Concerns About Potential Melanoma
A 27-year-old woman seeks insights regarding various skin lesions while sharing her health background. She intends to upload several images of these moles, yet can only share one at the moment and will continue to add more pictures in the comments. Here's her story and inquiry: Greetings! I have a query tied to health, particularly in the realm of dermatology. Being a redhead, I’ve come to understand that we might be more susceptible to melanoma. As I’ve researched, it seems that melanoma typically does not persist for decades; it often emerges and advances within a few years. One mole of mine transformed from brown to black approximately 11 years ago. Its size hasn’t changed significantly, but it has altered from a perfect circle to a more irregular shape, and I became aware of it due to the color change. I initially dismissed it, but considering my recent stomach issues, which I’m trying to address, I find myself reevaluating this mole since it’s located on my lower abdomen. There’s also a pink nodule on my back that has concerned me. I noticed this growth a few years post-pregnancy, and although I disregarded it initially, it has persisted. Has anyone experienced anything similar? Lately, I’ve encountered various health issues, including consultations with a neurologist, and have felt extreme fatigue, tremors, and symptoms resembling sarcopenia alongside consistently low creatinine levels. This situation resembles reactions I had to the Depo shot, which I had been using for nearly nine years—starting two and a half years before my daughter was born, followed by a nearly two-year break, and then returning for another seven years since her birth. I’ve never undergone an MRI until recently, and a couple of weeks ago, I had a CT scan without contrast to check for stones, advised by my new primary care physician. Unfortunately, this doctor seems to avoid addressing my specific health concerns. Consequently, I have taken the initiative to investigate my conditions to advocate for myself and request three separate appointments over nine months (one every three months) to receive a referral. This new primary care physician, recently relocated from Florida, has not noted the health issues I raised two years ago, which makes it seem as though they were never acknowledged. She is primarily focused on the medications I’m on, including ADHD medication, rather than my overall health state. Two months ago, I underwent a procedure to remove a mass from my throat, which took a year to get addressed after enduring numerous tests that seemed largely irrelevant to the medication gabapentin, which was prescribed to me by my previous doctor over seven and a half years at a very low dosage. I would appreciate any guidance or support on these matters.
Answers (1)
4/1/2026, 3:11:14 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about skin changes, especially given your detailed health background. Based on what you've described, there are several important points to consider regarding your moles and overall health.
Key Points:
- Skin Lesions and Melanoma Risk: As a redhead, you may indeed have a higher risk for melanoma. Changes in moles, such as color, shape, and size, are critical indicators to watch.
- Health Symptoms and Treatment: Your ongoing health issues, including fatigue and recent medical evaluations, require a comprehensive approach to ensure all aspects of your health are addressed effectively.
Explanation:
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Skin Lesions: The transformation of your mole from brown to black and its irregular shape raises some concern. According to the ABCDE rule for assessing moles:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
- Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
- Color: A variety of colors (tan, brown, black, red, white, or blue).
- Diameter: Bigger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolution: Changes in size, shape, or color over time.
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The pink nodule on your back, especially if it’s had changes or has persisted, also warrants attention. Such nodules can be benign but should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Next Steps:
- Monitor and Document Moles: Keep an eye on any changes in your existing moles and any new skin lesions. Take clear photos and note any changes in size, color, or shape to show your doctor later.
- Seek Dermatological Consultation: It’s advisable to see a dermatologist for a thorough skin examination. Explain your concerns about the specific mole and nodule as well as your familial history of skin issues.
- Regarding Other Health Concerns: Since you’re experiencing fatigue and other systemic symptoms, it would be beneficial to consolidate your health questions. Consider creating a list of all your symptoms and concerns, particularly focusing on the fatigue, tremors, and any effects of your current medications.
- Advocate for Comprehensive Care: During your appointments, specifically request involvement from specialists when needed, and don’t hesitate to ask your primary care doctor for referrals to dermatology and potentially other specialties that could review your other symptoms, especially in light of your recent tests and history.
Support:
You are taking positive steps by being proactive about your health. Tracking changes in your skin and not hesitating to voice your concerns will empower you in your healthcare journey. Keep seeking the answers you deserve regarding your health.
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