COULD THIS BE MELANOMA?!help please?..........................

i just want answer from your OPINION please,i really dont want to hear anymore 'just go see a doc and youll be better safe than sorry'.okay,so,i am 16 and female,with lots of sunexposure as a child.for about 3 years [as i can remember] ive always noticed a mole on my shoulder thats like reddish brown,smaller than a pencil eracer,SAME color throught perfect circle w/ no irregular borders.but i dont know it just seems kind of more red now..but i am known for being quite a hypo. but it seriously looks like its gotten just MORE reddish..sound like a possible melanoma..early kind?

and,i aslo have a fair amount of other moles,about 3 larger than a pencil eraser,the rest smaller

I thought I would post this up for you, that way you can know what to look for.

A melanoma might look like a mole or a bump or growth on your skin. Melanomas often do not look bad at first.

The ABCDE rule can help you remember what to look for when you're checking any moles on your skin:

A for asymmetry: A mole that, when divided in half, doesn't look the same on both sides

B for border: A mole with edges that are blurry or jagged

C for color: Changes in the color of a mole, including darkening, spread of color, loss of color, or the appearance of multiple colors such as blue, red, white, pink, purple or gray

D for diameter: A mole larger than 1/4 inch in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser)

E for elevation: A mole that is raised above the skin and has a rough surface

You should also watch for the following skin changes:
A mole that bleeds
A fast-growing mole
A scaly or crusted growth on the skin
A sore that won't heal
A mole that itches
A place on your skin that feels rough, like sandpaper
If you notice a mole that has changed, or if you have a new mole that doesn't look like your other moles, visit your doctor right away.

You are not too young for melanoma. You have the right history and complexion. The color and size are not classic, but because it has gotten more red, it could be.
Only way to know is a doctor visit and possibly a biopsy by removal of the spot.

Yes it is possible - Those are all good indicators of melanoma. Being as though you are only 16 it is unikely but you can never be too safe. You should go see an MD though as he will be able to tell for sure, and what are you going to do if it's cancer? Sit there and waste away? Have them slice it off - It hurts like a bad bug bite and then you are safe.

Melanomas are usually darker colors like black and have rough edges. You need to search on Google for Melanomas and find to pics to compare your to. But they don't sound like Melanomas. To be safe keep those ares out of the sun.

I have know people with them and have seen them. Have a nurse look at them.

I would say it could be a number of things, some bad. But I wouldn't say it was melanoma. Melanomas grow quickly! Keep an eye on it and if it turns black and starts spreading, -then- see a doctor.

There are websites you can go to that will give you information on conditions such as malignant melanoma, basal, and squamous cell skin cancers. You can go to www.webmd.com or www.cancer.com and look under types of skin cancer.

you are at high risk for skin cancer. having a "tan" is not worth the risk. you should be applying a good uva/uvb blocking sunscreen on your skin when you are out in the sun, and constantly covering your moles. try a good sunscreen that contains mexoryl (now being sold in an SPF 15 in the US as of this year, higher SPFs to follow) or avobenzone (also known as Parsol 1789) for uva protection. In the meantime, get the moles checked out and don't put off your future protection, it's vital.

Usually from pictures I've seen, melanomas' are irregular,
rather than a round shape. Discoloration usually turns darker,
rather than lighter. I'm wondering if you are a girl, if your bra
strap isn't irritating the mole? I have one now that is doing
that,and the mole has raised a bit. So that's one I should have
looked at.
I wouldn't worry about the mole you have. It it isn't sore, or
itching, you should be fine. So don't be paranoid. If you think
you'd feel better, see your primary doctor and he can tell you.
I've always heard that having alot of moles means you have
healthy skin. Just like freckles do. I had a doctor tell me once,
that by having so many moles, it was a sure sign, I'd never
get skin cancer. And so far, I haven't. But my husband has,
three times. All from a spot on the side of his nose from
safety glasses rubbing. So don't worry, you're fine.