Concerns About My Father's Mole
My father, a 65-year-old man weighing 80 kilograms and standing 175 centimeters tall, has a mole that he insists has been present for two decades. Recently, he mentioned that it appears to have grown larger and has changed in color, becoming darker. Despite his reassurances that there is no need for a medical evaluation, I can't help but feel anxious about the situation. My dad has a tendency to exaggerate, which adds to my worries.
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 5:10:28 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand your concern about your father's mole and the changes it's undergone. It's important to take note that changes in a mole, especially growth or color change, warrant attention. While your father has had this mole for a long time, these new characteristics could suggest the need for further assessment.
Explanation:
Moles, or nevi, can change over time, but significant alterations in size, shape, or color may be signs that should not be ignored. The "ABCDE" rule is a helpful way to identify potentially concerning moles:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other.
- Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
- Color: Color is not uniform and may include varying shades.
- Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Given that your father's mole has changed in color and size, it’s crucial to consider that these could be warning signs.
Next Steps:
-
Encourage Evaluation: Talk to your father about your concerns without dismissing his reassurances. Emphasize the importance of having a professional check it out; early detection can be key.
-
Schedule a Dermatology Appointment: If he's receptive, try to help him schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. This can provide peace of mind and address any potential issues.
-
Monitor Changes: In the meantime, keep an eye on the mole for any further changes in appearance. Document any new symptoms such as itching, bleeding, or discomfort.
-
Educate and Discuss: Share information about skin health and the significance of monitoring moles, reinforcing that professional evaluation is a proactive step for his health.
Your father's health is important, and taking these steps can help ensure that any potential issues are caught early. Don't hesitate to continue advocating for his health and well-being.
Related Questions
Understanding Nasal Vestibulitis: Seeking Insights
Greetings, I’m a 29-year-old female in good health, and I’ve recently experienced a peculiar set of symptoms. For the last week, I perceived sensations akin to sinus pressure accompanied by a runny nose, which produced clear mucus. I must admit that I have had a habit of nose-picking, albeit unconsciously, and at that point in time, I had developed a small injury on the rim of my nostril. Beginning Wednesday, I noticed the emergence of new symptoms. The most prominent issue now is pain in my nose, particularly along the bridge, which has become so sensitive that even the slightest touch triggers a sharp, throbbing discomfort. This pain has shown some relief with Panadol, and occasionally, applying cold or warm compresses helps. However, swelling has started to manifest, prompting me to reach out to my physician. They advised me to get an X-ray of my sinuses, which I underwent on Friday, revealing no abnormalities. The skin around my nose appears slightly pink, and while there is some swelling that has begun to extend toward my cheek, it isn’t significant. After taking Panadol, I generally feel a marked reduction in pain. The discomfort mainly resides in my nose area between my eyes but also radiates to my forehead, behind my eyes, and along my eyebrows. I consulted with an internal medicine physician today since my regular doctor was unavailable. They seemed uncertain about the exact nature of my condition. Their suspicion points to a localized infection possibly stemming from my previously mentioned nostril wound, which appears to have healed but might have created a pathway for infection. They expressed confidence that it isn’t sinusitis, unless it involves the ethmoid sinuses. Furthermore, they assured me that this is not a severe infection due to the absence of fever and lack of pain when I move my eyes. They prescribed me Augmentin, for which I am thankful. If I do not notice any improvement in a few days, they suggested that I consult with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist and consider having blood tests to prepare for a facial CT scan. I must admit that I struggle with significant health anxiety, leading me to fear that this situation could escalate to involve my eyes or brain, with dire consequences. Although I have sought reassurance through ChatGPT, I would genuinely value any additional insights or advice on my condition!
Inquiry About Surgical Alternatives for a High-Risk Heart Patient
I’m reaching out concerning a relative of mine, a 64-year-old woman standing at 4’11” who has never used tobacco. She has a complex medical history, having suffered 2 to 3 heart attacks linked to a tumor, in addition to enduring 6 strokes, which have been verified by her healthcare providers. Though she maintains cognitive function, her speech is somewhat impaired. Currently, she is in need of heart surgery to improve her condition. However, medical professionals have indicated a significant risk level of approximately 70% due to her prior strokes, and no surgeon is willing to proceed with the operation. I am seeking advice on potential avenues for treatment: are there any specialists or procedures available that cater to high-risk patients with a recent stroke history requiring heart surgery? I recognize that this inquiry does not replace the need for expert medical counsel.
Is This Just a Hangover?
Today, I’m not feeling my best, to say the least. Honestly, it feels as if I’m on the brink of death. Last night, I overindulged in alcohol, and now I’m suffering the consequences. I’ve been battling a severe headache and have experienced multiple bouts of vomiting, probably around ten times. My energy levels are nonexistent, leaving me feeling utterly drained. To make matters worse, my hands are tingling, and my complexion appears alarmingly pale. It’s an awful experience, to say the least. Could this just be the aftermath of a hangover? I certainly drank a considerable amount and I’ve vowed never to do this again. Age: 28, Male
Understanding My CT Scan Results
Subject: Female, 30 years of age Weight: 120 pounds Current medications: None A week ago, I experienced a facial injury and believed I might have a nasal fracture. After undergoing a CT scan yesterday, I received my results and am seeking clarification on their implications. The report indicates that there are no fractures present in my face; however, it does point out a deviated septum and the presence of bone spurs. Could this imply that my nose is intact and that surgical intervention is probably unnecessary? I appreciate any insights you can provide!
Seeking Assistance for Unexplained Symptoms
Hello, I’m a 15-year-old female, weighing 48.5 kg and standing at 162 cm tall, residing in Germany. At present, I’m looking for medical advice. My current medication status is none, and I have been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). For the past seven months, I have been grappling with significant physical symptoms that have been largely dismissed as psychosomatic. In early 2023, I began experiencing an increased heart rate accompanied by dizziness, headaches, and episodes of near-fainting when I transition from sitting or lying down to standing. By July 2025, I noticed a gradual loss of appetite. Initially, it was mild, but it quickly escalated to a point where I no longer had any desire to eat. Once I did eat, I frequently felt nauseous, particularly with solid food, which caused painful stomach cramps and bloating. I lost around 4 kg over the initial months of these symptoms. Regrettably, my condition did not improve; it worsened, as I also experienced similar discomfort after consuming liquids. The only things I managed to take without significant pain were thicker fluids, such as drinkable yogurt and smoothies, but now even those are difficult for me. In September, I had a moderate depressive episode, for which I received psychotherapy and a prescription for Fluoxetine (20 mg). However, the medication induced severe side effects, including heightened nausea, drowsiness, muscle cramps, and weakness. My psychiatrist decided to discontinue the treatment abruptly, tapering off very quickly—after just two days at 10 mg daily, followed by 10 mg every other day for three days. One day, I became unresponsive and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, but no thorough examinations were conducted. While I was at school on October 11, I felt extremely fatigued, struggling to keep my eyes open. My condition deteriorated over the next couple of days, and by the 14th of October, I was unable to attend classes anymore. I began to experience severe fatigue along with muscle and joint pain, and general body aches. Despite sleeping extensively, my symptoms remained unchanged. I developed a significant intolerance to exertion, as even minimal activities like a brief 10-minute walk or sitting still for over an hour would lead to these overwhelming “crashes,” accompanied sometimes by a migraine or feelings of illness lasting 12 to 48 hours. Since mid-January 2026, I have been suffering from severe dizziness that sometimes prevents me from standing or walking normally. I have also experienced visual disturbances, like seeing dots in my left peripheral vision, and frequent facial numbness without relief. I was admitted to a psychosomatic unit, which only exacerbated my condition, putting me into a constant state of distress. I endured a prolonged migraine status for five days, which thankfully resolved gradually without any medical intervention. Many of my other days feel akin to being ill with the flu or suffering from poisoning. Whenever I discuss my symptoms with doctors or nurses, they attribute everything to either depression or a somatoform disorder, despite my persistent assertions that I do not feel depressed. I find the hospital I am at quite unfavorable. Previously, when I sought treatment for mesenteric lymphadenitis, they provided a placebo, insisting everything was psychological despite my existing diagnosis. I have undergone numerous tests, including a head MRI, endoscopy, ECG, echocardiogram, and various blood analyses. The MRI results were unremarkable, and the endoscopy showed no abnormalities. Both the ECG and echocardiogram returned normal results, and my blood work did not reveal much either, aside from a few slightly abnormal levels, which are listed below: - Vitamin B2: 333 - Vitamin B6: 76.3 - Vitamin A: 0.93 - Vitamin E: 32.0 - DAO: 5 - Histamine Degradation Ability: 34% - Ferritin: 19 - IgG: 192 - SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies: positive - Albumin: 0.75 - Neutrophils: 66% - Lymphocytes: 9.9% - Leukocytes: 4,000 - Monocytes: 3.3 - Eosinophils: 12 - Basophils: 4.4 - Absolute Neutrophils: 0.3 None of these results appear alarming. I have also performed an Active Standing test myself, leading to the following averages: - Lay down Average Heart Rate: 75 bpm - Lay down Average Blood Pressure: 90/60 mmHg - Standing Average Heart Rate: 127 bpm - Standing Average Blood Pressure: 120/80 mmHg I am desperately seeking insight regarding my symptoms and would greatly appreciate any help or guidance on what might be happening.