Cancer Research UK main site

Been called for an appointment 6 weeks after mole removal. Should I be worried?

Beth19
Offline

Please help! First time mum with an 8 month old. My mole on my back had changed since having my baby and the dermatologist decided to remove as a precaution but didn’t seem too concerned. 6 weeks later, I’ve had a call for an appointment in two days. I’ve thought of the worst case scenario worrying if it’s bad and if I will even be around to watch my baby grow up. I’m in such a mess. 
Is it normal to be called in or is called in bad news?

what if it’s stage 3/4. Am I going to die?

someone please help me to try and calm me down.

  • Hello Beth19 and thank you for posting.

    Waiting for tests and test results can be a very anxious and stressful time and it is easy to overthink things.

    We cannot tell you what the doctor is going to say, but it might be their policy to talk through results face to face rather than on the phone. You cannot read anything into what type of appointment you have and it certainly doesn't mean that the mole was cancerous.

    The main thing is you have done the right thing by getting yourself checked, and if it does turn out to be a skin cancer then it means they can treat it as soon as possible.

    Unfortunately, until you have your appointment there is nothing you can do but wait. Easier said than done but until you know the full situation, try not to overthink things, take a day at a time, and if you can, avoid searching for information on the internet as this won't have the answers either.

    I hope you have your appointment soon and can have support with this from family and friends. You would also be welcome to call our helpline and talk things through with one of our nurses. We are available between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

    Take care

    Jemma

  • Offline

    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

  • Offline

    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)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    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. 

  • Offline in reply to Beth19

    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

  • Offline in reply to Beth19

    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

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.