a few spots on her arm and leg. The situation remains concerning as she seeks to identify the cause of this unexpected skin reaction.
Managing Allergic Reactions to Bactrim: Should I Wait It Out?
I'm a 31-year-old female residing in the USA. I’ve been experiencing symptoms such as discomfort during urination and pain on one side of my back. After seeking attention at an urgent care center, the medical professionals suspected I might have a urinary tract infection or a kidney infection, with lab results still pending. They prescribed me Bactrim, instructing me to take it twice daily over the course of 14 days. Having taken my first dose roughly an hour ago, I’m now experiencing itching (without any hives) along with some redness and warmth in my face. My breathing feels normal, and I don’t have any additional concerns at this moment. Is it advisable for me to simply pause the medication until I can consult with my doctor tomorrow?
Should I Visit the Emergency Room After Hitting My Head?
As a 27-year-old woman, I experienced a rather unusual incident yesterday when I was struck on the forehead by two laptops. Although the impact was painful, I did not lose consciousness. I didn’t experience any significant headache afterwards either. This incident occurred around 6:30 PM, and I went to sleep a few hours later, after midnight. Despite the unfortunate event, I haven't noticed any concerning symptoms, aside from a noticeable indentation on my forehead, which I am convinced wasn't there prior to the impact. This dent has become quite apparent to me, although it doesn’t really hurt when I touch it. My husband has suggested that I seek medical attention at the emergency room, but apart from this slight deformity, I feel perfectly okay. There has been no dizziness, no nausea, and no headache—just this peculiar dent. It has now been roughly 20 hours since the incident, and I continue to feel well, though the dent persists. To give a clearer picture: the dent stretches from the upper section of my forehead down to just above my left eyebrow, forming a fairly straight line. Visually, it’s hard to detect; I can only feel it upon touching. Its depth is likely less than a quarter of an inch, probably resulting from the shape of the Chromebook that struck me. Given that I feel fine overall, is a visit to the emergency room necessary?
Do Allergies Emerge Suddenly or Intensify Over Time?
I am a 36-year-old woman, weighing 130 pounds, a non-smoker, and I abstain from alcohol as well. Just to let you know, I have an allergist/immunologist and carry an EpiPen with me. For most of my life, I have dealt with an overly responsive immune system, which has led to conditions like psoriasis, occasional viral infections that often require steroid treatment, and a severe reaction to bee stings known as serum sickness. Despite these challenges, I have remained free from allergies for roughly 40 years. In recent years, I have been using Xolair to help manage episodes of hives and angioedema, which likely stem from my hyperactive immune response. I underwent skin testing to identify potential food allergies, but thankfully, there were no reactions noted. Admittedly, I have mostly come to terms with not knowing the underlying reasons for these issues. A few months ago, during a routine appointment, my allergist decided to order several blood tests. Their rationale was that if my condition were idiopathic, it should have resolved itself by now. Alongside this, I have started experiencing sinus problems and gastrointestinal (GI) issues that I didn’t have before, which include inflammation rather than congestion, and I have noticed blood and mucus in my stools. My GI specialist suspects I may have mild Crohn's disease, a condition my mother has battled, and I’ve been extensively examined. I didn’t dwell too much on the results of the blood tests; it felt like just another chapter in my ongoing saga. However, a few weeks ago, I began to have persistent sinus pain daily. This discomfort was not accompanied by congestion, only painful inflammation. That’s when I realized that this pain coincided with episodes of flushing. While I have type 1 rosacea, the episodes I experienced involved a rapid onset of dark red flushing on my face, a significant sensation of pressure in my eyes, tingling lips without swelling, and an overall feeling of being unwell. It reminded me of the reaction I’d get from a bee sting, where I felt overwhelmed by discomfort, only for it to dissipate after a while. These experiences occurred once or twice each day. I received a prescription for prednisone from my primary care physician, which offered relief for about two days before the symptoms returned. Eventually, I correlated these reactions with consuming milk chocolate chips. I had noticed similar symptoms at other times, but the chocolate was a consistent trigger. Thinking that chocolate is known for causing various reactions, I revisited my blood tests from four months prior. My doctor highlighted that there were allergy antibodies present for milk and its derivatives, and was borderline for egg allergies. At first, I assumed that meant I would have to cope with something like lactose intolerance, which many people experience. So, the question persists: can an allergy remain dormant only to emerge suddenly and perhaps worsen over time? While I have always experienced an itchy throat and facial flushing after consuming certain foods, particularly cheese, this new reaction feels distinctly different.
Do I Need Stitches or Is This Infected?
A 20-year-old woman has a cut on her upper thigh and hip that she sustained about a week ago. The injury bled significantly and is somewhat deep, yet her main concern is that it remains open rather than the depth of the cut. The gap is about a quarter of an inch wide and hasn't healed properly. Additionally, she experiences itching around the wound, which may be due to her allergy to adhesive bandages, but it’s unclear if the irritation is from the cut itself. She is anxious about the possibility of infection and whether stitches are necessary. She admits to neglecting the wound care and is now feeling increasingly uneasy about the situation, unsure of the best course of action.