They don't - that's the problem.
Generally anything raised above the skin is a concern.
Moles on hands an feet often get ignored as age spots.

Well good catch. You never know when that could hit you.

I had a friend with the same issue several years back. For years he had a tiny small black spot on the side of middle toe. Went for dermatologist visit, who immediately removed what he could, sent him to a plastic surgeon the next day for complete removal.

A couple of days later the dermatologist called to tell him it was full blown melanoma. If it had "broken loose" there would be nothing he could do to help him.

And yes, I went for a full checkup and continue annually.

Dermatologist also told me Bob Marley died from melanoma on his foot.

Go get checked. And slather on the sunscreen.

I was at the doctor's one day. He asked me how long I had had the freckle on the palm of my hand. It is about one and one-half mm across. Me, being clueless, answered "I dunno". He informed me spots on the palm are not common. It can be an early warning for cancer he said. Now I check it very often to see if it changes. Hand, foot, who knew?

OK.... You are getting it removed properly, not via any of the Blast-prefered techniques (fire, chemicals, explosions, attack cats), right?

I get my moles checked annually. I'm paranoid about them.

Blast- That may or may not be a melanoma. I would be most comfortable with a doctor that told you that it was suspicious looking and in need of removal but not that it is definately one thing or another. This must be done with appropriate technique of course. Only the final pathology will tell the tale. Good luck. I hope it all turns out ok.

Added: I have seen many junctional nevi that look like this.

So after spending several hours on the internet, there does seem to be a lot of similarity between the appearance of melanomas and junctional nevi(s?). As it is, I really hope you are right, Tom!

The spot on my foot is 7mm across at the widest, usually it has to be over 6mm before it's considered a melanoma (from what I've read). I'm hoping that this means that if it is a melanoma it is a small, young one. I go in on Aug. 24th to have it cut out. Hopefully the doc will let me bring a camera.

-Blast

You are in Houston, why not head for M.D.Anderson?
If anyone can tell you what is going on, it is those folks.

+1 on M.D. Anderson. They caught stuff our local MD missed.