What is the likelihood of melanoma (skin cancer) originating from a long-standing benign-appearing mole on the belly button, given recent changes and accompanying symptoms of lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) in the left elbow and neck, as well as intermittent fullness under the left ribs and shoulder inflammation?

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Differential Diagnosis

  • Single most likely diagnosis:
    • Benign nevus or seborrheic keratosis: The mole has been present for over 13 years and was previously assessed as benign by a dermatologist. The recent changes may be due to natural evolution or irritation. The presence of moveable and non-hard lymph nodes, as well as the lack of systemic symptoms such as fever or weight loss, also suggests a benign condition.
  • Other Likely diagnoses:
    • Lipoma or other benign soft tissue tumor: The fullness under the left ribs could be due to a benign tumor, which may also explain the shoulder inflammation.
    • Reactive lymphadenopathy: The palpable lymph nodes in the neck and elbow could be a reaction to a minor infection or inflammation, such as the ingrown hair.
    • Costochondritis: The fullness under the left ribs and shoulder inflammation could be due to costochondritis, an inflammatory condition of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
    • Melanoma with metastasis: Although the mole was previously assessed as benign, the recent changes and the presence of lymph nodes warrant further investigation to rule out melanoma.
    • Lymphoma: The presence of lymph nodes in multiple areas, although moveable and non-hard, requires consideration of lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
    • Metastatic cancer: The fullness under the left ribs could be due to a metastatic tumor, which would require prompt investigation and treatment.
  • Rare diagnoses:
    • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A rare type of skin cancer that can present as a mole or nodule.
    • Angiosarcoma: A rare and aggressive type of cancer that can present as a mole or lesion.
    • Kaposi's sarcoma: A rare type of cancer that can present as a mole or lesion, often associated with immune suppression.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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