Flat mole with pigmentation 'bleed' on edge

[gingermac]

I have a flat dark pigmentation on the side of my heel that is about 6mm in size. It appeared when I was about 13-14 years old (I'm 24 now). It's always been somewhat irregular on the edges, medium brown and almost has a liney or striated look. I had it checked several times when I was younger but it never changed.

Recently I noticed that there are a few small jagged edges where the pigmentation is 'bleeding' into the surrounding skin. I also noticed a lighter area inside the mole and a few darker brown specks.

I had it checked by my doctor, who said not to worry unless it grew more or started to rise up above the skin (it's pretty much completely flat right now, you can barely feel it if you run a finger over it).

I'd like to stop worrying about it, but there is some pain in and around the area (not when I touch it, just now and then throughout the day I feel a sort of tingly pain there now and then). I've also been having dull pain throughout my foot that seems to originate from that area.

Should I get a second opinion? I want to trust my doctor, but I am still concerned.

I can provide pictures if necessary.

[carly2996]

Gingermac,
My brother ( who is Caucasian and of English ancestry ) just had a melanoma removed from the bottom of his foot. Melanoma can kill you if you let it go. I'd be safe rather than sorry. What's the cost of having a mole removed vs. possibly developing metastatic melanoma? I think  the "wait and see" approach is good for stuff like colds, pulled muscles, sprained knees and backs. These will not kill you. Melanoma left to grow will. I'm not saying you have melanoma, but I think bleeding mole like things should not be in the "wait and see" category. Good luck to you and God Bless.
Carly

[gingermac]

Thanks for the reply. Would you mind looking at a couple photos for me?

Is it possible for localized pain to be caused by anxiety? This would make sense because it seems to sting more the more I worry about it.

Here are the photos. In the first you can see where the 'bleed' is occurring on the top left side. Size is about 5-6mm across the spot:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/2740490478_80a9167166.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/2740490390_16f21c3cc9.jpg?v=0

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Pain is not generally a sign of cancer.  It's more likely to be a sign of anxiety about cancer.  Quite possibly it's related to your foot and has nothing to do anything to do with your mole.  Your spot sounds like a mole, not a cancer.  But by all means get another opinion if you need it, from a dermatologist if possible.  

Best.

Dr. Rockoff