Is this mole or something else?

[why_scared]

Hello doctor,

Recently I've became too paranoid regarding my health and started checking every single spots on my body. I came across mole type spots on my body. I'm attaching the images of both for your review.

1) This is on my lower back. I showed it to my mom and she confirmed it is mole (although she is no medical expert). This one is slightly bigger than a typical mole. It is flat. It is not raised at all.

Image URL: http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/kobe_lbj/media/3_zpsec1f0709.jpg.html

What do you think?

2) This is on my chest and it could or could not have hair coming out of it. This one is slightly raised and it's been on the chest as long as I remembered. It is very dark too. It isn't as big as lower back one.

Image URL: http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/kobe_lbj/media/2_zps4d6c6f27.jpg.html

I'm healthy individual. These dark spots on my skin concern me a little bit. I really think it's a mole or infected hair follicles of some sort. Is this something serious?

[why_scared]

One other thing, sorry for keep adding!!

I also noticed two to three dark moles in my head. I would assume it is normal but just wanted to double check.

[why_scared]

The first one which is on my lower back seems like it is part of the skin, meaning it looks like that part of the skin turned black since it's not raised. Not sure whether it is common or not. Also, my nationality is Indian and my skin is brown. Also not sure whether it has something to do with the color of the mole or not.

Thank You

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

I can understand your concern for the moles on your back and chest. I have checked the photographs and these look like normal moles rather than any melanoma or skin cancer.

Melanomas are usually >6 mm in size, with irregular borders ,asymmetrical and dark in color. In fact, early signs of melanoma are summarized as “ABCDE” in which a stands for Asymmetry, B for borders (irregular), C for color (variegated), D for diameter (greater than 6 mm (0.24 in), about the size of a pencil eraser) and E for evolving over time.

You just need to keep an eye on these moles. If you notice changes in their color, height, size or shape, you should have a dermatologist evaluate it. You also should have it checked if it bleeds, oozes, itches, appear scaly, or become tender or painful. In that case a dermatologist will examine it under a dermatoscope and take a biopsy if there is anything suspicious.
Otherwise there is nothing to worry.

Hope that this information helps you.

Wishing you good health.