Final answer:
The "black spot" can mean a summons, a mark of shame, or a medical concern indicating skin cancer, depending on context. In literature, it is bad omen, while in medicine, it refers to asymmetrical and irregular lesions that could signify skin cancer, and historically, it could indicate social status.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "black spot" can hold several meanings depending on its context. In literature, a black spot can be a summons to a pirate, indicating a bad omen or that their demise is near, such as in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island." It can also represent a mark of shame or social stigma, as seen throughout history where individuals were visibly marked or labeled to indicate wrongdoing or lower status. In the medical field, a black spot can refer to a potentially dangerous lesion on the skin, which may be a sign of skin cancer; these lesions are typically asymmetrical with irregular borders and can appear on different parts of the body.
The descriptions of the black spots given in the question could refer to various manifestations. A large brown spot on the skin sprinkled with darker specks could be a harmless mole or a sign of cancer if it shows the ABCDs (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter). A small lesion with irregular border and varied colors could also be an indicator of skin cancer. Dark lesions on specific body parts such as palms, soles, fingers, toes, or mucous membranes might warrant medical attention. Similarly, in historical and cultural contexts, such as among the Ibo people, body marks and spots could convey social status or belonging within a community.