Amelonotic melanoma

[LadyPenelope72]

Hi Dr Rockoff,
I am a 35 year old female with type 3 skin. I do burn but also get tan. When I was young/teen I spent my summers outside without sunblock. I have some freckles but not freckles like a very fair person. I have been very careful about my skin since my mid twenties. About 2 weeks ago I noticed that a spot on my lower leg near the inside of my knee to shin had changed. It seemed to happen overnight. I remember the spot being a white spot on my leg. Kind of like a small flat colorless mole. I have had it for ages. It appeared to be one of those sun damage spots people get in their extremities. About 2 weeks ago it became slightly pink/skin colored and became raised. It is soft to the touch but slightly mottled feeling. It does not feel firm or like it is a nodule.It is symmetrical and about 4 mm across. It is uniform in color but lacks real pigment. It blanches when pressed on.It almost looks like a small spot of eczema or a spot that could turn into ringworm (I have had that before but that seemed to grow quickly and changed to the classic ring). This has not changed since it's initial development. I am going to see my dermatologist on August 6th. My questions for you are: Do you think I should worry that this is melanoma? What else could it be? and Should I try to get into my dermatologist sooner? Any response would be great!
Thanks,
ladyPenelope    

[LadyPenelope72]

I wanted to thank you for your quick response and for spending your time on this forum answering questions. It is most helpful and really sets some worried minds at ease.
Take care,
LadyPenelope

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

No, I don't think you should worry at all.  The spot you describe doesn't sound like melanoma and it changed much too fast for it to be much of anything besides irritation of some sort.  Just leave it alone and keep your appointment.  The spot may not even be there by the time you go.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff