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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Two Big Brown Marks On Neck. Is It A Sign Of Having Diabetes? What To Do?

hello,
i am only 13 years old and i have 2 big brown marks on my neck.they just suddenly appeared a few months ago.i told my mom and she said it might be a sign of diabetes.but i have never ben tested.what should i do?


sincerely,
alliana
Wed, 13 Nov 2013
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Dear Alliana,

Thank you for choosing HCM for your query. I will gladly help you.

It seems like you have 2 brown marks on your neck and you are worried it may be diabetes.

There is a condition called acanthois nigricans which you are probably worried due to the brown spots. It occurs with pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes and people who have insulin resistance like who are overweight and also in other conditions.
Mostly it develops around the neck, axillary areas (under-arms) and other skin folds and creases.

The skin folds becomes dark- brownish, thickened and velvety which is usually poorly defined and this hyperpigmentation of the skin usually develops over a period of time.

You can look at the images of acanthosis nigricans over the internet and can compare it with yours.

It seems like with you there are two separate brown marks on your neck, which does not specifically fit with acanthosis nigricans.

I would suggest to be on the safer side and to be sure, you should have it examined by a physician or a dermatologist even if it is not acanthosis, especially since you mentioned that it has suddenly appeared and if needed they may order tests based on their finding.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Dr. Sumeet.
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Two Big Brown Marks On Neck. Is It A Sign Of Having Diabetes? What To Do?

Dear Alliana, Thank you for choosing HCM for your query. I will gladly help you. It seems like you have 2 brown marks on your neck and you are worried it may be diabetes. There is a condition called acanthois nigricans which you are probably worried due to the brown spots. It occurs with pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes and people who have insulin resistance like who are overweight and also in other conditions. Mostly it develops around the neck, axillary areas (under-arms) and other skin folds and creases. The skin folds becomes dark- brownish, thickened and velvety which is usually poorly defined and this hyperpigmentation of the skin usually develops over a period of time. You can look at the images of acanthosis nigricans over the internet and can compare it with yours. It seems like with you there are two separate brown marks on your neck, which does not specifically fit with acanthosis nigricans. I would suggest to be on the safer side and to be sure, you should have it examined by a physician or a dermatologist even if it is not acanthosis, especially since you mentioned that it has suddenly appeared and if needed they may order tests based on their finding. Hope this helps. Regards, Dr. Sumeet.