Nodular Melanoma

I am a 46 year old female with a grandmother who died of melanoma. I have other risk factors including fair skin, green eyes and multilple dysplastic nevi, which have all been removed. About a six weeks ago I noticed what looked like a solid black hard blood blister the size of a pinhead on my torso. It apparently dissolved, then came back twice since then. It's back again and about 1/16" in diameter, shiny slightly raised and hard. So, I did some research online and was horrified because I'm concerned this could be nodular melanoma after reading descriptions on line.

Given the fact this has dissappeared 2x is that a likely scenario? If it is nodular melanoma, are the chances good that I caught it early enough with it  still being so small? I am very worried because of my family history and heightened awareness of melanoma. Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Your worry is understandable, but melanomas don't come and go.  My guess would be that this was a blister of some sort, perhaps brought on by a pinch or scratch.  I suggest you leave it alone and show a doctor.  If the doctor can't find it, then it wasn't a melanoma.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[mdandva]

I'm experiencing the same thing on my right quad.  I have a spot that seems to blister up every now and then and looks like a cherry angioma and then after a few days goes away.  About 10 days ago, it happened again and it seemed like it happened overnight or I just hadn't noticed.  However this time, it looks black (though I guess it could be dried blood), is about 3/16 inch wide in diameter and is surrounded by what looks like a circular bruise that is 5/8" in diameter.  I'm a little concerned with this event because it hasn't changed in 10 days and the surrounding redness has grown somewhat since day 1.

[mdandva]

I'm experiencing the same thing on my right quad.  I have a spot that seems to blister up every now and then and looks like a cherry angioma and then after a few days goes away.  About 10 days ago, it happened again and it seemed like it happened overnight or I just hadn't noticed.  However this time, it looks black (though I guess it could be dried blood), is about 3/16 inch wide in diameter and is surrounded by what looks like a circular bruise that is 5/8" in diameter.  I'm a little concerned with this event because it hasn't changed in 10 days and the surrounding redness has grown somewhat since day 1.

[mdandva]

I'm experiencing the same thing on my right quad.  I have a spot that seems to blister up every now and then and looks like a cherry angioma and then after a few days goes away.  About 10 days ago, it happened again and it seemed like it happened overnight or I just hadn't noticed.  However this time, it looks black (though I guess it could be dried blood), is about 3/16 inch wide in diameter and is surrounded by what looks like a circular bruise that is 5/8" in diameter.  I'm a little concerned with this event because it hasn't changed in 10 days and the surrounding redness has grown somewhat since day 1.

[Jos1000]

I have the something happening on my left quad.  It's a small scar that's been changing colors and it blisters up and then goes away.  Looks just like the beginning stages of nodular melanoma but then it goes away.  I'm seeing a dermatologist on 6-28-2011.  The Internet is too confusing when it comes to melanoma.