My partner has stage 4 melanoma and the modern treatments are amazing. He's just finished his first 2 years of palliative treatment and he's still here. If/when it starts growing again he can go back on the pembrolizumab. We have 2 primary school aged children so we know how it feels to fear not being around for your kids.

Even if it is cancer. Chances are it's caught early and if it hasn't been there's still hope. Wishing you all the best. It's a rubbish time of year to have this over your head but good luck xx

Hi Beth19,

It's natural to panic when you get called in but it doesn't always means bad news. Most consultants prefer to give results face to face, whether good or bad. There are also some 'grey areas' when it comes to results in that some moles aren't benign or malignant but are precancerous - these are called atypical or dysplastic moles. These are usually moles that look dodgy and the cells are starting to slowly mutate but they are caught before they turn malignant. Anyone with an atypical mole is at risk of having further atypical moles in the future so consultants like to check over any other moles the patient has & tell the patient what to look out for when checking their skin in the future. 

If it does turn out to be melanoma it's uncommon that it's already spread to the nodes or organs already - there is every chance that it will be early stage & can be treated successfully with a further bit of surgery to ensure it's all been removed. If you've noticed your mole has been changing in the last 8 months there is a good chance it's been caught quickly, so try not to think the worst.

Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thank you so much for the positive response. They had a look at the mole in question a year ago and were not concerned but since having the baby it had changed so decided to remove. I do hope all is ok. Being emotional enough from being a first time mum in a positive way and the thought of this when it’s your baby’s first Christmas brings all raw emotions and worry to the surface. I just want to be around for my baby and I’m praying by being vigilant this will able me to do this. I can’t stop panicking in fear. 

I can understand your emotions - the same happened to my niece whose mole (on her tummy) changed whilst pregnant with her second child. As she'd already had one atypical mole removed the year before & because of my melanoma diagnosis (in can run in some families) her consultant was quick to remove the mole. It turned out to be another atypical mole so it was all good in the end! Hormones during pregnancy can sometimes cause moles to change so it's always advised to get them checked out which you have done. xx

A similar situation happened with my daughter. We were very anxious and I was going through cancer treatment myself at the time. Waiting for results was agonising- but in the end non cancerous. The doctor said that pregnancy often changes a mole’s colour which can look suspicious- but more often than not it turns out to be no cause for concern. 
Try to enjoy Christmas and keep us posted with your more likely good news 

Happyflower