Change in mole removal site

[kcmom]

I have had a small, flesh colored mole that protruded from my lower lip since I was a teenager.  About 8 years ago, my dermatologist shaved it, and told me that eventually it would probably grow back.

During the past year, I noticed that it had indeed begun to protrude quite a bit again, so I went back to my dermatologist.  He removed it again, but sort of  "scooped" it out this time.  It looked great for a few months, but then a few weeks ago, almost overnight, it suddenly began to turn dark brown. (I teach school, and it turned brown when school let out and I had more exposure to the sun.)  I now have a dark brown, perfectly symmetrical mole that is very hard to cover up even with lipstick.  The brown pigment perfectly follows the removal site outline.  It is not irregular, and is MUCH smaller than a pencil eraser.  It is evenly colored except that the very middle of it did not fill in with brown.

I finally decided to call the dermatologist back and spoke with a nurse.  I really was only concered from a cosmetic standpoint until I spoke with the nurse.  She seemed very concerned that it had darkened, so now of course I'm panicked, whereas before I was only feeling stupid for being so vain about it.    I had asked for an appointment after an upcoming vacation, but they want to see me next week, which I am doing.

Is is unusual for a mole removal site to darken?  If it is not anything serious, are there any option for lightening the color?

Thanks so much.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Darkening may be a concern in an untouched mole (though not necessarily), but not much concern in a situation like yours.  If the dermatologist sent the first mole for pathology and it turned out benign--both safe assumptions--then the pigment you now see can't be of any real concern.  I wouldn't worry.  Just have the doctor check it out.  Skin creams or perhaps a laser pulse or two should take care of the cosmetic aspect of things.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Pablox]

If no pathology was done yet, run don't walk, to get it done. Could be malignant melanoma, which I have experienced!!