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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Black Spot Below Armpit, Leg. No Medication Till Now. What Is The Remedy For This?

Hi. I am a 45 y/o female who has fair skin, and who spent a good deal of time in the sun up until my 30's. Overnight (literally) I developed a black spot with a slightly raised area just below my left armpit. I saw a Dermatologist about nine months ago for a sun spot on my leg. I was told the spot on my leg was nothing to be concerned with, that it was hereditary, and that I would probably get more. It was brown in color, but the new one that came up overnight is very, very black. It is approximately 1/2 inch, and itches some. Have an appointment to have it diagnosed, but am having a great deal of anxiety about it as I have one son, and am widowed. This website will not allow me to include photo, but anything that you can share with me based on the above information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

posted on Sat, 20 Apr 2013
Twitter Sat, 20 Apr 2013 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 23 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello, and welcome to HCM!

There are some basic guidelines that you as a patient can use to determine if a mole or any other kind of skin lesion is concerning for cancer. You can use the memory trick ABCD to remember them.

Asymmetry - skin cancer tends to have a very asymmetric appearance. If the spot is round or oval in shape it is less concerning.

Borders - skin cancer usually has very irregular borders, whereas benign skin lesions tend to have much more regular borders

Color - skin cancer lesions usually contain different colors, but benign skin lesions typically will be one consistent color throughout

Diameter - The larger a lesion is, the more concerning it is. As a general rule, anything larger that a pencil eraser is concerning and should be looked at by a physician.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Make sure to keep your appointment to have this skin spot looked at.

I wish you well in the future, and thank you for your question.
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Have Black Spot Below Armpit, Leg. No Medication Till Now. What Is The Remedy For This?

Hello, and welcome to HCM! There are some basic guidelines that you as a patient can use to determine if a mole or any other kind of skin lesion is concerning for cancer. You can use the memory trick ABCD to remember them. Asymmetry - skin cancer tends to have a very asymmetric appearance. If the spot is round or oval in shape it is less concerning. Borders - skin cancer usually has very irregular borders, whereas benign skin lesions tend to have much more regular borders Color - skin cancer lesions usually contain different colors, but benign skin lesions typically will be one consistent color throughout Diameter - The larger a lesion is, the more concerning it is. As a general rule, anything larger that a pencil eraser is concerning and should be looked at by a physician. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Make sure to keep your appointment to have this skin spot looked at. I wish you well in the future, and thank you for your question.