Sun spot on face

Hi, I am a 35 year old female and have had a spot on my face for about 3 years now.  It is totally flat, round, uniform in color(light tan) but is slightly larger than a pencil eraser. I am really scared to get it checked because I'm afraid they will tell me it's melanoma.  I've been using over-the-counter products with retinol and the spot has lightened up a lot.  Does this sound like something serious or just a normal sun spot (I have a very light complexion).  I've read so many articles and they are very confusing...some say that age spots are nothing to worry about and others say that pigmented spots could be a sign of cancer.  Any help would be much appreciated.  Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Jackie:

Your question illustrates a common but pretty irrational approach you share with many other people: fear of showing a problem to a doctor for fear you'll find out it's a problem.

If this were a problem, that kind of problem could land you in plenty of hot water.  Fortunately, in your case, I'm fairly sure from your description that you have a harmless lentigo, or sun spot.

Do yourself a favor: show the spot to a dermatologist, who can set your mind at ease about this spot, as well as others you're likely to get if your skin is prone to them.  Also, you'll learn good ways to prevent and eliminate them.

Get on the stick, Jackie!  You have nothing to fear but fear itself!

Best

Dr. R