Concerns About Potential Skin Cancer
I’m a 31-year-old woman with a medical history that includes an 18-month course of Accutane at a dosage of 80mg to address acne. While I was diligent about using sunscreen throughout that treatment, my current use has decreased, primarily because my studies keep me indoors most of the time with little sunlight exposure. My height is 5 feet 3 inches and my weight is 220 pounds. Alongside my acne treatment history, I also have type 1 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and high blood pressure. My current medications include an insulin pump with amdelog, metformin taken at 500mg once daily, 175mcg of Synthroid once daily, perindopril at 2mg once a day, and Vyvanse at 30mg daily. Recently, I’ve developed a concerning lesion on my chin, measuring roughly 10mm by 0.4mm, which has persisted for about a year without healing. It has a texture similar to a scab, although I haven’t attempted to pick it. Initially, I thought it was simply dry skin; however, applying lotion and exfoliating have not produced any improvement. Additionally, I have extremely light skin, almost white, and I am not aware of having any moles.
Answers (1)
3/4/2026, 4:10:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concern about a persistent lesion, especially with your medical history and skin type. When evaluating a lesion that hasn't healed and shows scab-like texture, particularly in someone with light skin, it’s important to stay vigilant for potential issues like skin cancer.
Explanation:
Given your history of Accutane treatment, which can increase skin sensitivity, combined with your light skin and the longevity of the lesion, monitoring changes in the lesion is critical. Lesions that persist and evolve in appearance can sometimes signal more serious conditions, including skin cancer.
Next Steps:
-
Examine the Lesion: Monitor the lesion closely for any changes in size, color, texture, or symptoms like itchiness or bleeding. Document these changes with photos and notes on any variations.
-
Increase Sun Protection: Even if you're mostly indoors, it's important to protect your skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), and consider wearing protective clothing if you step outside, especially during daylight hours.
-
Schedule a Dermatology Appointment: It’s advisable to see a dermatologist who can perform a thorough evaluation of the lesion. Given its characteristics and persistence, a biopsy may be recommended to rule out any serious conditions.
-
Maintain General Health: Continue managing your diabetes, thyroid condition, and blood pressure through your current treatment plan. Keeping your overall health in check can support your body’s ability to heal.
-
Consider Moisturizing Practices: While lotions haven’t helped thus far, ensure you’re using a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer on your face. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants, as these might aggravate the skin further.
Feel free to reach out with updates about any changes or questions you might have during this process. Your health is a priority, and addressing any skin changes can bring peace of mind.
Related Questions
Unusual Spotting for a Prolonged Period
Is it normal for a 19-year-old woman to experience 16 days of spotting or brown discharge? To provide some background, I am sexually active and have consistently received negative results on pregnancy tests. Furthermore, I’ve only been intimate with one partner, ruling out the possibility of an STI. For the past 16 days, I've been noticing brown discharge accompanied by a somewhat unpleasant odor. My medical history includes celiac disease, and I suspect I might have PCOS, but I do not have other known health issues. What could be the cause of these symptoms?
The Concerns Surrounding Clots in the Subclavian Veins
I am a 37-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 140 pounds. I have a history of anemia, do not take birth control, and I neither smoke nor consume alcohol. Additionally, I am not currently on any anticoagulant medications, which will be significant later. Four months ago, I underwent a reverse shoulder replacement on my left shoulder. On February 13th, I experienced a sudden change in my left arm; it became purple, cold, and prompted my orthopedic surgeon to send me to the emergency room. While the ER did not conduct any blood tests, they performed an X-ray, ultrasound, and four CT scans (two with and two without contrast). Their conclusion was that I had developed an axillary arteriovenous (AV) fistula and subsequently referred me to a vascular surgeon. My arm remained cold and purple, with weak or occasionally absent pulses. When I inquired about the potential risks of blood clots or tissue death, I was reassured that there was no immediate concern, as I still had some blood flow. They advised me to maintain a position that would optimize circulation and limit my activity. During my visit to the vascular surgeon's office, more diagnostics were performed. The outcome indicated that I did not have a fistula, but rather vascular compression attributed to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The surgeon mentioned the necessity of rib resection; however, their practice does not perform that type of surgery, so I was referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon. I raised the issue again regarding the risks of clots or tissue death, and yet again, the response was that there was no need for concern. I attended my appointment with the cardiothoracic surgeon today, and my arm continued to appear purple, cold, with inconsistent blood flow. He emphasized that due to the alarming symptoms in my arm, further testing was essential to eliminate other potential problems. He explained that TOS is often diagnosed by excluding other conditions. To my astonishment, he revealed that I had blood clots in both of my subclavian veins, with the left vein showing more severe narrowing to less than 3mm. Upon asking me which blood thinner I was taking, I was taken aback—having never been informed about the existence of any blood clots, let alone the need for anticoagulation therapy. The cardiothoracic surgeon expressed disbelief that the vascular office had overlooked this critical issue and mentioned he would refer me back to them for further action. I am deeply concerned that I was never informed about the presence of blood clots, especially given the drastic changes in my arm’s color and temperature, along with documented circulation issues. It feels as though I am being passed around among specialists without any significant intervention until something potentially disastrous occurs. Is this experience typical for individuals diagnosed with subclavian vein thrombosis? I have the strong impression that there has been a serious failure in communication and care throughout this situation, and I am uncertain whether my concerns are valid in light of what has occurred.
Should I Be Concerned?
I weigh 205 pounds, and I'm a 27-year-old woman. My boyfriend and I have been in a relationship for about a month. He mentioned that he experienced gingivitis two years ago, but he hasn't had any signs or symptoms in the last year. Due to some circumstances I won't delve into, he hasn't been able to visit the dentist until now. Our kisses have mostly been light pecks rather than full ones, and I maintain a regular dental hygiene routine. Should I really be concerned about the possibility of contracting gingivitis from him?
Experiencing Allergy-Like Symptoms Without Official Allergies
Age 36, height 5'5", weight 175 lbs, female. I'm going to dive straight into my situation. I have severe reactions to certain foods—extremely severe, in fact. Despite undergoing testing that indicated I have no food allergies, symptoms begin to manifest anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours after eating. My body reacts with intense headaches or what I believe is known as scintillating scotoma. If I don't take an antihistamine before the full onset of symptoms, I'm in serious trouble. I start vomiting violently as my body tries to expel whatever it can. During these episodes, I often feel a disconnect between my vision and my cognitive processing. There was a particularly alarming moment when I wasn't aware of the severity of my reaction until it was almost too late. Had I not taken an antihistamine post-vomiting, I can't imagine the outcome. I remember lying there, feeling myself fade away, but a sudden rush of adrenaline kept me momentarily alert. My thoughts were consumed with concern for my children. Eventually, I managed to pull myself out of bed, and I believe the antihistamine began to take effect. In the days following, my mind continued to feel sluggish and tender. My intestine reacts negatively wherever the offending substance makes contact, leading to significant bloating. I can actually pinpoint the discomfort within my digestive tract. When the time comes to relieve myself, it is an arduous process characterized by dark, hard, and foul-smelling stools—definitely a situation warranting gloves and Vaseline. I realize this might be an off-putting detail, but it feels relevant. The triggers I’ve identified so far include coconut, hickory smoked items (possibly due to environmental exposure), jalapeños, and coffee. Even topical coconut oil caused a reaction; it felt as if it was affecting my urinary system, causing pain and discomfort. Additionally, I suspect I may be intolerant to certain ingredients such as tapioca, guar gum, milk, and wheat. The aftermath of consuming these foods results in stools of a peanut butter-like consistency that are orange and cause what I like to term the infinite wipe glitch. I would greatly appreciate any guidance or insights into my situation. I also have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder, which may be relevant. I have started to wonder if this could be an autoimmune disorder of some sort. It's incredibly frustrating; if it's not an allergy, then what could this possibly be? The allergist offered no clear answers and simply suggested I consult my primary care physician. This is perplexing, especially considering the allergy clinic is also a hub for immunology. I had expected them to provide a more comprehensive approach to helping me understand what's happening.
Seeking Input on Exercise-Related Heart Palpitations
For the past few months, I have been experiencing concerning heart palpitations during physical activities, and I’m seeking advice on whether I should pursue additional tests or simply accept my current state of health. A bit about my situation: I’m a 22-year-old male with no medications or significant medical history. I first noticed the palpitations back in early January when exercising and occasionally throughout the day. It feels as though my heart skips a beat momentarily, leaving me breathless but without pain or fainting episodes. I used to have these sensations while strength training as well, but they resolved on their own over time. I visited my physician on two occasions. During my first appointment in early January, they conducted an EKG, chest X-ray, and a series of blood tests. At my second appointment in mid-February, a follow-up EKG, additional blood tests, and a 48-hour Holter monitor were performed. The results revealed the following: - **EKG Results:** After evaluation, the cardiologist found both tests unremarkable. The first EKG indicated a heart rate of 76 bpm and a QTc interval of 400 ms; the second indicated a heart rate of 100 bpm and a QTc interval of 436 ms. - **Holter Monitor Findings:** The monitor showed a normal sinus rhythm, an average heart rate of 78 bpm, isolated premature atrial contractions (PACs) at less than 1%, and no premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or sustained arrhythmias. The cardiologist concluded that everything appeared normal. - **Blood Test Results:** Troponin levels were normal on both occasions, all electrolytes within range, CBC results normal, an A1C level of 5.1%, and lipid levels were acceptable except for LDL, which was measured at 128. The only anomaly was above-normal blood pressure noted during the office visit; at home, it averages around 127/85, which I understand is somewhat high for someone my age. As of today, I experienced palpitations again after playing pickleball doubles for approximately 90 minutes without substantial breaks. After a brief pause, I re-entered the game but felt two palpitations in quick succession shortly thereafter. I decided to take a seat and felt fine again soon after. I had consumed a large meal shortly before playing, and the previous week I enjoyed playing without any problems. In addition to the palpitations, I have recently noticed mild headaches, twitching in my left eye, and episodes of dizziness. I’ve altered my diet dramatically, shifting from frequent dining out to cooking at home, reducing sodium intake, and incorporating more potassium-rich foods. I’m uncertain if these dietary modifications could be influencing my symptoms or if they are linked to my elevated blood pressure. Here are my primary questions: 1. From the assessments conducted, do you think the investigation is thorough, or should I advocate for a stress test or echocardiogram? 2. Could today’s occurrence merely be attributed to my large meal, possible dehydration, prolonged physical activity, and an abrupt return to play? 3. Might the decrease in sodium consumption account for the headaches, dizziness, and the eye twitching? 4. Based on your experience, do these symptoms raise any concerns, or do they seem like benign PACs?