Concern Over Growing Pigmented Spot on Iris
Age: 22, Male, Non-Smoker, Physically Active, Otherwise Healthy. Greetings everyone, I’m seeking some additional insights regarding a recent observation. In May, I underwent a laser retinopexy procedure aimed at addressing a retinal tuft in my eye. This was performed by a well-regarded ophthalmologist in my local area, and the surgery went smoothly. Following the treatment, I noticed a small indentation where the laser had been applied. Initially, I assumed this was a typical result of the procedure, but upon returning to the ophthalmologist, I was informed that it was a pigmented area. He referred to it as an iris nevus and reassured me that it was nothing to be alarmed about. Being somewhat of a hypochondriac, I began taking weekly photographs to keep tabs on the pigmented area on my iris. As a few months went by, I observed some enlargement of this pigmented lesion, leading to increased anxiety on my part due to my tendency towards health anxiety. Upon another visit to the ophthalmologist for my concerns, he again confirmed that it was merely a nevus and assured me that it posed no threat. I shared the images I had documented, and he expressed no worries over the changes, suggesting a yearly examination of the lesion moving forward. Nonetheless, I am here seeking a second opinion to ascertain whether my concerns are valid or if I am being overly cautious. I’ve come across unsettling information online regarding potential iris melanoma and wanted to present my situation in hopes of obtaining a professional viewpoint. Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
9/12/2025, 7:01:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about changes in your health, especially when it involves something as critical as your vision. You mentioned that your ophthalmologist confirmed the pigmented area on your iris as an iris nevus, which is generally benign. Let's break down your situation and action points.
Summary of Main Points:
- Iris nevus is typically harmless: Your ophthalmologist has evaluated the pigmented area and reassured you that it is not a concern.
- Monitoring is essential: Keeping track of changes is valid, but your doctor's advice for yearly examinations should help ease your anxiety.
- Focus on self-awareness: Managing your anxiety is as important as monitoring the nevus.
Explanation:
An iris nevus is similar to a mole on the skin; it's just a collection of pigment cells and is usually harmless. Changes in size or color can occur, but not all alterations indicate a problem. Your doctor has recommended regular check-ups, which is a standard approach to ensure that any changes are monitored by a professional.
While information online can be alarming, remember that not all pigmented lesions are cancerous. Your healthcare provider is the best source of guidance regarding your specific case.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Regular Monitoring: Since you're already documenting changes, maintain your routine of taking photographs every few weeks but focus more on changes that seem sudden or concerning.
-
Yearly Follow-ups: As recommended by your ophthalmologist, ensure you keep your annual appointments to track the nevus with a professional's eye.
-
Manage Anxiety:
- Consider speaking to a mental health professional or utilizing anxiety management techniques such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises. Addressing your anxiety could help you process your concerns about the nevus more calmly.
- Support groups or forums focusing on health anxiety can provide community and shared experiences.
-
Educate Yourself: Instead of seeking information only online, consider asking your ophthalmologist for literature or reliable resources about iris nevi and eye health. This can help in reducing the fear associated with uncertainty.
It's important to trust your healthcare team and engage with them on any lingering concerns. Remember, you’re empowered to take charge of your health while also finding support for your anxiety. Let me know if you need more information or assistance!
Related Questions
31-Year-Old Female Facing Ongoing Tingling and Numbness with Monoclonal Component Detection
Hello, I am a 31-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 128 pounds. I lead an active lifestyle and generally maintain good health. In late June 2025, I contracted COVID-19, experiencing only mild symptoms resembling a cold, which resolved within a few days. Shortly thereafter, I began to experience persistent tingling and numbness across my body, described as a pins-and-needles sensation extending from my head to my toes. Additionally, I have noted considerable stiffness in my joints, affecting my hands, arms, neck, and legs. These symptoms have persisted since their onset. Here’s what has been done so far regarding my medical evaluation: - MRI of the brain and cervical spine: results were normal. - Neurological examination: revealed decreased sensation in my hands and feet; the neurologist's working diagnosis is small fiber neuropathy. - Upcoming tests include a nerve conduction study and a skin biopsy. - Laboratory results are mostly within normal ranges, with the exception of a slightly reduced mean platelet count. Notably, the immunofixation electrophoresis report indicated a "faint IgG kappa monoclonal component that cannot be ruled out." I seek your insight: Do my symptoms emerging after a COVID infection imply small fiber neuropathy or potentially another underlying issue? Additionally, how concerning is the discovery of the faint IgG kappa monoclonal component at this phase of my life? Should I pursue further assessments related to hematology or immune function now, or is this finding generally considered incidental? Thank you very much for your help!
42-Year-Old Male Experiencing Lower Right Abdominal Discomfort
I am a 42-year-old male, relatively fit, weighing 184 pounds, and I’m experiencing what seems to be intense cramps or irregularities in my lower right abdomen, which sometimes extends to my belly button. I haven’t engaged in any unusual physical activities, as I generally maintain an active lifestyle. While the sensation isn’t exactly painful, it can lead to discomfort at times. Occasionally, there’s a burning sensation when I lie down. Medical professionals have suggested it might be an abdominal strain. To alleviate the discomfort, I've procured a hernia support wrap, which provides some relief. This is a new experience for me, and I'm concerned that there may be an oversight in the diagnosis. I underwent a urine test that came back clear, ruling out any urinary tract infections or kidney stones. Additionally, an ultrasound of my lower abdomen showed no signs of inflammation, hernias, masses, or other issues in that area.
Back Pain Worsened: Should I Revisit the Doctor?
Original Issue: Several weeks back, I began experiencing a painful sensation in my back, reminiscent of a bruise. After a few nights, I noticed my right hip also felt tender, and I experienced brief, light electric shocks at the top of my spine. Then, I started to encounter sharp, intense pain in my lower back during specific movements: twisting to the left, sitting on the floor, and bending forward. Concerned, I visited a same-day clinic. The physician inspected my back and had me perform various movements. Everything appeared normal until they pressed firmly just to the right of my lower back, where I experienced significant pain. They concluded that I was dealing with sciatic discomfort and recommended that I consult with a physical therapist, which I have already arranged. I’m uncertain how this happened; it could be related to the glute bridges I was practicing a few days earlier, as I didn’t notice any pain until days later. Current Developments: Recently, I've developed a new symptom that has me considering another doctor's visit. I've been feeling frequent sensations of pinching or grinding on the left side, a few inches above and to the left of my lower back. To alleviate the discomfort, I must stretch and manipulate the area until it "clicks" into a more comfortable position; otherwise, it continues to ache. This issue has been recurring multiple times a day over the past few days, particularly while seated at my desk. While the pain is manageable and heat packs provide some relief, I find myself questioning whether I should seek another medical evaluation due to this new symptom. I'm also wondering if this might indicate a more serious injury, or if I can go ahead with physical therapy without additional assessment from a doctor. Personal Details: 35 years old, 5'8", 180 lbs, Caucasian, no alcohol, smoking, or drug use. I have hypermobile joints. Current Medications: I take methylphenidate IR 10mg twice daily, along with cetirizine, and use ibuprofen or Tylenol as needed.
Concerns About Family History of MS and Emerging Symptoms
(20 years old, 230 lbs, 5'8, Canada; diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and Tourette syndrome) Hello, I am reaching out for some guidance regarding troubling experiences I've been having lately that are becoming a source of distress for me. Both of my biological parents, who have since passed away, suffered from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I understand that this familial history raises my own risk of developing the condition. Over the past six months, I have encountered various new symptoms, and I'm uncertain whether they could be linked to long COVID or if they signal a potential onset of MS, which is a significant fear of mine due to the challenges my parents faced. Here’s an overview of my symptoms. With the rising temperatures in my area, the symptoms marked with an asterisk (*) have worsened during the warmer weather: -* Slurred or hesitant speech, difficulty articulating words, and challenges in finding the right terms (these issues were never as pronounced before and have become noticeable to those around me). -* Cognitive cloudiness/memory lapses (I find it hard to concentrate, and despite starting ADHD medication, there hasn't been any improvement). - Occasional blurred or hazy vision (I notice this 1-2 times per month, making my vision seem poor). - Involuntary eye movements (I experience this a few times a month, where my eyes shake; it's not severe enough to impede my sight and usually lasts under 20 minutes). - Hand tremors/more noticeable shakiness than usual. - Increased clumsiness, frequently dropping things. - Occasional buckling of my knees while walking. -* Severe tiredness (despite sleeping around 8 hours a night, taking ADHD medication, and consuming caffeine, I still feel drained). - Constant awareness of my heartbeat and palpitation episodes. - Fluctuating heart rate (between 46 and 152 beats per minute; while sleeping my heart rate ranges from 45-80 bpm, and while standing, it rises to 85-125 bpm, all with no additional exertion other than standing in class—I'm studying culinary arts). - Episodes of incomplete bladder emptying (occurring around 1-2 times monthly, mimicking the sensation of a UTI, albeit fleeting). - Heat sensitivity (I have experienced this for years. Although it has improved somewhat since I've lost weight, I still often feel excessively warm, which can cause nausea). These are the symptoms that come to mind, although I’m sure there are others. Right now, the fatigue, speech difficulties, and memory problems are the most challenging for me. Words that were once easy to say now feel challenging—my tongue feels heavy, and I've noticed an increase in my lisp. I often forget what was said to me only moments before and have started taking extensive notes in class due to this issue, leading my chef to jokingly comment if I was writing a novel. I find myself losing my train of thought mid-sentence several times a day, and when I feel tired, these problems amplify, leading me to silence myself to avoid embarrassment from stuttering or struggling to express my thoughts clearly. I have pondered the idea of long COVID, but the only instance I recall experiencing it was back in March 2024, while my current symptoms have intensified over the last six months. Additionally, my Tourette syndrome flared significantly about five years ago, which led to long absences from school and work. At that time, my mother suggested I be tested for MS due to these symptoms and other health challenges, such as difficulty breathing during exercise and a heightened sensitivity to heat. However, doctors declined the testing since they deemed me too young at that stage.
The Impact of Acidic Foods on Stress-Induced Mouth Ulcers
24-year-old male, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, is currently prescribed bupropion 150 mg XR on a daily basis along with 10 mg of generic Zyrtec each day. I’m dealing with a minor mouth ulcer that resulted from stress and was wondering about the effects of consuming pasta flavored with about half a lemon per serving. Will this potentially prolong the healing process, or will it simply cause discomfort? Is the same consideration true for spicy foods and alcoholic beverages?