accuracy in dx

I was just at my dermatologist for a skin screening.  She decided to take a mole off of my back that was flat brown, ordinary looking except it had a slight "shine" to it.  She said it was either nothing or a pigmented basal cell so she would remove it. I have had basal cell one other time removed but it was a peary bump kind. I have read that sometimes melanoma and pigmented bcc can be confused.  I am not so worried about the pigmented bcc although I would much prefer it be nothing.  I am just concerned about whether an experienced dermatologist can be certain using magnification telling the bcc from something worse.  worried again! I asked her again when I was leaving if she said pigmented bcc or nothing and she said..."exactly".  Can an experienced dermatologist tell with visual inspection?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

No, not for certain.  That's why your dermatologist wants to do a biopsy.  This is appropriate, and the only way to be sure.  If it's a basal cell, it will need to be treated anyway, but if it's an atypical mole (or a melanoma), it will need to be treated differently.  That's the reason for doing the biopsy.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[nebulip]

Hi, I have a persistant red rash that from time to time comes up in acne like bumps n white heads with throbn pain.This rash and associated problems is located in between my upper lip and nose (moustach area of skin).Ive had this persistant problem for 15 month's now.Been on oxytetracycline,flucloxacilin bactroban and various steroid and acne creams but nothing works and at my wits end with such an embarissing condition.Im waiting to see a dermatologist,in the meantime can anyone give me any info on what I