“Sometimes, nodular melanoma can resemble a pimple you might find on your face,” says Michael Shapiro, MD, Medical Director and Founder of Vanguard Dermatology in NYC, NY.
“Nodular melanoma spots, unlike pimples, will be asymmetrical and vary in color — from pink to dark brown.
“This type of melanoma is more commonly found in men than women and more so in patients older than 60.
“Nodulars will grow rapidly in thickness as opposed to diameter, much like a pimple — but it may not have a readily visible phase of development, as it may occur beneath the skin’s surface.
“You may not notice drastic changes in the spot over time, which causes most patients to bypass any medical treatment.
“However, if you follow the ABCDE rule and have any of the symptoms, seek professional medical help right away.”
ABDCE stands for asymmetry, border (check for jagged or uneven edges), diameter (increasing is a warning sign), color (change in color or multiple colors are a warning sign) and evolving (a changing mole is a warning sign).
Nodular melanoma
If the “funny” appearance of a pimple bothers you, it’s time to have it checked by a dermatologist.
Another thing to consider is that a pimple will eventually go away, but a nodular melanoma will stay there (until surgically removed).
Dr. Shapiro is a board certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon and has treated over 12,000 Mohs cases for skin cancer. He is widely published in peer-reviewed academic journals.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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