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Hi Dr. Kakkar -- You Probably Will Not Be Surprised
Question: Hi Dr. Kakkar -- you probably will not be surprised to hear from me again so soon, given my uptick in health anxiety! You always make me feel so much better with your reassuring answers, so I have yet another crazy and neurotic "mom" question pertaining to my son!
My son is currently 21 years old, and much to his chagrin, I make him go to the derm for yearly skin cancer screenings. I remembered that when he was a baby and toddler he had a TINY pigmented spot on the head of his penis, probably the size of a tiny pinpoint. I used to show it to his pediatrician who said it was fine. Fast forward all of these years, and my crazy anxiety is making me think about that spot. I know that when he goes for his skin screenings they probably do not examine those areas. A few years ago I told him that I remembered the spot and asked whether it was still there and his answer was simply "No -- please stop", as I obviously embarrassed him by asking. So I just told him to watch for any areas or spots on his skin that change, grow, bleed, look irregular, etc. It's obviously a sensitive subject and I can't bring it back up to him other than in those general terms, and I can't force him to show it to the dermatologist (who is a female physician's assistant).
I know that there are no definitive answers, but do you have any words of reassurance that can ease my mind so I can let go of this CRAZY worry of mine? I mentioned it to my derm when I was last there for my skin check and she mentioned that congenital spots like that would very rarely become anything dangerous.
If this was your son, would you be unduly stressed over this?
Thanks again for putting up with my neurotic questions -- at least I give you some entertainment for the day!!
My son is currently 21 years old, and much to his chagrin, I make him go to the derm for yearly skin cancer screenings. I remembered that when he was a baby and toddler he had a TINY pigmented spot on the head of his penis, probably the size of a tiny pinpoint. I used to show it to his pediatrician who said it was fine. Fast forward all of these years, and my crazy anxiety is making me think about that spot. I know that when he goes for his skin screenings they probably do not examine those areas. A few years ago I told him that I remembered the spot and asked whether it was still there and his answer was simply "No -- please stop", as I obviously embarrassed him by asking. So I just told him to watch for any areas or spots on his skin that change, grow, bleed, look irregular, etc. It's obviously a sensitive subject and I can't bring it back up to him other than in those general terms, and I can't force him to show it to the dermatologist (who is a female physician's assistant).
I know that there are no definitive answers, but do you have any words of reassurance that can ease my mind so I can let go of this CRAZY worry of mine? I mentioned it to my derm when I was last there for my skin check and she mentioned that congenital spots like that would very rarely become anything dangerous.
If this was your son, would you be unduly stressed over this?
Thanks again for putting up with my neurotic questions -- at least I give you some entertainment for the day!!
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Thank you for your question. In fact I never mind answering your inquisitive questions.
A tiny pigmented spot on penis, most likely a small mole, being on a covered body site has no chance of turning into anything significant in lifetime. Since, most of the melanomas happen at sites exposed to the Sun like trunk, face, head, extremities(shins, arms). So there is nothing to worry.
Take care. Let me know if you need any more assistance on this. Good day.
Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Thank you for your question. In fact I never mind answering your inquisitive questions.
A tiny pigmented spot on penis, most likely a small mole, being on a covered body site has no chance of turning into anything significant in lifetime. Since, most of the melanomas happen at sites exposed to the Sun like trunk, face, head, extremities(shins, arms). So there is nothing to worry.
Take care. Let me know if you need any more assistance on this. Good day.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr Kakkar....I am giving you a humongous virtual hug!! You are the absolute best and have been such a godsend to me throughout the last several years as I’ve dealt with this health anxiety . I have come a long way on the anxiety front but as with any work in progress, I have my setbacks and occasionally need that expert reassurance. You truly have helped me more than you could ever imagine and I am beyond comforted by the fact I can always turn to you with my skin worries and oftentimes neurotic questions! Please know that you have been an incredible help for me, more than I could ever even put into words! Maybe some day you can write a book based upon your experiences in telehealt and you can feature me in a chapter with all of my many neurotic and over-then-top questions throughout the years, lol!!!
You are truly the best!!
You are truly the best!!
Brief Answer:
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
dear XXXXXXX .
I am glad that you appreciate my advice. I wish you good health always.
Take care
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
dear XXXXXXX .
I am glad that you appreciate my advice. I wish you good health always.
Take care
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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