Worried about a mole

[TDBC]

I have an abnormal mole on my side.  I was at the derm about 6-months ago and she didn't do a very good whole body check and she missed this one.  I am quite certain it's abnormal -- at first glance it has a very defined "fried egg" look to it.  I decided to keep an eye on it and mention it when I went for my next check-up (with a different, better, derm).  My appointment is on Thursday.

I'm freaking out b/c for the past month or so I've noticed that the inner spot (imagine the yolk of a fried egg) is actually composed of tiny little lines.  It's not just a darker spot that I thought it was when I first looked at it.  I don't know if that means it changes recently or if it was always like that and I didn't look closely enough at first.  I swear the lines are getting darker, but my husband says they're not.  I make him look through a magnifying glass, lol.  The entire mole is tan/light brown and my husband says the lines on the inside are just a darker shade of brown.  I am freaking out b/c they look black/gray to me (although my husband SWEARS they are not).  The whole thing is oval, with no uneven boarders, slightly raised, and just a snit smaller than a pencil eraser.  What has me freaked out is the lines -- why are there lines?  Darker lines?  I keep thinking that the lines are getting more pronounced and that there are more of them, but DH says no.  I'm more in tune to small changes than he is though.  UGH.  Anyone know anything about lines in moles?  I am freaking out about melanoma.....

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is like a fried egg naevus which is a compound naevus with a flat rim of pigment around a bumpy central portion which can be light or dark than the original naevus. It should be of concern only if characteristics of any melanoma are there which have been explained earlier.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[TDBC]

Thanks....

So a "fried egg" appearance (like a darker mole on top of a lighter mole) in a mole isn't always bad?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like a mole.
Melanoma has an irregular border, is asymmetrical, uneven color and increasing in size. If you notice changes in the mole's/mark’s color, height, size or shape, you should have a dermatologist evaluate it. You also should have it checked if it bleeds, oozes, itches, appear scaly, or become tender or painful. Otherwise it should be left as such.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Kind regards.

[TDBC]

One more thing -- my husband says the lines are just medium brown

[TDBC]

PS --- I have severe OCD that centers mostly around health issues, so please don't scare me!!!