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Is A Dark Mole On The Stomach Area Of A Teenager Serious?

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Posted on Wed, 20 Apr 2016
Question: my 14 year old daughter has a mole on her stomach area that her pediatrician thought we should have a dermatologist look at because it was darker and slightly irregular on one side. She thought it was innocent but to be safe it should be looked at even though she said there is no rush as she believes it to not be anything to worry about. Our family Dermatologist can't see her for almost 2 months. My daughter has several moles, mostly on her shoulder area, all darker colored like this one that she has had for many years. My daughter said the pediatrician only saw this one because at her recent physical the doctor noticed it when she lifted up her shirt. She has had this mole for as long as I can remember and my daughter says it hasn't changed, doesn't itch or bleed. She did pick it once about 6 years ago causing it to bleed. We put Neosporin on it and it healed fine. Really haven't looked at it since. Do you think she needs to be seen, and if so can it wait the 2 months for her appointment? Does it look normal to you? I don't want to have unnecessary tests and biopsy's etc. if it looks fine. My daughter had a bad experience with a cut to her big tow when she was small and needed stitches. The needles in the wound didn't really work and she was in excruciating pain during the stitches. So now she is still 6 years later very afraid of needles etc. I just don't want to over react and have her go through procedures that may not be necessary.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
A benign melanocytic nevus

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am Dr. Kakkar (Dermatologist). I have read your question and I have also reviewed the Image.

This is most likely a congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN). It is well defined, round, uniform color, small in size and moreover has'nt changed for many years and is therefore benign. A small sized CMN which is < 1.5 cm in size anyways has a very low risk of turning into a melanoma.
Nothing to worry. Only if it changes in anyway like increase in size, changes shape, develops color vareigation, ulcerates, pains etc you would need to go to a dermatologist.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 minutes later)
Thank you! Feel much better!

We actually now have an appointment with a local Dermatologist in the area. (not our regular Dermatologist who as I mentioned isn't available.) Do you think I can cancel that and just keep an eye on it or should I still bring her in? I have no relationship with this doctor as she was the only one we could find with an opening to see her. As you may be aware sometimes doctors (or lawyers, chiropractors, electricians... etc.) will recommend unnecessary procedures. Do I need to keep this appointment and if she recommends removal or the like should I allow it or get yet another opinion? THanks so much for you quick and thoughtful response.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Its a benign nevus

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Its up to you whether you want to go ahead with an appointment or not, however, as far as this mole is concerned I don't think she or for that matter your regular dermatologist would remove it. They would all leave it alone for now.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 minutes later)
How sure are you with your diagnosis? I would prefer not to take her if you are very sure.


I'm sorry!....and do they get larger or is this most likely as big as it will get?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
100% sure

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I am absolutely sure. One can expect an increase in size proportionate to body growth. However, in her case, it won't increase further as she is past puberty.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 minute later)
Thank you very much! Last question. So sorry... but you said if in the first answer that if increases in size I should have it checked. Does that mean ANY increase in size or a dramatic increase or "spreading" type thing? Thanks again very much!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Benign nevus

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

A mole that is changing into a melanoma would not only just increase in size but would also have other features like ulceration, color changes (various shades of red, pink, blue or white etc), asymmetry (due to uneven increase in size), change in shape.
As far as it looks the same size or even if slightly increases in size but looks symmetrical, round, uniform colored and regular margins there is nothing to worry

Regards
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Is A Dark Mole On The Stomach Area Of A Teenager Serious?

Brief Answer: A benign melanocytic nevus Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I am Dr. Kakkar (Dermatologist). I have read your question and I have also reviewed the Image. This is most likely a congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN). It is well defined, round, uniform color, small in size and moreover has'nt changed for many years and is therefore benign. A small sized CMN which is < 1.5 cm in size anyways has a very low risk of turning into a melanoma. Nothing to worry. Only if it changes in anyway like increase in size, changes shape, develops color vareigation, ulcerates, pains etc you would need to go to a dermatologist. Regards