What might this mark be?

Thank you so much for the update! This is great news and I'm sure you must be so relieved. Good for you for being so pro-active about your skin care. You are a role model for all of us!

So I went to the dermatologist and she said that it's nothing...not even a true mole. She froze it and said that it will crust and fall off in a week or so.
She checked me all over and it seems that my days shunning the sun have paid off...close to perfect, she said! LOL!
Thanks for the advice!

Hello and thank you for posting your question! I agree with what alison b wrote. It's great that you are seeing a dermatologist, just to put your mind at ease. I know what it's like to worry about something with your health, and so I'm glad you've made this appointment.

It sounds like you are describing a mole, and it's great to know that it has not changed in size or color. Like alison b said, this is a good sign. During your appointment, the dermatologist will probably want to do a check for moles or other skin growths on your back, arms, legs, etc., so you'll be fully checked and hopefully completely reassured.

A good friend of mine just had a mole removed off of her face last week, and she said she was told that scarring should be minimal, and to use the anti-scar cream Mederma once the bandage comes off. She elected to get the mole removed so it was considered cosmetic. Since yours is on your jaw, and since it's not that noticeable, if your dermatologist determines it to be no big deal, you may just decide to leave it as is.

Please post again and let us know how your appointment goes! Best of health to you, M

I'm glad to hear that you are going to the dermatologist; that will definitely ease your mind! From your posting, it does not sound like you have many of the risk factors for skin cancer; this does not make you "immune" of course, but can help you feel more confident going to the doctor to just make sure.

It is a good sign that the mark has not really changed, "the most important warning sign for melanoma is ANY CHANGE in size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin growth."

The American Cancer Society's ABCD rule for changes in skin growth:
* A is for asymmetry. One half of the mole or skin growth doesn't match the other half. (you mentioned that your mark is mostly round; another good sign)
* B is for border irregularity. The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
* C is for color. The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance. Changes in color distribution, especially the spread of color from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin, also are an early sign of melanoma. (you mentioned your mark is mostly pink; sometimes unnoticeable...another possible good sign)
* D is for diameter. The mole or skin growth is larger than 6mm or about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth of a mole should be of concern. (you mentioned your mark is a cm, so unsure about this one)

You can read more about melanoma here, and pictures are included on this site.

Let us know what your dermatologist says...good luck!