Dermatologist Questions Dermapathologist

Skin issues?

I’m a 40 year old male. No family history of melanoma. I went to a dermatologist for a new spot on my leg- ended up seeing a PA who said it was nothing. I then showed her 2 small spots on my torso that I’ve had for several years. She said they should be biopsied to see if it’s nothing or if I don’t have long to live. I have a history of anxiety and panic attacks which they knew. I’m seeking a second opinion because I have no faith in this place especially after some of the reviews. The spots are about 5 inches apart. They do have irregular borders. The PA said one was 2 colors although I couldn’t see it despite looking with a magnifying glass. They are both smaller than a pencil eraser. They are flat, have never bleed, never crusted, and have never caused me issues. Since noticing them they don’t look to have changed in size at all. The panic attack led me to the ER. Clear chest x-Ray and normal labs. Overall health is fine. No weight loss, no loss of appetite, no abdominal pain, and no swollen or palpable lymph nodes. I do have fatigue but that’s nothing new for me. Given my overall health, I would imagine that even if these were melanoma it’s still in the early stages. It just bothered me that a PA felt it was okay to say this with her not even being a doctor or a pathologist. I’m going to a different practice that came highly recommend where I’ll see an actual doctor. Any peace of mind would be greatly appreciated. I can normally keep my anxiety and panic attacks under control but this time it was too much.

Male | 40 years old
Complaint duration: N/A
Medications: Claritin and Tylenol as needed
Conditions: Gilbert’s Syndrome, Degenerative disc disease, stomach ulcers

1 Answer

Greetings, and so sorry to learn of your recent experience, 

The reassuring news is that most "spots" have nothing to do with skin cancer. In fact, we all get some discolorations as we age. Some providers are way too trigger happy/alarmist when it comes to biopsies, and this certainly may have been the case that you describe. You made the correct choice by seeking a second opinion.  

Stephen Schleicher, MD