Changes in brown spot

[puddin]

I have a brown spot on my nose that has been there for quite a while.  I think it may be a sun spot.  I have noticed some changes in it the last two weeks or longer.  It normally is flat and light in color.   Now it is slightly raised and is scaly like dry skin over it.  I also noticed a tiny speck of darker brown forms over the scaly skin. This can be picked off, but forms again within a week.  There is no oozing from this and it doesn't seem to be sore.  I realize it is hard to make a diagnosis without seeing it, but can you give me an idea what it might be.
Thanks,
Crocodile

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Please see www.aad.org and click on MelanomaNet.

Dr. Rockoff

[puddin]

What kind of changes are of concern?

[puddin]

I thought the scaliness and changes in the skin were to be of concern.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Not usually.

Dr. Rockoff

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The kind of change you describe is not the kind associated with cancerous change, but only with irritation.  Picking, for instance.  I advise you to leave the spot alone and show your doctor next time you go.  If needed, referral to a dermatologist may be useful, if only to get you a specific diagnosis, not because the spot is bad, because it almost certainly isn't.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff