red spot/mole on lower leg

Hi, I am very nervous about this red mole (I thought it was just a spot from my fair skin from the sun, as my skin can get red easily, or a blood vessel thing).  I am a 52 yr old female, fair skin, freckles, bad sunburns as a child, careful since.  I have had this red bump on lower leg, about the size of an eraser, for about 10 months.  I did not think much of it or would have checked, of course, so now I am really scared.  It did not change or bother me, and was not dark or multicolored.  I went to a dermatologist 2 days ago, had 2 areas on my chest frozen off, have new sunspots on face, all fine.  She was concerned about the red spot.  She did a shave biopsy. I asked why not a more invasive biopsy if she was concerned.  She (is very young) said that it wasn't dark just a bit scaly, so did not think I needed a punch biopsy and was not overly concerned (but seemed to be).  Wouldn't a doctor just excise it right there if they were very concerned??  I have read that a shave biopsy is not a good idea on a suspected melanoma, so I am confused.  I have to wait a week and am a nervous wreck.  The biopsy is healing, doesn't hurt anymore, but went from pinkish red to back to the brighter red and shape it was before the biopsy, and looks the same as it did.  Is that normal?  I appreciate your advice.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Shave biopsies are quite appropriate.  I think your dermatologist tested this just be sure, and doing a full excision is not required unless suspicion is very high, so I think her judgment was sensible in your case, given your description of the spot.  Please try to get hold of yourself while you wait for the biopsy results.  The laboratory I use sends results overnight.  Perhaps if you press, you can get the reassurance you need sooner than a week.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[rara11]

I think this posted under Acne by mistake.  Should be under skin care or skin cancer

[rara11]

Sorry for all the posts!!  I am not sure how these questions get posted and in what area.  I also wanted to say that the red spot is not really a bump, but a flat red spot as far as I can tell, with no other colors.  Thank you.

[rara11]

Sorry!  I wish I had thought my first post through, since I am so anxious.  The biopsy site now looks very red and oozing a bit (2 days, with bandaid and bacitracin).  Is this normal?  Also I think the spot is more like 1-2mm.and looks irregular after the biopsy.  Thank you again.

[rara11]

Thanks so much for getting back to me. That ease my mind a bit.  As you suggested, I may call earlier to check, and in the meantime I will calm down.  I appreciate your thoughts.  I may ask you more about the results later if appropriate.