View Full Version : Brown patch on my knuckle... trying not to Google skin cancer!
hazelbritt
20-06-18, 21:46
I noticed this brown patch about 1-2 months ago. At first I saw it but didn't really think much about it. When I noticed that it wasn't going away, I began to worry a bit. Now I'm feeling quite worried about it and really trying not to Google it because I know that will probably end in me having a panic attack about skin cancer
I don't know if I should see the doctor about it or not. Feeling scared.
From about the time I was 20, I’ve been getting what I call sun spots. They are largish kind of freckles. My dermatologist says they are the result of too much time in the sun. Some of them look like a cluster of freckles. You could also have a new mole growing. I’m 57 and I had a new mole grow two years ago. It was pretty big.
I am at high risk for melanoma and have regular skin checkups. My doc says not to worry unless the spot is nodular, blackish, and growing fast, or is bigger than 6mm.
I hope that helps.
hazelbritt
20-06-18, 22:30
Thanks cptdebbie for taking the time to respond.
It doesn't really look like a mole or freckle. It's about the size of a dime and looks almost like an old age patch (but I'm only 31). I don't remember it being smaller and growing. When I first noticed it, it was this size.
My sister thinks it may be related to my hand eczema.
Why does my mind always conclude cancer??
That is what my “sun spots” look like. I always go to cancer too. It’s this nasty health anxiety stuff. It totally sucks.
I also get hyperpigmentation spots. You can safely google that. Mine are usually purplish, but I think it’s more common for them to be brownish. Strangely, I don’t ever remember what happened to cause my hyperpigmentation spots. My doc is a top research dermatologist at our local cancer hospital, though, so I trust him when he tells me that is what a spot is. I think eczema can cause hyperpigmentation. So, that is another possibility for what is on your knuckle.
I actually know lots of people who’ve had melanoma and not one of them has died from it. Most kinds are easily cured if caught early. I still freak out, though, every time I do my monthly skin check and when I go in to see my doctor. Sigh! That’s just how my anxiety works.
My doc usually tells me to watch a for a while and see if it changes. I often take a picture. Then I check on my spot when I do my monthly skin check. Unless your spot is raised and/or growing, I think you are fine to just watch it. It may grow and still be benign, but if it starts looking funky, I’d definitely show it to your doc.
Best Wishes :)
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