Red Bump/Concerned

Dear Dr, Rockoff,

I had a some kind of rash or poison ivy near my elbow over the summer that lasted for a few weeks.  After it cleared up I noticed a small red bump that was hard when I touch it.  

I went to a dermatologist today and she decided to take it off and said rather safe than sorry.  This increased my anxiety thinking this could be nodular melanoma rather than some benign bump.  It measured 3-4 mm wide and about 1-2 mm in heigth.

Now I have to wait 7 to 14 days for the results and my nerves are starting to get to me even know I'm glad I went to the doctor.  

Please share your thoughts on this being something serious like nodular melanoma versus scar tissue.

I'm a 40 year old male with no family history of melanoma.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Let's put it this way.  The chances of this being a nodular melanoma are not zero.  They are about the same as your chances of winning the Megabucks lottery tomorrow afternoon.  There are lots of bumps other than melanomas.  Im sure your doctor was just trying to be cautious.  I'm glad to went too, because when you get the results, you won't have to worry.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff