Freckles

[Banx2281]

Hello,

I know only a limited amount of advise can be given here, however, I have a freckle that, whilst it has been there for some years (not sure exactly how long, or if from birth), following a campaign on TV about cancer, I have looked at it more detail, and, yes, googled what to look for in Melonoma. As I stated, it has not, at least not noticably, altered in some years, but does have 3 shades of colour, from dark brown to a lighter brown, the dark brown spot is circular but the lighter browns are not symetrical, it does not itch and is not raised, or bleeding, but the dark part does look slightly different to surrounding skin, it is roughly 2mm across.
Essentially, my question is, should I be concerned, or am I overreacting to a mix of TV campaigns and google medical advice?

Thank you.

[Dr Anton Alexandroff]

Dear Banx2281,

thank you. I am afraid it is very difficult to comment on the description of moles and lesions by non specialists. In general the suspicious features of cancerous moles are lack of symmetry in shape, outline/border, colour. We also pay extra attention to moles which are changing. There are some good links on my web site below, if you are interested, about suspicious moles and other skin cancers and sun damaged skin.

However, the overall approach is that if you think that a mole looks odd or changed - see your family doctor or dermatologist. I see lots of patients who come to see me with changing moles or odd moles. Most of them are benign non suspicious moles but time to time I see patients with unusual moles (so called dysplastic or atypical moles) or in fact melanomas.

I hope this is helpful.
With best wishes,

Dr Anton Alexandroff PhD MRCP(UK) FAAD FRSM
Consultant Dermatologist
Member of the British Association of Dermatologists
University Hospitals of Leicester, Spire and Nuffield Leicester Hospitals
www.alexandroff.org.uk
twitter: @your_skin_dr