Should I Consider Imaging or a Biopsy for My Forehead Dent?
A 50-year-old female, standing 5'4" and weighing 155 pounds, with a Caucasian background, does not take any medication and has never smoked or consumed alcohol. I recently noticed a dent on my forehead that emerged a few weeks ago. Previously, I had visited a rheumatologist who conducted thorough blood tests, determining that I do not have an autoimmune disorder apart from alopecia areata. Coincidentally, I also have a round bald patch, approximately 2 inches in diameter, situated on the same side of my head as the dent. Additionally, there’s a small lump on my skull that corresponds with the dent, which I observed around two years ago, initially attributing it to a probable head injury. I've recently discovered that I might align with the characteristics of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, having recalled that I would have received a score of 7 out of 9 on the Beighton Test during my childhood. When I consulted a dermatologist regarding my alopecia, I pointed out the forehead dent. The dermatologist speculated it could possibly be linear morphea, scleroderma, lupus, or a mixed connective tissue disorder. She recommended that I reconvene with my rheumatologist for further exploration. Upon doing so, my rheumatologist dismissed my concerns, attributing the dent to a dermatological rather than a systemic issue. Now, I find myself questioning whether I should further investigate this condition. While the dent is not particularly prominent, I am curious if it may indicate an underlying issue. Would it be wise to seek a second opinion from another rheumatologist?
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 1:01:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to have concerns about changes in your body, especially when they involve potential underlying health issues. The dent on your forehead, along with other symptoms, can certainly raise questions. Here’s a summary of your key concerns and the steps you might consider taking.
Main Points:
- The forehead dent, although dismissed by your current rheumatologist, warrants careful consideration given your history and associated symptoms.
- Seeking a second opinion can provide clarity, especially when there are differing views on the potential implications of your symptoms.
Explanation: You’ve already consulted a rheumatologist and a dermatologist regarding your symptoms, which is a good first step. The dent on your forehead, the lump on your skull, and your alopecia areata bring about questions of connective tissue disorders, especially with your recalled scoring on the Beighton Test. While systemic issues like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or other connective tissue disorders could be rare, they might warrant further exploration, particularly if they could inform how you manage your overall health.
Since your current rheumatologist dismissed the brachial symptoms as purely dermatological, getting a second opinion from another specialist could provide you with a more comprehensive view on whether further imaging or biopsy might be necessary.
Next Steps:
- Seek a Second Opinion: Look for another rheumatologist or a specialist in connective tissue disorders. Bring along your previous test results, notes, and any images of the symptoms if you have them.
- Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of any changes in the dent, the lump, your alopecia, and any other symptoms. This can help specialists better understand your situation.
- Consider Imaging: If the new specialist thinks it’s warranted, imaging (such as an MRI or ultrasound) can provide more detail about what's happening beneath the skin.
- Stay Informed: Research Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and related conditions to better understand symptoms, management, and any referrals you might need.
Remember, you’re doing the right thing by seeking clarity for your health concerns. Trust your instincts about your body, and don’t hesitate to ask for further evaluations. Let me know if you have more questions!
Related Questions
Underarm Concern
I'm a 20-year-old experiencing a dark discoloration in my underarm area. There's a mild itchiness, but I don’t feel any pain or discharge. I suspect it may have begun after a period of heavy sweating or possibly from using the same razor multiple times. Could this issue stem from either a fungal infection or friction? I should mention that I don’t have diabetes.
Concerns About Tetanus After Minor Injury
Here's a bit about me: I'm seventeen years old, standing at 187 centimeters tall and weighing 96 kilograms. I don't smoke, I'm not on any medication, and I'm in good health overall. Recently, I had an accident while riding my bike and ended up scraping my leg against the ground, which was somewhat dusty. Thankfully, the injury consists of only minor scratches on the surface; there are no deep wounds or punctures. At my age, I believe I received all the necessary childhood vaccinations up until I turned eleven, including the tetanus shot. Given the circumstances, should I be worried about the risk of tetanus infection? I appreciate any insights you can provide!
Seeking Answers Amid Uncertainty
Age 32, residing in the USA. I’ve been making numerous trips to the doctor’s office for quite some time now, and honestly, I've reached my limit; I can’t shake the feeling that they may think I'm imagining things. I have discovered ten noticeable lymph nodes in my groin area, along with one palpable lymph node in my breast. The doctor informed me that my breasts are notably lumpy and recommended further imaging. However, to summarize the situation, the breast clinic did not proceed with a comprehensive bilateral ultrasound as requested because of my age. When the bilateral mammogram results arrived, they indicated heterogeneously dense breast tissue, which raises concerns that small masses could go undetected. Interestingly, my left nipple, the same side as the lymph node, tends to flatten, sometimes retracting but returning to its normal form when stimulated. During my follow-up visit, I learned that the doctors prefer to postpone the MRI for another four months, despite my concerns. Lately, I’ve been feeling unusually fatigued, a sensation that began before the discovery of the breast lump. An ANA test returned a concerning result of 1:1280 with a centromere pattern, yet further evaluations did not support a diagnosis of an autoimmune condition. I can't shake the nagging feeling that there might be cancer lurking within me, which I believe has caused such a high ANA reading. Does anyone have advice that could ease my worries? Should I be concerned about the symptoms I’m experiencing?
Requesting a Primary Care Provider Recommendation from a Specialist
As a 29-year-old male, I find myself seeking a primary care physician who can effectively manage my healthcare and liaise with my various specialists. I have a particular specialist whose care I appreciate, and I’m considering reaching out for advice. Would it be inappropriate to inquire if they could suggest a primary care provider who might align well with my needs?
Persistent Friction Injury on Penis: Seeking Solutions
Over the past year, I (22, male) have been dealing with an issue I suspect is a friction burn on my penis that has failed to heal. I believe my occasional masturbation might have contributed to this, but there have been stretches where I completely abstained for three weeks without any improvement. The affected area is quite noticeable, roughly the size of a quarter, and despite the passage of months, its appearance has remained unchanged, and it is not accompanied by any pain. The darker red edges around it have also maintained their size and shape without any variation. I previously attempted to treat it with hydrocortisone cream (1%), but I stopped using it out of concern that it could exacerbate the problem. Additionally, I applied hydrating substances like Aquaphor, aloe vera, and unrefined coconut oil on a daily basis, yet neither approach seemed to yield any positive results. I also experimented with covering the area using plastic wrap because I feel that the way my penis rests on my scrotum might be causing friction at the site of the burn. Unfortunately, I have struggled to keep any covering securely in place. I am looking for advice on whether there is a possibility of this injury healing and what steps I might take to facilitate the recovery process.