$Unique_ID{BRK00762}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Darkly Pigmented Spots on the Leg}
$Subject{melanoma black spot cancers cancerous carcinoma neoplasm neoplasms
cancer Skin cancers local anesthetics office melanomas}
$Volume{L-20, B-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Darkly Pigmented Spots on the Leg


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QUESTION:  I have a darkly pigmented spot on my leg, but am reluctant to visit
my physician for fear of what he would find.  Are there any creams or lotions
that can be used to treat this condition?

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ANSWER:  You are not as uninformed as you would have me believe, for your fear
comes from the knowledge that this "darkly pigmented spot" may be a melanoma.
A melanoma is a malignant tumor of the pigment producing cells of the skin.
And you are playing with fire, for although melanomas account for only 3% of
all skin cancers, they cause 2/3 of deaths from skin malignancy.  Their
numbers are rising at such a dramatic rate that it is estimated that by the
year 2000, 1 in every 100 Americans will develop this lesion.  But the
statistics on early treatment are equally impressive and when these skin
tumors are removed in the first stages, five year cure rates reach 85%.
Melanomas occur most frequently in people between the ages of 40 and 55, and
while they may appear anywhere on the body, are most common on the back in
men, and the lower legs and back in women.  Not all dark or colored lesions
are melanomas, and the delayed visit to your physician may prove that you
fears are groundless.  However most prudent physicians will advise the removal
of any suspicious spots.  It is a relatively painless procedure, using local
anesthetics and performed in the office setting.  All tissue is sent to the
laboratory for microscopic examination and diagnosis.  To answer your
question, there are no creams or lotions to treat this situation, so take a
deep breath, and make that doctor's appointment today.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.