Should I be concerned?

[Mountainoutofmole]

Hello-
I am 26 y.o. and currently training as a nurse practitioner, and am concerned about a mole I have (particularly after we just finished our skin unit!) I've had this mole for atleast 3-4 years and I am fairly confident it hasn't changed much. It is completely macular, and it is approximately 3.5mm at its widest. The reason I never worried about it before is that I didn't think it was a mole. It is on my lower abdomen and anytime I shave or use depilatories in the area, I tend to get furuncles. I felt that this brown spot occurred after the scab from one of these furuncles sank into the skin (is that possible?) However, it doesn't look like typical post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The reason I am worried about it now is because it is dark brown and noticeably darker than my other moles (although I feel like it has been this way ever since I can remember it). It is also a little bit asymmetric, but again, I don't feel like it has changed much in the past couple of years. I have no personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma. No previous skin biopsies or suspicious moles. Also, no serious sunburns, although I did have a lot of sun exposure as a child and would tan very easily. I am of middle eastern descent, and tend to tan easily.

I have already made an appointment to see a dermatologist but am not able to see one until mid January. I am very worried about this, and just need some advice.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Mid-January should be fine.

Dr. Rockoff

[Mountainoutofmole]

Thanks Doc. Feeling better about it. Especially since it hasn't changed much since I've had it. I was wondering if you thought I could wait until mid January to get it looked at, or if I should have it looked at emergently?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Looks like a lentigo (freckle), not even a mole.  Check it out, but don't worry.

Dr. Rockoff

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

First of all, I really like your posting name!

I doubt that the mole you describe is anything more than a regular mole that's darker than the others.  You're right to have it looked at, of course, and the dermatologist may decide to shave it off for biopsy, just to be sure, but then again maybe even that won't be necessary.  As to the relation with the furuncle, I have to assume that's coincidence, since people get new moles through age 40 or beyond.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Mountainoutofmole]

I should say that it also doesn't itch or bleed, and again, it is completely flat.

[Mountainoutofmole]

Here is a picture with a scale bar.

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/maternewb/DSC01610.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/maternewb/DSC01612.jpg