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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dark Spot On Forearms?

I just discovered a 10mm dark spot on my forearms. It is pretty regular (symmetrical) and uniform in colour. It does not hurt, and there is no sign of infection. I had no bumps or injuries in that point, that I can remember. As it is pretty large, and not in hidden position, the fact that I just discovered suggests that it appeared rather quickly. Besides skin cancer (!), what else could it be? What should I look into, before rushing to the doctor? Anything I could do to self-diagnose?
posted on Mon, 16 Feb 2015
Twitter Sat, 7 Mar 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 9 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Has the dark colored spot developed recently or is it present since birth?
If the spot has developed recently it could a nevus.
Naevus can be benign, dysplastic or malignant.
Biopsy and histopathological examination can help to determine its type.
If the dark spot is present since birth, any change in spot-change in size, change in color, development of ulceration etc are suspicious.
Biopsy is indicated in this case also.
Thus, you need to consult a dermatologist for clinical assessment, investigations and thus management.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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What Causes Dark Spot On Forearms?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Has the dark colored spot developed recently or is it present since birth? If the spot has developed recently it could a nevus. Naevus can be benign, dysplastic or malignant. Biopsy and histopathological examination can help to determine its type. If the dark spot is present since birth, any change in spot-change in size, change in color, development of ulceration etc are suspicious. Biopsy is indicated in this case also. Thus, you need to consult a dermatologist for clinical assessment, investigations and thus management. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri