Question:
I've called my doctor's office but he's away this week. The earliest I'll see him is next Monday. Until then, I need to calm myself down. Or I'll be a basketcase when I do see him.
I have a black spot on my lower lip.
It appeared exactly three weeks ago. It is black, circular in shape but not perfectly circular, about the size of a bullet (like in type list form) Example below:
• jdjdjdjdjdj
• njjgjgjgugugj
It's smooth, like it's underneath the skin, no bumps or ridges. And it doesn't hurt. Just appeared one day and hasn't changed in the slightest.
Just a few extra things that might help. I'm a 44 year old woman. I smoke.
One last thing. About 14 years ago, I was on Accutane - a strong medication for acne which contains an excess of Vitamin A. If exposed to the sun for any long period of time, your skin would turn orange. This medication has been known for serious side effects. Some of which are still being documented. I was on it twice. Once for 6 months. Off for 6 months. Then back on it for another 6 months.
Any help would be great. Even if it is skin cancer, I can deal with it. I just need to have an idea of sorts. Because right now, I'm freaking myself out.
Thank you.
southl
Answer:
The best thing you can do is make the appt. By chance did you bite your lip??? Could it be a blood blister??? In any event, try not to get crazy. I know that's easier said then done........
Keep me posted on what happens next mon. I will be praying all turns out well.
Answer:
my friend had a black spot on her stomach and it turned out to be a blood blister. Let us know what happens
Haley
Answer:
I don't know if our situations are the same, but I too have a black spot on my lower lip, that just appeared one day. That was a few years ago now, but it has grown larger over time. I did get it checked out and my doctor said that it was nothing to worry about. I don't even remember what she called it, but there is a history of melanoma in my family and I am a high risk candidate, so that was my motivation for getting it seen. Apparently such black spots are not uncommon and in years past, they would have been cut out. Since then, because they have been found to be harmless and because cutting them out leaves bad scarring, I understand that it is preferable to leave them.
I hope that helps you out a bit, but I do recommend you get your doctor to take a look at it, just to be sure.
Best of luck.
Answer:
Thanks for everyone's replies. I do have that appointment for Monday afternoon. Since I've written my first posting, I've calmed myself considerably. I'm one of those people who doesn't take sickness well. Not that I'm sick. Far from it. But it's the idea of CANCER. My mother's had colon cancer twice. My father's had colon cancer once. Both were cured. Then my father got Leukemia - ALL. That took him three years ago. I'm just scared. It's nice to have a support team here.
ambiegirl:
I'm curious. You say it appeared several years ago and it's grown some. Your doctor reassured you back then. But what about now that it's grown? Did she ever explain what that spot is? A mole? Not cancerous? Did she ever say that you might need to have it removed one day? Or to come and see her periodically about it? I know - a lot of questions.
southl