Could my general care doctor be wrong?

From my personal experience… YES the doctor can be very wrong! Obviously I have no idea if your spot is anything dangerous, but the ONLY way to know for sure is to get a biopsy. When my mole started to grow on my calf, I waited to see if it would go away, but it got a little larger so I saw my primary care doctor. I trusted her completely and was not informed well enough myself about melanoma. She diagnosed it as a sebhorric keratosis, a benign lesion. I was relieved and went about my life. 5 months later this lesion got bigger and uglier and I went back to her with a different skin issue. At that time she had a dermatologist look at the spot and I had it biopsied that day. 2 weeks later I got the call that it was melanoma. I wish I could go back in time to that first appointment when the mole was much smaller and know what I know now. Doctors that are not dermatologists have very little knowledge of dermatology and skin cancer. If this is something that is worrisome to you, make an appointment with a derm, get it biopsied. 

At 56, my memories of college medicine are quite dim, but also very far from complementary.

You may want to upload some photos with good resolution for others to look at.

Ultimately, always seek qualified / competent medical advice, which may not be at your college health center (given what you have described as a possibly patronizing / dismissive attitude on the part of the attending physician).

Many of us have been misdiagnosed by specialists (perhaps even Board-certified oncologists) so, while you shouldn't necessarily worry, you should take charge.

Hope this is mildly helpful.

I obviously cannot tell you if the lesion is suspicious for melanoma or not and like others said, the only way to know for sure is to have it biopsied.  My local dermatologist (he specializes in cancer of the skin, which is who you should be seeking) always keeps appointments available for anyone who has a worrisome lesion.  He will always see those people within ten days.  You might call around to some local derms and tell them that you have a suspicious dark skin lesion and you need to get in as soon as possible.  Also, put your name on a waiting list — often that is the quickest way to be seen.

I think you should get both spots looked at by a dermatologist.  You mentioned speaking to your mom about it, so perhaps she can make some recommendations in your home town.  It shouldn't take too long to get an appointment.

I hope it turns out to be nothing, but you are very wise to be proactive about your health.  This was the perfect place to post your concerns.  We are a group of caring people who want to help others.  Keep in touch!  

Best wishes!

Terrie

Yes! Your doctor could absolutely be wrong! I encourage you to make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. Even if it turns out to be nothing serious, it will be worth it to have peace of mind. Our family doctor told us it was nothing when we asked him to look a raised red bumpy area on his face. while it is true that it looked nothing like traditional melanoma, it was new and different and changing. The following year, I insisted on a biopsy. When the results came back, it was diagnosed as Nevoid Malignant Melanoma,  Stage IIC. A 5-hour surgery was required to remove the deep nodules. and to create a skin flap to cover the excision. Please note: your photos look nothing like my husband's melanoma, but after that experience, I always encourage everyone to get anything suspicious look at right away. If you don't have complete confidence in your doctor's assessment, get another opinion.