HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Does A Spot On Left Middle Toe Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 5 May 2014

Question: Hello, I submitted this question and just wanted to get a second opinion as I am a big worrier- I am seeing my doctor tomorrow but my worrying is getting the best of me. I have this spot of my left middle toe- I have had it for a year or so roughly - It's seems like it's under the skin opposed to being a lesion or any type of raise. It is just their with no lump or any other toe of charastic. I have never though much of it until I heard about melanoma and now I am very worried. Can you give me some insight on your opinion. The onocologist from 2 days ago suggest it was skin pigmentation . I appreciate any feedback and thank you in advance- Also in the last year I have had a physical , complete blood work, stomach liver kidney and pancreas ultrasound , pelvis exam and coloscopy (all test were completely normal) Thank you

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Does not look malignant, get local examination done Detailed Answer: Hi I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same . I have seen the attached pictures . You basically have a slightly pigmented skin lesion over your feet . Although it is good to be vigilant and get any suspicious lesion examined, but looking at the pictures, I do not suspect anything very serious. Melanomas have to be ruled out if one develops any pigmented lesion over the body. But in your case, it looks more like a benign melanocytic naevus. There are certain characteristics of melanoma in the form of dark pigmentation or varying areas of pigmentation or a deep component or a protruding mass . Also I would like to know if you have just noticed the lesion or was it present since a long time. In case there was a pre existing mole with a sudden increase in size, then that needs a proper evaluation. But in any other case , I can assure you that it does not look much suspicious of a melanoma. Since you have an appointment with a doctor, it would be good to get it examined for any deeper component which can be checked by the doctor as well as the need to check the local lymph nodes so as to rule out any malignant change. Hope it helps Dr Geetika Paul

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (13 minutes later)

Thank you for getting back to me- I feel like if has been their for a year give or take- If it was melanoma would I have other symptoms as of now? I wish I remember when I noticed it exactly- I am praying it is not melanoma Also, Also I feel like it has appeared since I have been wearing closed toe shoes but could be 100% wrong

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Looks more like a naevi Detailed Answer: Hi again I would like to tell you that melanomas are mostly sudden in onset with either sudden development of new lesions or sudden changes in an earlier mole. So going by the sequence of events and the appearance of the lesion in your case, I am not really worried about it being a melanoma . I still think of it as a melanocytic naevi . It is unlikely to be due to trauma to feet, owing to its long presence. If it is present since a year or more, then we do expect other changes in the lesion like increase in size with a solid component or a dyspigmentation. But still to be very sure, an examination by an expert is necessary so as to look for local changes although I can assure you not to be worried too much. Dr Geetika Paul

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar