Dark Patches...

Please help, I am an eighth grader who has recently noticd something odd on my back- two dark patches, pretty much like bruises- that feel like they have a solid substance within them. The material inside can move around alittle, but the skin is sensitive to touch after a while. I don't believe I did anything to cause this, they just...apeared maybe a week (though maybe more) ago. I have lost my appetite and lost seven pounds in two or two and a half monthes. I'm not a genius but that isn't healthy. I also get back pains at random, often varying in the intensity. The doctor I saw on Feb. 13, 2012 sounded very unsure of herself to me, and my mom, claiming that they "could be cysts or something." For after school activities, I do rock climbing, and they are were my "belt" or were the harness is at my waist, could be rubbed. I'm not sure if that's what caused them to form, and I'm sorry to be a bother. Thank you.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of the patches. With the description, possibilities that may need to be considered include haematomas, lipomas, neurofibromas, cysts, growths from other soft tissues etc. Most of these usually would not have a primary cause and could appear suddenly. If your doctor does not believe it to be anything serious after a clinical evaluation, I would suggest leaving it alone and not worrying about it.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!