Is this skin cancer?

[BrittPhelps]

My name is Brittany, and I just turned 27 years old.  I have a red/purple around about the size of a dime on my upper arm.  I have had this for over 10 years now, and I have never mentioned it to a doctor.  (I guess I was young and not so smart!)  I have noticed lately that it has gotten a bit darker, and it seems to get darker and lighter with the blood flow in my arm (like when I flex my muscle.).  It hasn't changed in size, and it doesn't hurt.  I gave birth to my daughter almost 2 years ago, and I wonder if a change in my hormones or thyroid could cause this spot to darken.  I am TERRIFIED that this is some sort of skin cancer.  I am in the process of getting health insurance, but it wont go into effect until April 15th.  I just wanted to know if I should or shouldn't wait to get this looked at until my insurance kicks in.  If this needs to be looked at ASAP, I will go this week.  What do you think?  I have attached a picture...

[BrittPhelps]

Well, on April 15th, my health insurance started.. woohoo!  So I called and made an appointment at a Women's Center for my physical and gyn yearly, but the fist appointment then had was June 2nd.  So my question right now is:  Should I wait until then and show it to the doctor, or go ahead and make an appointment with a dermatologist sooner?  What will the dermatologist do to diagnose it?

Are you a dermatologist?

Thanks again for your help!
Brittany

[BrittPhelps]

Thank you for the quick reply!

You have eased some of my fears, and I will be setting up an appointment ASAP.  Do you feel that it is ok that I wait until the 15th, or should I make an appointment sooner?

I appreciate your help, and I don't know what I would do without this website!

Thanks,
Brittany

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

From the picture and symptoms,it looks like a hemangioma. A hemangioma is a congenital benign tumour or vascular malformation of endothelial cells (the cells that line blood vessels).Females are more prone to get it. The mainstay of treatment is oral corticosteroid therapy but in resistant cases,surgical excision may also be needed.

I would suggest an examination by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.