Black spots on Neck, under breasts and inner thigh

[p20]

Hello Doctor,
         I am a 27 year old lean asian indian woman. Over the past year I started to notice darkened skin along my neck which seems to be growing. Similarly, I also noticed pigmentation under my breasts and inside my inner left thigh. However, these pigmentations are more spotty, thicker, raised and much darker than the ones around my neck. The ones around my neck looks more like patches of dark brown than spots and are not very raised. None of these pigmentations itch much, only occasionally. I had my physician run blood tests for me to see if it could be diabetes but every thing was clear including glucose levels. She did not however do a specific insulin resistance test since she said that the imbalance would have showed up in the normal blood tests and that I was too thin  to have diabetes. She also said that the cortisol level was normal so she ruled out addisons. Now I am very worried. I am not even sure if this is infact acanthosis nigricans since it does not cover the back of my neck or underarms and its much more spotty. Could this be anything else? Can I send some pictures so you could get a better idea? (I will add the spots on my thigh to my profile).
I have not been able to get an appointment with the dermatologist till Jan next year. I cannot wait that long since I am very anxious and fearing the worst. Any help will be appreciated.

[sarthak33]

A related discussion, black spot on the neck was started.

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

First of all, relax, stop with being anxious and scared, continue with being proactive  and the diagnosis will be known soon.

Thank you for providing additional information. The reason I asked is the possibility of a diffused hypermelanosis (including yours) to be hereditary or aquired; to be liked with pathology of one or more endocrine glands or caused by use of certain oral medications; related to prior inflammatory process and/or friction; etc.  Acantosis nigricans is a possible diagnosis too (paraneopalstic form has to be excluded).

Diagnostically, it is recommended to investigate endocrinopathies (such as  hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance & hyperinsulinemia, hyperthyroidism, adrenal pathology, etc.) and to evaluate the  state of mucous membranes and mucocutaneous borders.  You could have those results even prior to your visit to a dermatologist who will then be able to correlate those data with clinical findings and establish final diagnosis.

Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic

[p20]

Hi Doctor,

1) I have not applied anything to the affected areas.

2) I have also not been taking any drugs orally.

3) I do not think there are any prevalent skin diseases in my family.

4) I have been quite healthy and do not really feel any different from before the spots started to appear.

Thanks

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

It would be great if you could tell us few more details before we answer you:

1. Have you been applying anything on the skin in those areas (prior and after changes started)? What?
2. Are you taking any drugs orally? Please, explain.
3. Any skin diseases in your family? Any other diseases?
4. Do you have other health problems (not necessarily skin related)?

Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic