Red Swollen Suspicious Mole - Freaking Out - Melanoma?

44/m.

About 10 days ago I felt an odd itch on my back. I didn't think much of it. 4 days ago I felt some pain and looked in the mirror and one of my long time moles (about 5-6mm) was red, swollen, and itchy.

I went to urgent care. The doctor said it may be an infection but he didn't think it looked like melanoma but I should still see the derm.

I don't know how it could be infected. I do not touch it ever so I couldn't have scratched it.

My question is, if I'm already having a reaction is it likely melanoma? And would the reaction mean that it is further along? I've obviously googled and then I didn't sleep at all last night. I'm trying to get an appointment with my derm but they usually take a lot of time.

Any advice is appreciated.

Parents
  • Hi

    I am not a nurse, however I have had itching and bleeding moles removed on 3 separate occasions, and none have turned out to be cancerous.  You should always get any moles that are causing issues checked, however I just wanted to reassure you whilst you are waiting for the nurses to reply, that in most cases there is no reason to worry.

    Good luck with your appointment, always need to get them checked though!

Reply
  • Hi

    I am not a nurse, however I have had itching and bleeding moles removed on 3 separate occasions, and none have turned out to be cancerous.  You should always get any moles that are causing issues checked, however I just wanted to reassure you whilst you are waiting for the nurses to reply, that in most cases there is no reason to worry.

    Good luck with your appointment, always need to get them checked though!

Children