Can a red blotchy mark with no pus or head be a melanoma?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a red blotchy mark that appeared around three weeks ago on my face. I assumed it was a pimple but never developed any pus or head just a lot of red bumps and it only got bigger. It is about 10 mm long. It has bled and scabbed over on part of it. I wonder if I need to check it for melanoma or whether it is a simple treatment for something else. Can I send the pictures?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The lesion (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) is suspicious of skin malignancy. A biopsy needs to be done to rule out malignancy. Skin cancer occurs in areas exposed to sunlight. It could be benign or malignant. If detected early, it can be treated quickly with less scarring. signs and symptoms are a non-healing sore that started as a patch or rash, a growth that bleeds easily and crusts over, a change in shape and size of existing marks and discoloration, and the formation of an ulcer. Rough and scaly areas, lesions are painful, tender, itchy, red bumps shiny and pearly, or a raised area with a central lump. Avoid the mid-day sun. Use sunscreen lotion, even on a cloudy day. Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs and avoid tanning booths. Do a self-examination of the skin to look for changes and detect them early. Long-term sun exposure? Severe sunburn at an early age? Repeated exposure to radiation? Unusual scars on the skin? Frequent exposure to certain chemicals? Do use tanning beds? Any family history of skin cancer? Are any moles or dysplastic nevi on the body? Do you have a fair skin tone? Answer the questions to rule out risk factors.

Thank you.